How many days does it take to get a temporary license plate?
3 Answers
Temporary license plates can be obtained on the same day. When using temporary license plates, it is important to comply with traffic regulations. Temporary license plates have the same legal effect as formal license plates. Additionally, pay attention to the validity period of temporary license plates, as they become invalid once the formal license plates are obtained. The documents required for applying for temporary license plates include: 1. Original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's identity proof; 2. Original and photocopy of the vehicle qualification certificate; 3. Original and photocopy of the third-party liability insurance; 4. Original and photocopy of the vehicle purchase invoice. Temporary license plates are divided into two types: one for temporary driving within the administrative jurisdiction, and the other for temporary driving across administrative jurisdictions.
I just bought a new car and remember getting the temporary license plate quite quickly. The 4S dealership staff helped me process it on the spot, which took about half an hour. During peak times with more people, it might take a day or two, but generally, you can get it the same day. The important thing is to bring all the required documents, such as your ID card, car purchase invoice, and insurance policy—missing any one can cause trouble. Temporary plates are usually valid for 7 to 15 days, which is enough time for you to get the official plates. I recommend going to the DMV on a weekday to avoid weekends—it saves time and effort. My friend forgot to make an appointment last time and it delayed things by a day, but overall, it's not too troublesome, so don't worry about delaying your plans.
As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I must say the speed of obtaining temporary license plates depends entirely on the application method. Having a 4S dealership handle it is the most convenient—they're experienced and can get it done within half a day to a day. If you go to the DMV yourself, you can get it on the spot if all documents are complete; otherwise, you might wait half a day or until the next day. The key factor is not missing any documents—invoice and insurance must be accurate. Some cities support online applications with mail delivery, reducing the time to one or two days. Temporary plates have a short validity period, but they allow you to legally drive on the road. Don't delay in replacing them with permanent plates—overdue plates can result in fines and affect safe driving.
