How many times can a 30-day temporary license plate be issued?
3 Answers
Automobile temporary license plates can be applied for a maximum of 3 times, each valid for 21 days. Introduction to temporary license plates: A paper motor vehicle license plate that permits temporary road use of a motor vehicle, also known as a temporary driving license plate. It refers to a temporary vehicle driving certificate issued by the vehicle management department of the public security bureau for newly purchased vehicles before official registration. Validity period of temporary license plates: The validity period of a temporary license plate generally does not exceed thirty days. Classification of temporary license plates: There are 4 types of temporary license plates: temporary license plates within administrative jurisdictions, temporary license plates across administrative jurisdictions, temporary license plates for testing purposes, and temporary license plates for special-type motor vehicles.
I've encountered the situation of applying for temporary license plates for new cars several times. Generally, this type of 30-day temporary plate can only be issued once, which is a standard regulation by the DMV mainly to prevent people from delaying the formal registration process indefinitely. When I bought an SUV two years ago, the dealer issued a 30-day temporary plate and reminded me that I must complete all formalities at the DMV before it expired, with no option for renewal unless there were special circumstances like the vehicle being stuck in transit. If you absolutely need to apply for another temporary plate, you'd have to go through a cumbersome application process to justify why the formal registration wasn't completed—quite a hassle. So, I recommend getting it done properly the first time and not using temporary plates as a shield, to avoid trouble during traffic checks. Looking back, these regulations are in place for road safety, as driving without proper plates carries significant risks, and insurance claims could be problematic in case of accidents. In short, it's wiser to develop the habit of obtaining formal license plates promptly.
As a first-time car buyer, I just went through this experience. When picking up the car at the 4S dealership, the salesperson directly told me that the 30-day temporary license plate can only be issued once, and at most, a short-term extension might be possible under certain circumstances, but don't expect to apply for it multiple times. In my own practical experience, I found that the vehicle management office requires a bunch of documents when issuing the temporary plate, such as the new car invoice and a copy of my ID card, and the review process is quite strict. After issuing one, they emphasize the need to quickly switch to a permanent license plate, with penalties or point deductions for delays. From what I've heard, in some places like Beijing, the policies are even stricter—no second issuance unless it's for special vehicle issues. In summary, temporary plates are just a transitional tool; don't rely on them too many times, or the costs will add up, and wasting time running errands isn't worth it. It's advisable to plan the timeline in advance to avoid last-minute emergencies.
