How Long Does It Take to Get License Plates After Registration?
4 Answers
New car license plate issuance time: 1. Different number selection methods affect the time to receive plates: If you choose a plate via the "50-choose-1" method at the DMV, you generally get the plate faster because these plates are often pre-made, typically within 1-3 days. For self-selected/customized plates, the processing time is 5-10 days. 2. Time varies by region: (1) In first-tier cities with high population density and more car buyers, DMV procedures take longer, resulting in extended plate issuance times. (2) In smaller cities (tier 4-5), registration is quicker due to fewer daily applicants, no queues, and more efficient staff. Typically, plate issuance is 2-3 days faster than in major cities. 3. Different plate collection methods affect timing: After production, users can either pick up plates in person at the DMV (installed same day) or opt for mail delivery (adds 3-4 days for shipping).
The time it takes to receive your license plates after vehicle registration is usually within 3 to 7 working days. On the day you complete the registration procedures and obtain temporary license plates to affix to your vehicle, the DMV will process the production and registration of the official plates. During peak periods, such as the end of the year when there are many new vehicles and long queues, it might take over a week; on less busy days, you could receive a notification to collect them as quickly as one day. This largely depends on your location: DMVs in big cities are more efficient and can complete the process in 2 days, while in smaller towns with longer distances and more procedures, it might take around 5 days. Remember that temporary plates are valid for either 15 or 30 days—don’t drive if they expire to avoid fines. Being patient and asking staff for an estimated timeframe in advance can save you hassle. I’ve seen friends opt for express delivery services to receive their plates in just 2-3 days, saving them the trouble of making extra trips—I recommend trying this. If there are system issues or incomplete documentation, the process may be delayed, so having copies of your documents ready can speed things up. Overall, an average of 3-4 days is typical.
Last year when I bought a new car, I was also curious about this issue. The day after registration, I received a text message notifying me to pick up the license plate at the DMV, which was super exciting. But my colleague who lives in the suburbs had to wait a whole week because rural DMVs have fewer staff and slower processing. I recommend going for license plate registration on weekday mornings to avoid weekend and holiday crowds, as shorter queues mean faster processing. If you're in a hurry, dealerships offer agency services for a fee to save time—they're familiar with the process and can expedite it to within three days. During the temporary plate period, make sure to follow traffic rules and avoid violations, and mount the plate at the lower right corner of the front windshield without obstructing the view. Based on experience, five days is usually enough to get your license plates under normal circumstances, so don't stress too much.
In big cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou, license plate registration is often completed within one or two days, with the vehicle management office being highly efficient. In remote small counties, it might drag on for over a week. During peak seasons like the 'Golden September and Silver October' new car rush, the process can extend up to ten days. I've heard that Beijing has introduced a fast-track service where you can get your plates on the same day by paying an extra fee. It's recommended to use modern tools such as online appointments or the vehicle management office app to check progress and avoid unnecessary waiting. When the vehicle management office system is under upgrade or during pandemic times, the duration becomes uncertain, so it's best to prepare temporary plates and ensure they don't expire.
