How long does it usually take to get a license plate?
3 Answers
It usually takes up to 2 working days to complete the process. After purchasing a new car, you need to go through procedures such as purchasing insurance, paying the purchase tax, vehicle inspection, and selecting a license plate number. Among these, purchasing insurance can be done simultaneously with the car purchase, paying the purchase tax generally takes half a day, and vehicle inspection and license plate selection take about half a day. Here are the relevant details: 1. Purchasing insurance: If you are buying a car on loan, you must purchase the designated insurance directly at the 4S store, which also makes the process more convenient; if you are paying in full, you can choose the insurance company and coverage types yourself. 2. Vehicle inspection: The first step after entering the inspection site is to follow the flow of vehicles for an exterior photo, after which you will receive the photo to be used for the vehicle's license.
When I bought a new car last year and went to register the license plate, the whole process took about 3 to 5 days. I chose a weekday morning to go to the DMV, and there were already quite a few people there. It took over two hours of queuing just to submit the documents. The reasons include daily new car registrations there, which prolongs the peak periods. It's advisable to prepare all the documents in advance: ID card, car purchase invoice, insurance policy, and if there's no vehicle inspection, you'll need to schedule one. Some cities allow online applications, saving half the time. Remember that temporary license plates have a short validity period, so don't drive with them for too long. Overall, an average of 3-7 working days is normal, but it depends on local policies and congestion levels.
With my years of driving experience, the time it takes to get a license plate varies quite a bit. Usually, it's done within a week, typically 2-4 days. But sometimes, if the DMV is crowded or there are minor document issues like an incorrect invoice, it can delay things by a day or two. Thinking back to the last time I helped my neighbor with his plate, he went on a weekend and ended up wasting a day in long queues. It's best to go early on a weekday with all the required materials: ID, tax receipts, and a copy of the VIN. There can be big differences between regions—small towns might be faster. Just be patient and don’t get impatient.
