How Long Can You Use Temporary License Plates Before Switching to Permanent Ones?
3 Answers
You can switch to permanent license plates as soon as they are issued. Temporary license plates are valid for 15 days and can be renewed up to three times, allowing a maximum usage period of 45 days. Within these 45 days, you must install the permanent license plates. Vehicle License Plate Application Process: The applicant must bring the required materials to the local vehicle management office to complete the necessary procedures. The inspection department will review the vehicle's factory qualification certificate for domestically produced vehicles. The registration review department will examine the submitted materials, input the registration information if everything complies with regulations, and issue an acceptance certificate to the vehicle owner. The archives management department will verify the information in the computer registration system, organize the documents, and file them. Rules for Using Temporary License Plates: Before the permanent license plates are issued, only temporary license plates should be used. Once the permanent plates are issued, even if the temporary plates are still within their validity period, they cannot be used anymore. If caught by traffic police, you will face corresponding penalties.
As a new car owner who personally went through this, I got my permanent license plate about 15 days after using the temporary one. When I received the temporary plate after purchasing the car, the salesperson reminded me it was valid for 15 days and that I must visit the DMV to get the official plate within that period. I went during the second week after picking up the car, bringing my ID, purchase invoice, and compulsory insurance documents. After making an appointment, I waited most of the day to get it done. Checking online guides in advance saved me time—don’t procrastinate, as expiration can cause trouble. A friend of mine once forgot and was fined 200 yuan by traffic police when his temporary plate expired. Temporary plates are convenient for short-term driving, but you’ll need the official one for long trips or carrying family. The whole process is straightforward; I recommend contacting the 4S store in the first week after purchase to help prepare materials and reduce wait-time stress. Remember to keep the temporary plate clean and properly displayed to avoid tickets.
Having driven for over twenty years, I know that temporary license plates are typically valid for 15 days, after which you should promptly replace them with permanent ones. Complete the formalities as early as possible by preparing the car purchase invoice, ID card, and insurance certificate, then visit the vehicle management office directly or have the 4S dealership handle it for you. Getting it done early avoids the risk of forgetting—I’ve seen new drivers delay until their temporary plates expire and become invalid, forcing them to reapply and even incur penalty points. The speed of permanent plate processing depends on how busy the office is; in big cities, you might wait an extra day or two. During the temporary plate period, avoid traffic violations, as fines will still apply. I recommend checking local policies in advance, as some areas may have slightly different requirements, but the general rule is to complete it within 15 days. With all these years of driving experience, I believe getting permanent plates is the first step to safety.
