How Long Does It Take from License Plate Selection to Registration?
2 Answers
After selecting the license plate number and paying the fees, you typically need to wait three to five working days to receive the plate. Below are some important considerations for vehicle registration: 1. Obtain the Vehicle Qualification Certificate: This document is crucial as it is required for license plate registration. 2. Keep the Triple Invoice for Car Purchase: After purchasing the vehicle, the 4S dealership will issue a triple invoice (red, yellow, and blue copies). Be sure to retain these, as they will be needed for subsequent registration procedures. Generally, the red and yellow copies are submitted, while the yellow copy is kept for personal records. 3. Pay the Vehicle Purchase Tax and Obtain the Tax Certificates: After purchasing the vehicle, promptly pay the vehicle purchase tax, usually at the nearest vehicle management office. Upon successful payment, you will receive the original and duplicate tax certificates, which should be kept safe. 4. Complete the Application Form for Motor Vehicle Registration, Transfer, Cancellation, or Inbound Transfer.
When I bought my first car, I was quite curious about how long it would take to get the license plate. The process usually goes like this: select a license plate number at the DMV (either on-site or online), pay the fee after selecting the number, then they start making the plate, and notify you to install it or mail it to you once it's ready. The specific time varies, but it typically takes an average of 3 to 7 business days. Online selection is faster—for example, using the official app to pick a number might get the selection part done the same day, but making the plate still takes a few days. If you choose the number on-site and there's a crowd, you might have to queue, which could take half a day. Last time I selected a plate at a big-city DMV, the selection only took an hour, but I had to wait two days for the plate to be made and another day for delivery, totaling four days before installation. I recommend preparing all the materials in advance and using the online method to save time. Weather doesn’t affect it much—the key factors are how crowded the place is and how far away it is. Going early and avoiding holiday rushes will make things smoother.
