Can I Get License Plates on the Day of Buying a Car?
3 Answers
New cars can get license plates on the same day, but selecting the plate and making it may take one or two days. Most 4S stores also provide same-day license plate services. License plates are mandatory for every car to legally drive on the road. Driving without license plates is illegal. Documents required for new car license plate registration: ID card, vehicle certificate, vehicle parameter table, car invoice (second and fourth copies), car purchase tax, car insurance policy, purchase invoice, vehicle qualification certificate, ID card or organization code certificate and copy of the invoice issuer, compulsory insurance policy, tax payment certificate, and temporary residence permit for non-locals. Notes for new car license plate registration: Although imported vehicles and some domestic cars, small and micro passenger vehicles have been included in the exemption list, the number of domestic car models exempt from inspection is relatively small. After the implementation of the new policy, all domestic cars can be exempt from inspection. The scope of new car exemption includes cars and small, micro passenger vehicles and two-wheeled motorcycles marked with "new car exemption". Exempted models do not include off-road vehicles, small and micro ordinary passenger cars, and heavy and medium-sized trucks. Exemption does not mean direct license plate registration: New car exemption does not mean that you can go directly to register for license plates. Currently, it only saves some items of the online inspection. Before registering for license plates, new cars must still go to the inspection site for appearance inspection, photo taking, and number stamping. In addition, exhaust emission tests for environmental protection purposes still need to be conducted.
I actually encountered this issue when buying a car. That day, I was excited to pick up my new car and wanted to drive it home immediately, but the dealer said registration depends on whether all the paperwork is complete. The invoice, ID card copy, and compulsory insurance policy must be prepared in advance. If there’s a long queue at the DMV, it might take an extra day. I was lucky that time—all my documents were ready, and the dealer took me directly to the DMV to get the license plate, which took just over three hours in total. If you’re in a hurry, I suggest asking the dealer in advance if they offer agency services or booking an appointment with the DMV ahead of time. After all, driving a new car without a plate can result in fines, and temporary plates are only for short-distance use. In the long run, it’s better to get it done early for peace of mind. Buying a car is a big day—don’t let the small matter of registration spoil the excitement. Planning ahead can save a lot of hassle.
I have personal experience with this. From what I've seen, getting your license plate on the same day of purchase is quite common, but it depends on the dealer's efficiency and document readiness. Dealers usually assign dedicated staff to assist with plate registration – as long as you have all documents like the invoice, insurance, and purchase tax receipt ready, one trip to the DMV should suffice. However, during peak periods like year-end when DMVs get overcrowded, processing times may extend; I've seen cases where customers had to wait until the next day. Vehicle type also matters – NEVs (New Energy Vehicles) typically undergo faster inspections than traditional fuel vehicles which may require more steps. My advice: confirm same-day service packages with your salesperson before purchase – don't just rely on verbal promises, check local policies too. Handling insurance and preparing document copies a day earlier can speed things up. If minor issues arise (e.g., ID verification hiccups), stay calm – an extra trip might be needed. The key is not letting plate registration delay your driving enjoyment, so thorough document preparation is crucial.
