How Long Does It Usually Take to Get a License Plate?

[VanDawson]

The time it takes to get a license plate depends on the method of selecting the plate number. There are three ways to choose a license plate number: self-selection, 10-choose-1, and online selection. If you use the 10-choose-1 method, you can usually get the license plate on the same day. If you choose online selection or self-selection, it generally takes 15 working days to receive the license plate. Below are the steps for self-service license plate selection: 1. Download the Traffic Management 12123 APP. 2. Open the APP, register, and log in. Ensure all information is accurate. Select "New Vehicle Selection" or "Used Vehicle Selection" based on your situation, and choose the city according to the steps. 3. Select "Local Used Vehicle" or "Relocation from Another Region" as applicable. 4. Fill in the specific information on the page, including the registration book number and vehicle identification code. 7. Upon successful selection, the system will notify you by which date the license plate must be processed. 5. A notification page will appear, reminding you to follow the rules for pre-selecting a license plate. 6. There are two methods: random selection and self-selection, both with limited attempts. Once a number is selected, it cannot be changed, so choose carefully. If you decide to abandon the selected number later, there will be corresponding penalties.

[LeZoey]

I just bought a new car last month, and it took almost 10 days to get the license plate because the vehicle management office in the city was too crowded, and queuing for the procedures took quite a while. When submitting the documents, the staff said they needed to verify the engine number and VIN code to ensure accuracy, and then the mailing process was slow. Since I work weekdays, I could only handle it on weekends, which delayed things for a few days—it was really frustrating. Fortunately, many places now offer online systems where uploading your ID and invoice can speed things up. I’ll have to try this method next time. I’ve heard that during peak periods, it might take even longer.

[LaMorgan]

From a professional perspective, license plate issuance typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the efficiency of your local department and the completeness of your documents. If documents are missing or incorrectly filled, re-examination may extend the process to over 3 weeks. During peak periods such as holidays when new car registrations surge, waiting times can be longer. I recommend uploading your electronic application and scheduling an appointment in advance, which can reduce the processing time to around 5 days. Additionally, thoroughly check your vehicle documents to ensure everything is correct on the first attempt, avoiding delays from rework.

[ArielAnn]

I'm a new driver who just got my license, and it took almost two weeks for the license plates to arrive – the wait was agonizing. I searched online and found out this is normal, but the slow process is frustrating. A friend suggested making an appointment for vehicle inspection to speed things up next time. Maybe using a mobile app would save time, since driving without plates feels unsettling.