How to Apply for a Temporary License Plate for a New Car?
3 Answers
Steps to apply for a temporary license plate for a new car: 1. The applicant must bring a letter of introduction from the unit, proof of vehicle origin, certificate of compliance, and other relevant documents to the vehicle management office for processing; 2. During the application, the applicant should specify the starting and ending locations of the vehicle's travel and the duration of the temporary license plate usage; 3. After review by the management personnel and inspection of the vehicle, a temporary license plate will be issued, with the validity period and travel locations signed. A temporary license plate for a car is a temporary vehicle travel permit issued by the public security vehicle management department before the car is officially registered due to the processing of certain procedures. The use of a temporary license plate for a new car should not exceed 15 days, and the owner should promptly apply for a formal license plate from the vehicle management authority.
When I first bought a car, the most headache-inducing part was getting the temporary license plate. The process is actually not difficult: Step one, go directly to the local vehicle management office after purchasing the car; Step two, bring the necessary documents, including your original ID card, the new car purchase invoice, and sometimes proof of compulsory traffic insurance; Step three, fill out an application form and pay a fee of a few dozen yuan. The staff at the vehicle management office will review it on the spot, and you can usually get the temporary plate within minutes. Remember to place it in a visible position on the front windshield, otherwise, you might be fined by traffic police. The temporary plate is valid for about 15 to 30 days, depending on local regulations; during this period, you can drive normally, but avoid long-distance trips to prevent exceeding the limit. Personally, I find this very convenient—you don’t have to wait for the official plate to arrive before hitting the road, and you can take your new car for a spin right away.
I've helped friends deal with many temporary license plate issues at car dealerships, and the process is quite smooth. There are usually two paths: first, after the new car is delivered, the 4S store staff will actively help you apply for a temporary license plate. You only need to provide a copy of your ID card and the car purchase contract, and they will handle it all in one go; second, if you want to do it yourself, just visit the vehicle management office, fill out a simple form, verify the documents, and pay a small fee. Remember, having complete documents is crucial—missing something means you'll have to make multiple trips. Once you get the temporary plate, stick it on the front windshield and don’t move it. It has a short validity period and is for transitional use. If you're checked on the road, just show the temporary plate, and you'll be fine—don’t skip this step to avoid future trouble. Regular car maintenance follows a similarly meticulous process.
