How long can I get a temporary license plate?
3 Answers
There are two time periods, fifteen days or thirty days. Temporary license plates are divided into two types: 1. Within the administrative jurisdiction: For temporary driving within the administrative jurisdiction, a temporary driving license plate with a validity period of no more than fifteen days will be issued, and the color is blue; 2. Temporary driving across administrative jurisdictions: The second type requires temporary driving across administrative jurisdictions, and a temporary driving license plate with a validity period of no more than thirty days will be issued, and the temporary license plate color is yellow. 3. The following documents are required to apply for a temporary license plate: (1) Original and copy of the identity certificate of the owner of the motor vehicle; (2) Original and copy of the motor vehicle qualification certificate, etc.
I've bought and changed cars several times, and getting a temporary license plate is super quick—you can get it done at the DMV on the same day you buy the car. Just fill out an application form, submit a copy of your ID and the invoice, and usually within ten minutes, they'll issue you a temporary plate, which you can get on the spot. However, the duration varies by location—mine is valid for 10 days here, while a friend's lasts 20 days in their area. A heads-up: it's best not to drive on highways before getting the official plate, as nighttime driving can be risky. Once the official plate arrives, swap it immediately—don't delay. Once the temporary plate expires, you can't drive anymore, so avoid trouble with traffic cops. If the DMV is crowded, you might wait up to half an hour, so it's better to go early in the morning to avoid peak hours.
I remember when I bought a new car last year, the dealer directly helped with the temporary license plate—it was issued right after the purchase, quick as lightning. I also tried going to the DMV myself, and with all the required documents, it took less than 15 minutes to pick it up—no complicated process. Temporary plates are usually valid for 15 to 25 days, so you need to hurry and get the permanent ones, or it’s risky once they expire. As a newbie back then, I was always worried about waiting too long, but it actually went smoothly. The key is not to miss any documents—ID, invoice, etc.—to avoid running back and forth. If it drags on, the dealer might expedite the permanent plates for you. In short, it’s a straightforward and hassle-free process.
