How Many Times Can a Cross-Province Temporary License Plate Be Applied For?
3 Answers
Cross-province temporary license plates can only be applied for once. Temporary license plates mainly come in two types: temporary license plates for use within an administrative jurisdiction and temporary license plates for use across administrative jurisdictions. Temporary license plates for use within an administrative jurisdiction can be applied for three times, each time valid for 15 days. However, temporary license plates for use across administrative jurisdictions can only be applied for once, with a validity period not exceeding 30 days. Documents required for obtaining a temporary license plate: Identity proof of the vehicle owner and the agent; proof of the vehicle's origin; the whole vehicle factory certificate for domestically produced motor vehicles or the import certificate for imported motor vehicles; and the vehicle identification number (frame number) and engine number rubbing mold. After reviewing the above documents and ensuring they comply with regulations, and after passing the safety and technical performance inspection of the vehicle, the vehicle management office will issue a temporary driving license plate, specifying the validity period and the start and end locations. Notes on vehicle license plates: If the owner chooses to receive the license plate by mail, it will take longer for the license plate to arrive, typically 3-4 days for mailing. Therefore, while waiting for the official license plate, it is important to pay attention to the validity period of the temporary license plate. Once the temporary license plate is about to expire, it is necessary to promptly apply for a replacement.
I bought a new car last year and had to drive it from Shenzhen to Harbin, so I applied for a cross-provincial temporary license plate with a 15-day validity. When it was about to expire halfway, I went to the DMV to apply for another one, making a total of two applications. After consulting, I learned that new cars can usually apply for temporary plates once or twice, each lasting about 15 days, with a maximum of three times depending on local regulations. It's advisable not to apply too many times, as frequent renewals of temporary plates may raise suspicions, such as delayed registration due to incomplete verification of invoices or insurance documents. From experience, registering the car promptly is the safest option to avoid being checked on the road and affecting your trip. If you need to drive long distances with a temporary plate after buying a car, it's best to plan your trip in advance to minimize the number of renewals. Additionally, ensure your vehicle insurance is fully covered during the temporary plate period to avoid any issues when driving across provinces. Remember, temporary plates are a short-term solution—don’t rely on them for too long.
Regarding the number of times temporary inter-provincial license plates can be processed, I must say that a new car can apply for them up to two or three times before formal registration. The first temporary plate is valid for 15 days, and it can be renewed once before expiration, but don’t delay too long to avoid rejection. When applying, bring the car purchase invoice and compulsory traffic insurance policy, and the vehicle management office will approve based on the situation. In practice, the number of applications is limited to encourage car owners to complete the formal registration process promptly and avoid the risk of long-term use without a fixed license plate. If processed multiple times, it may cause complications due to regional policy differences. My suggestion is to complete the first application and then promptly visit the local vehicle management office for record filing and transfer registration, which is efficient and hassle-free.