How long does it take to get a temporary car license plate?
4 Answers
Temporary car license plates can be obtained on the same day. When driving the vehicle back to the place of use from the purchase location, you need to apply for a temporary license plate at the vehicle management office in the purchase location; when the vehicle is transferred and the official license plate has been surrendered, you need to apply for a temporary license plate at the local vehicle management office to drive back to your locality; for new vehicles in the local area that have not yet obtained an official license plate and need to be driven to another location for modifications, you must apply for a temporary license plate locally. A temporary car license plate is a temporary vehicle travel permit issued by the public security vehicle management department before the vehicle is officially registered due to some formalities being processed. New cars using temporary license plates must not exceed 15 days, and the owner should promptly apply to the vehicle management authority for an official license plate.
I recently got a temporary car license plate, and the whole process was surprisingly quick. After buying the new car, it was all handled right at the 4S dealership—the salesperson helped me fill out the forms and submit the documents, and I got it in less than an hour. The required documents were simple: original and photocopy of ID, car purchase invoice, compulsory insurance policy, etc. The DMV review was efficient, usually done the same day or at the latest the next day. The temporary plate is valid for about 15 days, which is enough time to wait for the official one. When applying, remember to prepare the documents in advance to avoid multiple trips—it saves time and hassle. When placing the plate, make sure to position it properly at the lower corner of the front windshield without obstructing the view to avoid fines. Overall, there’s no need to worry about delays in driving.
When assisting customers with temporary license plates, we always emphasize the timeliness of the process. In most cases, as long as all the required materials are complete, the plates can be obtained within an hour after submission to the DMV. During peak periods such as weekends or busy seasons, it might take until noon the next day. The key is to bring all the necessary documents: the owner's ID card, vehicle certification, and a copy of the purchase contract. We recommend going on weekday mornings when it's less crowded and faster. The temporary plates are issued very quickly, so there's no need to worry—just wait a day or two before hitting the road. Remember, the validity period is only 15 to 30 days, so make sure to apply for the official plates promptly to avoid the hassle of reapplying after expiration.
From a legal perspective, temporary vehicle license plates have clear time limit requirements. After submitting a complete application, the vehicle management office must approve and issue the plates within 24 hours, commonly done on the spot. As a transitional document, it has a validity period of 15 days, allowing the vehicle to legally operate on roads. Timeliness is crucial to ensure materials are error-free, as deficiencies requiring supplementary submissions can cause delays. According to traffic regulations, the plates must be affixed in designated positions; otherwise, it constitutes a violation subject to fines. Overall, the process is typically completed within one to two days.
