How Many Days Does It Take to License a Motor Vehicle?
2 Answers
Generally, after completing the licensing procedures for a motor vehicle, if you choose the on-site number plate selection method, you can receive the license plate on the same day. If you opt for self-selection or online number plate selection, it normally takes about 7-15 working days to manufacture the plate before notifying the owner to collect it. Motor Vehicle Licensing Regulations: Identity proof of the motor vehicle owner: Individuals must provide an ID card; non-locals need to provide a temporary residence permit; military ID or household registration booklet; foreigners must provide a residence permit; organizational vehicles must provide an organization code certificate; proof issued by embassies or foreign institutions in China. Proof of motor vehicle origin: Original purchase invoice. Motor vehicle product qualification certificate: Whole vehicle factory qualification certificate for domestically produced motor vehicles. "Motor Vehicle Registration Technical Parameter Table" for domestically produced cars: Not required for vehicles manufactured after January 1, 2003. Vehicle parameters must completely match actual inspection results; vehicles with discrepancies cannot be licensed. Insurance and vehicle purchase tax can only be processed after passing inspection. Proof of vehicle purchase tax payment: After passing the vehicle inspection, pay the vehicle purchase tax at the tax department and submit the original additional tax copy or tax exemption certificate issued by the tax department to the vehicle management department for retention. Motor vehicle third-party liability insurance certificate: Provide the original and copy of the newly issued insurance policy and the vehicle and vessel tax payment receipt. Motor vehicle license plate permit: In some areas with license plate restrictions, a license plate permit or city entry permit must be obtained before purchasing the vehicle to proceed with licensing. Motor vehicle quota control: State-owned enterprises and government departments must obtain approval from relevant authorities before licensing their vehicles.
When I bought my car, getting the new license plate did take some time, usually around three to five days. Right after picking up the car, I went to the DMV—it was quite lively with queues for vehicle inspections. You had to bring all the required documents like the invoice and insurance policy. My car was purchased over the weekend, and I submitted the application on Monday. The staff said if the paperwork was correct, it would be processed within a day. But during peak seasons or if documents were incomplete, delays of five or six days were common. Later, I learned that pre-booking and filling out forms online could save trouble, and you could even get a temporary license plate as a transition. Overall, if you're not in a rush to use the car, just wait patiently—the process can be a test of endurance. It’s also a good chance to check if the car is in perfect condition. Once the novelty of the new car wears off, these little episodes just become stories.
