How long after the expiration of a regional license plate can it be reapplied for?
3 Answers
Regional license plates can be reapplied for 6 months after expiration. Application: "Regional license plates can be reapplied for 6 months after expiration. However, if the license plate cannot be obtained for a long time, the temporary license plate must be reapplied upon expiration. According to regulations, the vehicle management office can issue temporary license plates no more than three times. Continuing to use an expired license plate will be treated as driving without a license if discovered." Relevant information: There are four types of temporary license plates: temporary license plates for administrative jurisdictions, temporary license plates for cross-administrative jurisdictions, temporary license plates for special vehicles, and temporary license plates for test vehicles. Note: The validity periods of different temporary license plates vary, and the validity periods of temporary license plates in different regions also differ. Generally, for driving within a jurisdiction, the temporary license plate is blue with a validity period of 7-15 days; for driving across jurisdictions, the temporary license plate is yellow with a validity period not exceeding 30 days.
Previously in Shanghai, after the regional license plate expired, there was no fixed waiting period restriction, and you could immediately reapply for the lottery or auction. However, the lottery is highly competitive with a low winning rate, and many people wait in line for several months to a year, so don’t delay. It’s recommended to go to the vehicle management office or apply online as soon as the plate expires, bringing your ID card and vehicle documents. The application fee is just a few dozen yuan, but the auction could cost over a thousand. Some people think they have to wait 30 days to reapply, but that’s the old rule; the policy has been optimized now, so you can proceed directly. Driving without a license plate is illegal, and you could be fined if caught by traffic police. My neighbor was lazy and delayed for over ten days, which affected their commute. Always pay attention to SMS notifications or mobile reminders to avoid expiration.
Speaking of this, when I lived in Beijing, I could reapply for a license plate immediately after it expired without waiting for any specified time. The key lies in the speed of the process: the lottery system is crowded, and with good luck, you might get selected in a few weeks, while it could take up to half a year if you're unlucky. The cost is basically the application fee of around 50, or more if you go for an auction. The crucial point is not to leave your car idle; act promptly. If the car is left unused for a few days after expiration, you might miss the opportunity. I recommend checking the rules on the local DMV website as they can vary slightly between cities, like Guangzhou, but are generally similar. Here’s a small tip: apply for renewal well before the expiration date to save yourself a lot of hassle. Also, keep your documents updated to avoid delays in processing.
