How many days does it take to get a license plate for a new car?
2 Answers
For a new car, the license plate registration can be completed in one day if expedited, or it may take around 2 working days for standard processing. The process of registering a new car involves purchasing insurance, paying the purchase tax, vehicle inspection, and selecting a license plate number. Below are the relevant details: Registration time: It is advisable to avoid the peak period for new car registration each year, as during these times, it may be difficult to even enter the vehicle management office. The normal working hours of the vehicle management office are from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Registration procedures: Before registering, the new car must have the vehicle purchase tax and compulsory insurance policy completed. Only then can the new car registration proceed. (Note: If purchasing a car from another region, the vehicle must meet local emission standards, and the purchase tax must be paid at the local tax department). For other requirements, you only need to bring the documents provided by the 4S store (vehicle certification, purchase invoice, import vehicle certificate) along with the original and photocopy of your ID card. Additionally, if you are not a local resident, you will need to obtain a local residence certificate.
When I first got my new car, this was the issue I cared about the most. Experience tells me that the license plate registration process usually takes 3-7 working days. Nowadays, many 4S shops offer agency services which are particularly convenient—they can submit the documents to the DMV on the same day. The key factor is whether the car owner handles it themselves or delegates it to the 4S shop. If you do it yourself, first go to pay the purchase tax, then take the car purchase invoice and insurance policy to schedule a vehicle inspection. On the day the DMV completes the inspection, you can select your plate number and have the license made. However, remember not to apply window tinting or change the car's color during this period, or the inspection might be held up. I recommend using these days to familiarize yourself with the car's functions—I went through the user manual cover to cover and practiced reverse parking in the neighborhood. If your documents are complete and the process is efficient, some cities even allow you to apply for expedited processing.
