Can I directly obtain a formal license plate?
4 Answers
You can directly obtain a formal license plate, but it takes some time from selecting the number to the production and issuance of the formal license plate. The function of license plates: The main function of a license plate is to identify the region to which the vehicle belongs, and it can also be used to find the owner of the vehicle, as well as the registration information and validity period of the vehicle. The difference between formal and temporary plates: Formal license plates have a long-term validity, basically lasting the lifetime of the vehicle, while temporary license plates are valid for 5 to 15 days, with a maximum of 30 days. Formal license plates are installed using anti-theft fasteners in the designated positions at the front and rear of the vehicle, while temporary license plates must be affixed to the inside of the front and rear windshields as required.
I recently bought a new car and thought about this issue. According to regulations here, you can't get the official license plate directly. After getting the new car, you first need to apply for a temporary license plate, which is usually valid for 30 days. During this period, you'll be busy paying the vehicle purchase tax, arranging insurance, preparing copies of your ID card, and so on. If the procedures take longer, don't rush—take your time. In theory, you could apply for the official plate directly, but the requirements are too high: all materials must be prepared on the same day, and you'd need to handle both the tax office and the vehicle management office simultaneously. If any documents are missing, you might get stuck and delay driving. Last time, I was worried about the restrictions of the temporary plate, but in practice, it provided a safe transition, especially for a new driver getting familiar with the car and reducing the risk of violations. In short, I recommend following the standard process—get a temporary plate first and then switch to the official one. Asking the 4S shop or friends for advice can also save you a lot of hassle.
As an experienced driver, I can tell you that trying to skip the temporary license plate and go straight for the official one is basically unreliable. Why? After purchasing a car, you need to get a temporary license plate first to drive on the road, otherwise the car just sits there unused, which is a waste. During the process of obtaining the temporary plate, you can gradually handle steps like tax registration and car insurance. To directly apply for the official license plate, the vehicle management office must allow it and all materials must be ready, but this is rarely seen in reality: delays in issuing the insurance policy or late payment of purchase tax can easily trip you up. A friend of mine tried to cut corners, but ended up running back and forth to submit additional materials, which was even more troublesome. Although temporary plates come with speed and area restrictions, they actually make it easier to avoid issues during the new car break-in period. Just remember to switch to the official plate in time and don’t let it expire, to avoid fines and a bad mood.
From my observation, new cars must go through the temporary license plate process, and it's rare to directly obtain a formal license plate. The process is that after purchasing the car, the 4S dealership helps you apply for a temporary plate, which can be valid for as short as a few days or as long as one to two months. You need to use this time to pay the purchase tax, complete the vehicle inspection, and arrange insurance, etc. To directly apply for a formal license plate, you must complete all documents at once, but the vehicle management office usually processes them in batches, making it difficult to successfully schedule an appointment on the same day. The advantage of a temporary plate is the buffer period, which reduces the chance of errors due to rushing, especially when purchasing a car from another location, making it more secure. It's recommended to plan early and not wait until the temporary plate is about to expire, with safe driving being the top priority.
