How Long Can a Temporary License Plate Be Used for a Car?
2 Answers
The validity period of a temporary license plate for a new car is 15, 30, or 90 days, with 15 days being the most common for household vehicles. Here’s how to apply for a temporary license plate: 1. Prepare the necessary documents in advance: To apply for a temporary license plate, you will need the buyer’s ID card, purchase invoice, compulsory insurance policy (copy), and the vehicle’s factory certificate. Copies of these four documents must also be provided. 2. Apply at the DMV counter: Fill out the application form, submit the required materials, and after approval, pay a processing fee of 5 yuan to receive the temporary license plate. Some locations allow online applications, but this is only for scheduling. Submitting documents, approval, payment, and receiving the plate must still be done at the DMV.
As a new car owner, I found that the validity period of temporary license plates for cars is usually around 30 days, which gives me enough time to apply for formal plates. When applying for temporary plates, you need to bring the vehicle invoice and ID card to the DMV to fill out forms. After inspection, they will issue a sticker to be placed on the car window. If you haven't registered for formal plates after 30 days, you might face a 200-yuan fine from traffic police or even have your vehicle impounded, so I recommend scheduling the registration process early. The advantage of temporary plates is saving queue time, allowing you to drive the car immediately, but don't expect to use them for too long—they're generally just for transition. Once you get formal plates, you'll feel much more at ease. In daily use, I often remind friends to ensure the temporary plate's date is clearly visible and not obstructed to avoid trouble during inspections.
