How Long is a Temporary License Plate Valid?
2 Answers
Vehicle temporary license plates are valid for fifteen days. Application Conditions: When driving the vehicle from the place of purchase to the place of use, a temporary license plate must be applied for at the vehicle management office in the place of purchase. When transferring vehicle registration and after formal license plates have been surrendered, a temporary license plate must be applied for at the local vehicle management office to drive back to the original location. For new vehicles in the local area that have not yet obtained formal license plates and need to be driven to another location for modifications, a temporary license plate must be applied for locally. After modifications are completed, a temporary license plate must be applied for at the local office to drive back to the original area. Application Method: To apply for a domestic temporary license plate for a vehicle, the purchase invoice and the motor vehicle product qualification certificate must be presented. After the vehicle passes inspection by the public security vehicle management department, a temporary license plate will be issued. For vehicles being transferred out of the local jurisdiction, a temporary license plate will be issued directly. When the vehicle undergoes initial registration or is registered locally, this license plate must be submitted to the local vehicle management authority.
I recently got a new car and am using a temporary license plate, which is generally valid for about 7 days, though it may vary slightly in different regions. For example, in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, it's usually 15 days, while in other areas, it's 7 days. I noticed that when applying, you need to submit materials to the DMV, such as your ID card and the vehicle's certificate of conformity. They'll give you a sticker to place on the front windshield. If the temporary plate is about to expire and you haven't gotten the official one yet, you can renew it once, but it only extends the validity for an additional 15 days at most. You need to act quickly, or you might face fines. I think temporary plates are quite important—if you're caught driving with an expired one, you could get points deducted or even have your car towed, which could affect insurance claims. I also make sure to drive carefully and avoid speeding, especially since the plate is temporary.
