How many working days does it take to make a license plate?
4 Answers
For new cars, the production of license plates can usually be completed within 15 working days. You can either pick it up at the vehicle management office yourself or choose to have it delivered to your home by express. Below is some relevant information about license plates: 1. License plate materials: Vehicle license plates are panels hung on the front and rear of the car, usually made of aluminum, plastic, or stickers. The plates display the vehicle's registration number, registration area, or other basic information. 2. Function: License plates are numbers assigned to each vehicle. Their main function is to identify the province, city, or county to which the vehicle belongs. The vehicle management office can trace the owner of the vehicle based on the license plate.
I remember that time when I changed my license plate, the process was actually quite fast. After filling out the application form, the staff said standard production usually takes 3 to 5 working days, depending on how busy the DMV is. Big cities like Beijing and Shanghai might be a bit faster, while small towns could be slightly slower. If you opt for the mailing service, it adds an extra 2 to 4 days for delivery, so picking it up in person is more hassle-free. During peak periods like around the Chinese New Year, queues are longer, and delays are more likely. I often use online platforms to make appointments and upload documents in advance, which keeps the progress transparent and reduces mistakes. Prepare early and don’t wait until the temporary plate is about to expire to avoid last-minute road issues. In short, be patient—on average, it takes about four or five days without major problems.
With years of experience in car modification, I can confirm that license plate production isn't an instant process. After application, the system verifies vehicle and owner information to ensure accuracy before factory stamping of metal plates with precise anti-counterfeit elements. The standard process takes 1-3 working days, while expedited service (for additional fee) reduces this to 24-hour pickup. Multiple factors affect timing: newer vehicle models process faster, custom plates require extra day for graphic design approval, and urban locations outperform remote stations. I always advise car owners to visit early on weekdays (avoiding holiday rushes) with complete documents to minimize rework. Typically three days suffice, but urgent cases should prioritize expedited service for doubled efficiency.
I was super nervous about the waiting time for my license plate when I first bought my car. After submitting the materials, the DMV staff explained that the standard production period is 2 to 4 working days. I was lucky that time and received a notification the next day that it was ready for pickup. I recommend trying the mobile app for online application and tracking the whole process to avoid unnecessary trips. Mailing is slower, adding an extra day or two, but it's convenient for home delivery. Newbies don't need to worry—if you submit on time, it usually gets done within three days on average. Based on my experience, simplicity and efficiency are key.
