How Many Times Can a Temporary License Plate Be Applied For?
2 Answers
Temporary license plates can be applied for up to 3 times. Temporary license plates are only valid within their effective period, with temporary plates for administrative regions valid for 7 to 15 days. If the official license plate cannot be issued within the period of using the temporary plate, the owner needs to apply for a temporary plate again. However, if a vehicle applies for temporary plates more than 3 times, it will be locked and no longer eligible for application. The paper motor vehicle license plate that permits temporary road use is also known as a temporary driving license plate. It is a temporary vehicle driving certificate issued by the vehicle management department of the public security bureau before the new vehicle is officially registered. There are four types of temporary license plates: temporary plates for administrative regions, temporary plates for cross-administrative regions, temporary plates for testing purposes, and temporary plates for special-type motor vehicles.
Last time I bought a car, I encountered a temporary license plate issue. Let me share my experience. I remember picking up the new car, and the 4S dealership helped me get the first temporary plate, valid for 15 days. Due to delays in the paperwork, I had to go to the DMV to apply for another one. The staff mentioned that generally, you can apply 2 to 3 times, and beyond that, you'd need a valid reason, like a repair certificate. Why the limit? Mainly to prevent misuse—after all, temporary plates allow you to drive, but without formal plates, there's a higher safety risk, such as being mistakenly checked by traffic police. I asked a friend in a smaller city, and he said it's more lenient there, possibly allowing up to 5 applications. My advice: use the temporary plate to quickly complete the formal registration process. Delaying too long might lead to insurance not covering accidents. Always carry the car purchase invoice and insurance policy, and check the latest policies on the local official website—this approach saves both hassle and money.
