How long does it take to get the license plate number?
2 Answers
License plates can be produced within fifteen business days, and vehicle owners can collect them independently. Vehicle license plates must be installed. During this period, temporary license plates will be issued by the authorities, and the previously received temporary plates will expire. The temporary plates must be replaced with the official vehicle license plates. License plates must be displayed within three months after purchasing the vehicle, and temporary plates can be used before that. Below is the procedure related to vehicle license plates: 1. Pay the vehicle purchase tax and submit the required documents (copy of the invoice, ID card or organization code certificate, copy of the vehicle qualification certificate, first copy of the purchase order, and tax payment form). The first series of the receipt and the original vehicle qualification certificate must be carried. 2. Obtain the registration application form and external inspection form. 3. Fill out the registration application form, and take the qualification certificate and application form to the environmental protection office to stamp the environmental protection seal. 4. Take photos, scan the code, and print the vehicle parameter table. The original qualification certificate must be marked with "on the inspection line."
The time it takes to get your license plate varies depending on the situation. Last year, when I bought a new car in Beijing, I received a temporary license plate on the day of pickup and drove without issues for a month, but it took about a week to get the official plate. The DMV queues are long, so it's advisable to go early or book an appointment online to avoid wasted trips. When applying for the plate, make sure to bring your ID, purchase invoice, insurance policy, and vehicle certificate—missing any document means starting over, which can delay the process further. Used car transfers are even slower; a friend spent three to four days transferring an old car, and the vehicle inspection also took time. During holidays or peak rainy seasons, processing may slow down. Overall, in big city centers, plates can be issued in one or two days, while smaller towns or suburbs might take over five days. Temporary plates can hold you over, but make sure to switch to the official plate on time to avoid fines.
