How Long Does It Take to Get License Plates for a New Car?

[VanSamuel]

Generally, it takes one to two days to get license plates for a new car. Below are the required documents for new car registration and the functions of license plates: Documents required for new car registration: ID card, vehicle qualification certificate, triplicate car purchase invoice issued by the 4S shop, original and duplicate tax receipts obtained after paying the vehicle purchase tax, insurance policy, compulsory traffic insurance policy, and temporary residence permit if you are not a local resident. New car registration must be processed at the vehicle management office. After submitting all the required documents and paying the fees, the vehicle must be driven to the vehicle management office for inspection. Some exempt vehicles can undergo an external inspection directly, which usually involves checking the engine number and chassis number. After the inspection, you can go to the vehicle management office hall to choose a license plate. Functions of license plates: The main function is to identify the region to which the vehicle belongs. The license plate can also be used to look up the owner of the vehicle and its registration information.

[StPaige]

While the excitement of buying a new car is understandable, don’t delay the registration process. The law clearly states that new vehicles must be registered within 30 days of purchase, otherwise, traffic police may impose fines of several hundred yuan or even deduct points. I learned this the hard way when I bought my car—I procrastinated for almost a month before visiting the DMV, only to be pulled over and reprimanded because my temporary license plate had expired. Temporary plates typically last only 7 to 15 days, during which you can drive your new car around, but you must obtain a permanent plate before they expire. The registration process includes steps like selecting a license number, vehicle inspection, and tax payment, requiring at least half a day to prepare documents such as the car purchase invoice and a copy of your ID. It’s best to schedule a DMV appointment right after buying the car to avoid peak holiday queues. If you exceed the deadline, your insurance may become invalid, complicating liability in case of an accident. The first step to safe driving is ensuring your vehicle is legally roadworthy—don’t let small oversights turn into big troubles.

[LeLola]

I still remember over a decade ago when I got my first car. I was so busy showing off the new ride that I forgot to register it. After the temporary license expired, I got slapped with a 500-yuan fine and my car was impounded for several days before I could retrieve it. Since then, I've made it a point to remind everyone: Don't procrastinate with new cars - you must register within 30 days. Temporary plates last at most 15 days, and just casual driving can eat up that time. Don't follow my lazy example - head to the DMV promptly with documents like the invoice and ID proof to pick a good plate. Delayed registration carries big risks; if you hit someone or have a minor accident while driving unregistered, insurance might not cover it, leading to greater losses. Nowadays, I go to the DMV on weekday mornings when it's less crowded - getting plates takes about two hours, and then I can drive with peace of mind. Also, check local regulations as some cities have stricter requirements - don't try to rely solely on temporary plates to get by.

[MacHannah]

Buying a new car is exciting, but remember to get it licensed quickly. The official requirement is to complete the process within 30 days, and the temporary license plate is valid for about 15 days. Delaying too long can lead to issues, such as being fined for driving without proper registration, and your insurance may not cover it. When I picked up my car, I immediately went to the DMV to handle the paperwork and got the license plate done within half a day. Just bring all the required documents, like a copy of the invoice, and don't delay for convenience. Safe driving relies on having a compliant license plate.

[ParkerLynn]

As a parent with kids, my top priority when buying a new car is the license plate issue—safety comes first. The law requires registration within 30 days, and while temporary plates last 15 days, they're not entirely reliable. Failing to register on time carries high risks: not just a few hundred in fines, but more importantly, if an accident occurs while carrying family members without proper plates, the insurance company might deny the claim. A couple of years ago, a neighbor was rear-ended in their unregistered new car, leading to a lengthy dispute. I recommend acting immediately after getting the new car—prepare the invoice and ID, schedule an appointment at the DMV, and get it done in a day to avoid future hassles. Having official plates gives peace of mind when kids are in the car, so family vehicles should always follow proper procedures.