How Long Does It Take to Get the License Plate?
2 Answers
It usually takes three to five working days to get the license plate. Under normal circumstances, after selecting the license plate number and paying the required fees, you can expect to receive the plate within three to five working days. The official license plate application process involves obtaining the vehicle qualification certificate, keeping the triplicate invoice for the car purchase, paying the vehicle purchase tax, receiving the tax certificates, and preparing various documents such as the original ID card and copies. According to Chinese law: The traffic management department of the public security organ should complete the review of motor vehicle registration within five working days from the date of accepting the application. For applications that meet the specified conditions, the department should issue the motor vehicle registration certificate, license plate, and driving license. For applications that do not meet the conditions, the department should explain the reasons for not approving the registration to the applicant.
Getting the license plate is usually quite fast. I remember when I bought a car last time, the DMV told me it would basically take about three to five days. However, during peak periods like around the Spring Festival, when there are a lot of people, it can take over a week. The most annoying part is having to go back and forth if the documents are incomplete, which wastes a lot of time. Nowadays, many cities have introduced online appointment services, making it much easier to track progress. I recommend checking the progress directly on the official app instead of just waiting. Additionally, new cars usually get a temporary license plate first, valid for 30 days. During this period, avoid long-distance trips and follow traffic rules to avoid fines. Overall, it's pretty smooth as long as you have all the documents ready—just be patient and you'll get it done.
