How many times can a temporary license plate be issued in Beijing, and how long is each issuance valid for?
2 Answers
There is no limit on how many times a temporary license plate can be issued 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 3 extensions totaling 21 days. Below are the methods for displaying temporary license plates on vehicles: 1. One plate: A single temporary license plate should be affixed to the lower left or right corner of the front windshield, ensuring it does not obstruct the driver's view. 2. Two plates: If there are two temporary license plates, one should be affixed to the front windshield, and the other should be affixed to the lower left corner of the rear windshield inside the vehicle. If there is no space on the rear windshield, the second temporary license plate should be carried in the vehicle.
I just bought a new car in Beijing and have personal experience with temporary license plates multiple times. At the vehicle management office, you can apply for temporary plates several times—there's no strict limit on the number of applications as long as you have a valid reason, such as before new car registration or during a vehicle relocation transition period. Each temporary plate is typically valid for 15 days for local use. If you need to travel out of town for business or leisure, you can apply for a cross-region temporary plate, which lasts longer, up to 30 days. I’ve applied for temporary plates twice myself, each time for 15 days. The required documents are straightforward: a copy of your ID, the car purchase invoice, and filling out a form at the counter. However, I should remind you that while multiple applications are convenient, it’s best not to rely on them for too long. When driving with temporary plates, be sure to follow traffic rules, avoid illegal parking, and switch to permanent plates as soon as possible to prevent insurance issues or fines. My personal advice is to plan your timeline when buying a car and aim to complete all formalities in one go for peace of mind.
