How many days does it usually take to get a license plate?
3 Answers
It usually takes 15 days to get a license plate. Here is some relevant information about license plate registration: 1. There are three ways to select a license plate number: 10-choose-1, self-composed selection, and online selection. If you choose the 10-choose-1 method, you can get the license plate immediately. If you choose the self-composed selection or online selection method, you will need to wait 15 working days to get the license plate. 2. To register a new car, you need to bring the original and a copy of your ID card, the vehicle qualification certificate, insurance policy, invoice, organization code certificate and its copy, and other relevant documents. If you are not a local resident, you also need to submit a temporary residence permit. 3. Use the payment receipt, the registration copy of the purchase invoice, the original vehicle quality certificate, the original and a copy of your ID card to obtain the new vehicle registration form. Fill in the owner and vehicle information accurately to complete the vehicle information registration.
With several years of car-buying experience, I can say that license plate registration typically takes one to three days to complete. When registering a new vehicle, you'll need to prepare the necessary documents: ID card, purchase invoice, vehicle certificate of conformity, and insurance policy—it's best to bring several copies. If the queue at the DMV goes smoothly and your documents are approved, you can select your plate number on the same day. With good luck, you might even get a pre-made plate on the spot. If the plate manufacturing workshop is busy, you may have to wait one or two days for it to be mailed to you. In big cities like Shanghai or Beijing, where there are many people, queuing can take half a day to a full day, while smaller cities with fewer vehicles tend to be faster. I also recommend pre-booking your plate selection online—many apps now offer super convenient services that speed up backend processing after submitting your documents. If you forget any materials or encounter system delays during holidays, the process might drag on for three to five days, so new buyers should double-check everything before heading out. Common causes of delays include document mismatches or postal delays. If driving with temporary plates during the transition period, be extra careful to avoid traffic violations. Overall, efficient preparation can save a lot of time—just sharing some firsthand owner experience.
As a first-time car buyer, I was completely clueless about the license plate registration timeline and ended up making a fool of myself. That day, I excitedly went to the DMV thinking it would take just half an hour, only to find long queues and crowds. Just reviewing the documents took until the afternoon, and after selecting the plate number, I was told the plates would take two days to arrive by mail. In the meantime, I had to use temporary plates and drove around nervously, worried something might go wrong. There were so many documents—I forgot the insurance policy and wasted extra time running back and forth. Later, a friend taught me to use a mobile app to upload documents in advance. Just upload the ID photo and select the plate number, and the plates would be delivered in three to four days—easy and convenient. My advice to newcomers: don’t be lazy—prepare invoices and documents ahead of time. In big cities, efficiency is low, so avoid peak hours like Mondays; in smaller towns, you might get it done in a day. My first experience taught me a lesson—modern technology should be utilized more.
