Can an Out-of-Town Vehicle Get Local License Plates?

[DiKhloe]

An out-of-town vehicle can obtain local license plates. After purchasing a vehicle in another location, you need to obtain temporary license plates locally by presenting the purchase invoice, vehicle certification, and other relevant documents. Additionally, you must purchase compulsory traffic insurance locally before driving the vehicle back. The method for installing license plates is as follows: 1. Take out the license plate screws and insert them into the anti-theft caps by rotating; 2. Position the license plate correctly, align the screws with the gaps on the bumper, and secure them using tools; 3. Cover the anti-theft caps and press them into place. The functions of license plates include: 1. Numbering and registering information for each vehicle; 2. Identifying the region to which the vehicle belongs; 3. Tracing the owner and registration details of the vehicle based on the license plate.

[King]

I recently went through the process of transferring an out-of-town vehicle to local license plates, and it was quite a hassle. First, you need to confirm you have stable local residency proof, such as an ID card or household registration. If not, you’ll have to find a way to obtain it. Next, the vehicle must meet local emission standards—my friend’s car, for example, was only Euro 5 compliant and couldn’t get licensed in a big city without upgrades or giving up. The key step is queuing at the local DMV for an inspection, checking emissions, lights, and the chassis, which took several hours. I recommend preparing all documents in advance, including the vehicle registration certificate, insurance policy, and owner’s ID, to avoid wasted trips. Big cities have strict license plate quotas with low lottery odds, while smaller cities are easier, but if emissions don’t meet standards, it’s a dead end—better check local policies first. The whole process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but once done, it’s much more convenient for driving and avoids the hassle of out-of-town annual inspections.