How Long Can a Temporary License Plate for a Used Car Be Used?
2 Answers
Temporary license plates for used cars generally have a maximum validity of 15 days and can be applied for up to three times. Legal Provisions: According to Article 44 of the "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles," if the license plate or vehicle registration certificate of a motor vehicle is lost or damaged, the owner of the vehicle must apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office of the registration location. The replacement license plate or registration certificate must be issued within 15 days of acceptance, and a temporary license plate with a validity period not exceeding 15 days will be issued. Application Process: For the transfer of ownership of a used car, if the vehicle is being transferred from a local area to another region, the involved party can obtain a 15-day temporary license plate and the vehicle's documentation file upon completion of the transfer. The party must then complete the corresponding procedures at the regional vehicle management office within the validity period of the temporary license plate. The required documents for the procedure include the ID card, driver's license, vehicle information certificate, and other necessary documents.
Last time I dealt with a used car transaction, I remembered the details of the temporary license plate clearly. It's usually valid for 15 days, allowing you to drive to the DMV to complete the transfer procedures, which is very convenient. If 15 days aren't enough, you can apply for an extension once, for a maximum of 30 days in total. However, be aware that temporary plates are only valid for local driving—don't venture outside the administrative area, or you risk fines and penalty points if caught by traffic police. I think 15 days is quite reasonable, giving buyers enough time to test-drive and inspect the car, while sellers can receive payment with peace of mind. Just don't delay—make sure to switch to permanent plates before expiration, as the vehicle can't be driven legally afterward. Running into an accident or inspection with expired plates would be a huge hassle. I recommend owners plan the transfer process in advance, bringing the purchase contract and ID to ensure everything goes smoothly.
