How Long Does It Take to Get the License Plate After Vehicle Transfer?
4 Answers
Vehicle transfer procedures can be completed on the same day, but it usually takes about a week to get the license plate. If all the documents are complete, local transfer can be completed in one day. For inter-regional transfers, the vehicle's dimensional files need to be extracted, which generally takes 7 working days to complete. After receiving the vehicle, the staff at the vehicle management office will first inspect the vehicle and then take photos of it. During the inspection, the vehicle's exhaust, lights, horn, chassis, and other related components will be checked to ensure the vehicle's safety. Then, the staff will extend the vehicle's number, take photos, and issue an inspection report and other procedures. The entire inspection process usually takes just a few minutes. After the vehicle inspection is completed, the vehicle's past violations will be checked. After receiving the vehicle inspection report, you need to go to the service window to collect the previously taken photos, paste them on the inspection report, and then check for any violation records at the violation query machine in the service hall (if there are violations, you need to pay the fines). If all the above steps are completed successfully, the staff will issue a transfer ticket, then the transfer invoice, and collect the transfer fee. The corresponding fees are charged according to the unified standards of the vehicle management office. The transfer registration, which is the usual transfer process, generally needs to be completed at the vehicle management office where the original vehicle's files are kept. However, some trading markets can handle the transfer and filing on your behalf. After completing the transfer procedures, the new owner can choose a license plate number and receive the new registration certificate, driving license, and other documents on the spot. The license plate will usually be received in about a week, during which the vehicle management office will issue a temporary license plate for the vehicle to use.
Last time I sold my old car and transferred the license plate, the whole process took less than a week. I remember going to the DMV that day with all the required documents, including my ID card, vehicle license, registration certificate, etc. After submitting them, the staff checked everything on the spot, and if there were no issues, they immediately updated the new owner's name. The license plate was replaced and affixed right then and there—super convenient. However, it's important to note that if any documents are missing or incomplete, like a blurry photocopy of an ID card, you'll end up wasting a trip and your time. It's best to call ahead to check the DMV's business hours and required materials to avoid unnecessary trips. Also, going on a weekday afternoon means shorter queues, as mornings tend to be crowded and prone to traffic jams. All in all, transferring a license plate isn’t really complicated—with all the documents ready, it can be done in an hour or two, and getting that new plate feels pretty satisfying. If it's an out-of-town transfer, it’s a bit more troublesome, as you might have to wait a few extra days for data processing, so I recommend handling it on a weekday for better efficiency.
Now talking about the time it takes to transfer a license plate, I think a pretty reliable estimate is two to three days. It really depends on the efficiency of the vehicle management office. For example, in big cities, you might get the new plate on the same day after completing the procedures. In smaller towns, if they're short-staffed or the system is under maintenance, waiting two or three days is normal. I once had an experience where I was missing a registration certificate page, which delayed the process by an extra day to get it sorted. My advice is to prepare all document copies and originals beforehand, and be ready to pay a handling fee of around one to two hundred yuan. Don’t forget that the vehicle must have no traffic violation records to be eligible for transfer, otherwise, it’s all for nothing. If you go on a weekday morning when there are fewer people, you might finish in as little as ten minutes. Avoid weekends or holidays—those times are busier, and you might end up waiting until the following week. Overall, it’s not too difficult as long as you’re well-prepared.
Transferring license plates usually takes one or two days. Last time I did it, with all the documents ready, I submitted them directly at the DMV and got the new plates on the spot after inspection. If temporary plates are needed, waiting one to three business days is normal. Remember to bring all the required documents and don't overlook any details.
