How to Apply for a Temporary License Plate for a New Car?

[DelDaniela]

You can apply at the vehicle management office or any traffic branch or team vehicle management station for a temporary license plate. Applicants for a temporary car license plate need to hold a unit introduction letter, vehicle origin certificate, qualification certificate, and other relevant documents (except for the introduction letter which is archived, the rest are returned to the applicant) to apply at the vehicle management office. During the application, the starting and ending locations of the vehicle's travel and the duration of the temporary license plate use should be specified. After the management staff review and inspect the vehicle, a temporary license plate will be issued, with the validity period and travel locations signed. The temporary license plate is valid for one month. After the car passes the review, the reviewing unit will process it, with a validity period of half a month, 15 days. Below are the materials required for applying for a temporary car license plate: 1. Original and copy of the vehicle qualification certificate (import certificate for imported vehicles) 2. Original and copy of the third part of the traffic compulsory insurance 3. Original and copy of the vehicle owner's identity proof 4. If applying on behalf of someone else, provide the original and copy of the agent's ID card

[WilliamLynn]

The temporary license plate was arranged by the 4S store sales when I picked up the car. Preparing the documents is quite simple: original ID card, new car purchase invoice, vehicle factory certificate, and the original copy of compulsory traffic insurance policy. Just take these to the vehicle management office or an authorized agency to fill out an application form. Note that the paper temporary license plate must be affixed to the lower left corner of the front windshield and the lower left corner of the rear windshield, otherwise, you will be fined if checked by traffic police. The blue-patterned one is only valid for driving within the city for 15 days; for long-distance travel, you need to apply for a yellow-patterned cross-district temporary license plate, which is valid for 30 days. Last year, a friend forgot to affix the temporary license plate and was fined 200 yuan with 9 points deducted, which was a huge loss. It is recommended to directly let the 4S store handle it for you, saving time and hassle.

[Jaxson]

There are two types of temporary license plates: local temporary plates (light blue background) and cross-regional temporary plates (brown-yellow background). To apply, the vehicle owner or agent must bring the original ID card, vehicle certificate, purchase invoice, and compulsory insurance policy to the DMV counter. Nowadays, many cities also allow online applications via the 12123 App, where you can upload the required documents and choose between mail delivery or self-pickup. Upon receipt, be sure to verify the plate number, validity period, and vehicle details—correct any errors immediately. Don’t fall for scalpers claiming to sell fake temporary plates valid for six months; the maximum validity is only 30 days, after which you must switch to a permanent license plate.

[StLeah]

Just helped my cousin apply for a temporary license plate. There's a process guide at the entrance of the DMV: First, submit the four required documents (ID card, invoice, insurance policy, and vehicle certificate) at the pre-registration counter. The window will print an application form, then proceed to the payment counter to pay the 10-yuan processing fee. Finally, collect the temporary plate at the issuing window—the whole process takes only 20 minutes. Important reminder: Do not apply window tinting before getting the official license plate! Last time, a car owner was asked to remove the tint on the spot when registering. The temporary plate must be carried in the car as the original copy; keeping a photo on your phone is not valid.

[ChaseAnn]

Don't underestimate this piece of paper! Last year, a car owner was caught by traffic police using fake temporary license plates and had their vehicle impounded with 15 days detention. With complete materials, you can get it the same day—don't cut corners by using scalpers. Special note: the car purchase invoice must display the real owner's name; company vehicles require the official seal and a copy of the business license. The insurance effective date must match the temporary plate period, otherwise claims may be denied. Out-of-town temporary plates can be renewed up to 3 times—driving beyond the expiry date counts as unlicensed driving.

[MacJade]

Here's a handy tip: After receiving the temporary license plate, first wrap it in a transparent document bag, then use 3M strong double-sided tape to attach it to the windshield. This protects it from sun damage on sunny days and moisture on rainy days. Attach the front plate on the driver's side and the rear plate on the passenger side, making sure not to cover the rear window heating wires. When entering highways, use the manual lane as ETC cannot recognize temporary plates. For cross-province road trips, it's advisable to directly apply for a 30-day yellow plate. I once got stuck in another province when my blue plate expired and almost had my car impounded.