How many working days does it usually take to reissue a motor vehicle license plate?
3 Answers
It usually takes 15 working days to reissue a motor vehicle license plate. If the vehicle license plate or registration certificate is lost, missing, or damaged, the vehicle owner must apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office. They need to fill out the "Application Form for Reissuance or Replacement of Motor Vehicle License Plates and Certificates" and submit proof of identity. Below is more information about license plates: 1. Function of license plates: A license plate is an identifier for a vehicle, much like an ID number for a person. License plates serve as a numbering and information registration system for vehicles, primarily allowing identification of the vehicle's region of registration and enabling tracking of the owner and registration details. 2. Motor vehicle license plate number: A motor vehicle license plate number consists of a registration authority code and a plate number. For cars, the license plate is structured in two rows: the upper row displays the registration authority code, and the lower row shows the plate number. The registration authority code is 2 characters long, composed of a Chinese character and an English letter. The Chinese character represents the abbreviation of the province, autonomous region, or municipality, while the English letter denotes the code of the vehicle management office.
I had my license plate replaced before, and I remember the process was quite quick. After submitting the materials at the DMV, the staff said it would take one to three business days to process because they needed to verify the vehicle information and identity documents. I went there on Monday morning and got the new plates by Wednesday. If the materials were incomplete, it might take a few extra days, so I recommend bringing the vehicle registration, original ID card and copies, as well as the completed application form. During peak times, it might take longer due to the crowd, but overall it went smoothly. Don’t worry, business days don’t include weekends, so avoid holidays. To save time, call ahead or make an online appointment to improve efficiency on-site. Generally, 1-3 days is enough, so it won’t delay your daily use of the car.
Replacing a license plate usually takes 1 to 3 business days to complete. The exact time depends on where you apply and whether your documents are complete: in big cities with busy DMVs, it might take over two days, while smaller towns are faster. Essential documents like ID and vehicle certificates must be prepared—otherwise, you won't get it the same day and will have to make another trip. I recommend going early to avoid queues; before 9 AM is the least crowded. The process involves filling out forms, verification, and payment, after which they'll either mail it to you or notify you for pickup. Mailing may add an extra day or two. Generally, 1-3 business days is normal—don't believe online claims of instant service. Remember, business days are Monday to Friday; weekends don't count.
