How many days does it usually take for a vehicle license plate to be issued?

[Charles]

Vehicle license plates are usually produced and completed within fifteen working days, and can be collected either in person or via EMS express delivery. The license plate number consists of 7 characters: the first character is the abbreviation of the province or municipality, the second character is the abbreviation of the prefecture-level city, and the third to seventh characters are a combination of numbers and letters. The functions of a license plate number: 1. To number and register information for each vehicle; 2. To identify the region to which the vehicle belongs; 3. To trace the owner and registration details of the vehicle based on the license plate. Types of license plate numbers: 1. White plates represent military or police vehicles; 2. Blue plates represent ordinary small vehicles with fewer than 7 seats; 3. Yellow plates represent ordinary large vehicles; 4. Black plates represent vehicles owned by foreign investors in China.

[LaBrody]

When I bought my car last time, it took about three days to get the license plate. The number selection was confirmed on the same day, but the production and mailing took some time. The standard process usually takes 2-4 working days. In larger cities like Beijing and Shanghai, the efficiency is higher, and the plate is issued the day after number selection, while smaller places might take an extra day. Customized personalized plates take longer, about a week, as they require custom-made plate segments. For mailing, many vehicle management offices now offer express delivery services, adding an extra 1-2 days. So, I suggest asking about the mailing method when applying for the plate. For a new car, don't rush to drive without a plate; using a temporary plate is the safest option, and remember to keep your documents safe. Be patient during this period; rushing too much might lead to mistakes.

[VonSebastian]

As someone who frequently deals with these matters, I've found that the time it takes to get a license plate mainly depends on the efficiency of the DMV and the type of plate. Standard number selection usually takes 1-3 business days. Once the number is confirmed, the plate is made quickly. However, during peak periods like the end of the year when it's crowded, it might extend to 3 days. Custom or special vehicle plates take even longer, around 5 days to a week. Having all the required materials is crucial—missing a document can waste time. I usually make an online appointment with the DMV in advance and complete the number selection in one go to save queuing time. For delivery, big cities often offer next-day service, with an average delivery time of within 2 days. A safe estimate is 3-4 days in total, and don’t overlook the usefulness of temporary plates—they can ease the anxiety of waiting.

[CodyFitz]

License plate processing time varies by location. In big cities with more vehicles and slower queues, it may take 3 days after number selection; smaller areas with higher efficiency can issue plates the same or next day. Standard plates are processed faster, while customized plates take about a week. Weekdays are better than weekends as DMV operations speed up plate production. Error-free materials minimize delays, but mailing adds 1-2 extra days. Experience shows an average of 2 days is typical.