How Long Does It Take to License a New Car?
2 Answers
Generally, it takes three to five working days to obtain the license plate for a new car. After selecting the plate number, you need to pay the fees and wait for the plate. The required documents for licensing include: the vehicle qualification certificate, purchase invoice, and compulsory insurance policy. Note that you should prepare three copies of each document—ID card, vehicle qualification certificate, purchase invoice, and compulsory insurance policy—for backup. Additionally, you must pay the purchase tax at the tax collection office, which is a crucial step for licensing a new car, as failure to pay the tax will prevent the vehicle from being licensed. After completing the necessary procedures, drive the car into the photo area to take pictures, then collect the vehicle photos and the motor vehicle inspection record form at the service hall. Licensing can be handled by someone else, but if the owner is not present, a power of attorney must be filled out.
The time it takes to register a new car varies from person to person, but I just went through the process last month and it took me about half a day to complete. I arrived early at the DMV near the car dealership to queue up, bringing all the necessary documents like the purchase invoice, ID card, and insurance policy to avoid multiple trips. The staff there were quite efficient—after the vehicle inspection and paying the fees, I got the temporary license plate. The whole process might stretch to 3-4 hours on busy days, especially in big cities during peak hours, so it's best to go early to avoid congestion. I recommend checking the DMV’s opening hours and booking an appointment online beforehand to skip the queue. In some smaller cities, it’s much faster, taking only about half an hour. In short, thorough preparation is key—don’t be like my friend who forgot their documents and ended up wasting a whole day.
