How many days does it usually take to receive the license plate?
3 Answers
New vehicle registration should be completed within five working days from the date of application acceptance, including the issuance of the motor vehicle registration certificate, license plate, and vehicle license. According to Article 9 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, the following documents and certificates must be submitted when applying for motor vehicle registration: 1. Identity proof of the motor vehicle owner; 2. Proof of the motor vehicle's origin; 3. The whole vehicle factory qualification certificate or import certificate for imported motor vehicles; 4. Proof of payment of vehicle purchase tax or tax exemption certificate; 5. Other documents and certificates required by laws and administrative regulations to be submitted during motor vehicle registration.
Last time I bought a car, it usually took three to five days to receive the license plate, depending on how busy the DMV was. I used a temporary paper plate for a few days, which is valid for a month, so there was no rush. After selecting the number when purchasing the car, the DMV makes the plate and registers it, then sends it by courier to your home or a designated pickup point. Efficiency is higher in summer, and you might receive it in three days, while in winter it might take up to a week, but weekends generally don’t count as working days. Once received, you can install the metal plate yourself—using rust-proof materials will make it more durable and prevent rust. It’s advisable to ask the dealer in advance for an estimated time to plan your schedule and avoid disrupting your car usage.
As a new car buyer, I waited about four days for the license plate, which made me a bit anxious about driving. Fortunately, the temporary license plate was valid for over twenty days, fully covering the waiting period. The DMV first processes the application to make the metal plate and then delivers it via express mail. Processing times vary by city—larger cities might take around five days, while smaller towns are faster, especially if you choose a simple license plate number for a smoother process. After receiving the plate, don’t forget to install it promptly to avoid any issues during traffic checks—safety comes first.
