How many times can a temporary license plate be applied for in Beijing, and how long is each application valid?
4 Answers
There is no limit on the number of times a temporary license plate can be applied for in Beijing, but only one temporary license plate can be issued at a time. However, the temporary license plate for a new car can be extended, with a maximum of three extensions totaling 21 days. Below are the methods for displaying temporary license plates on a car: One plate: A single temporary license plate should be affixed to the lower left or right corner of the front windshield, ideally without obstructing the driver's view. Two plates: If there are two temporary license plates, one should be affixed to the front windshield, and the other should be placed on the lower left corner of the rear windshield inside the car. If there is no space on the rear windshield, the second temporary license plate should be carried in the vehicle.
I just helped a friend with this a couple of days ago. In Beijing, temporary license plates are mainly divided into two types: administrative district temporary plates and cross-administrative district temporary plates. The administrative district ones are small blue plates with black characters for use within Beijing, valid for only 7 days per issuance and can be renewed up to 3 times, totaling a maximum of 21 days. If you need to drive out of town, you'll need the brown-yellow cross-district temporary plate, which is valid for up to 30 days but can only be issued once. Remember, don't wait until the expiry date to renew; the system might delay you, so it's best to go a day or two early. Also, once the cross-district temporary plate expires, it can't be renewed—you'll just have to wait for the official plate to be issued.
Last time when my relative was in a hurry to pick up a car, I specifically researched the temporary license plate rules. In Beijing, the administrative temporary license plate is valid for 7 days per issuance, but there's a key point: it can be renewed up to 3 times, giving you nearly a month of buffer time in total. If you need to drive outside Beijing, you must apply for a cross-district temporary license plate, which has a longer validity period of 30 days but can only be issued once. Here's a special reminder: cross-district temporary license plates are only for driving the car out of Beijing; for daily driving within the city, you still need to use the local temporary license plate. When applying, it's best to bring all necessary documents, including the invoice, compulsory traffic insurance, and ID documents. Both the vehicle management office and some 4S stores can handle the application.
I have deep feelings about the topic of temporary license plate limits. Last year when I picked up my new car, I obtained a local temporary plate. The DMV staff clearly told me: short-term temporary plates for local use can be renewed up to three times maximum, with each renewal valid for seven days at most, totaling 21 days as the absolute limit. If you need to drive long-distance back to your hometown, inter-provincial temporary plates can be issued for up to 30 days, but this opportunity is only available once. Here's an important caveat: if an inter-regional temporary plate doesn't reach its destination within 30 days, the vehicle must stop being driven even if the plate hasn't expired yet. Renewal applications must be submitted before the current temporary plate expires, with no gap allowed in between.
