How to Apply for Temporary License Plates for a Car?
3 Answers
The steps to apply for temporary license plates for a car: 1. When applying for temporary license plates, the owner needs to fill out a temporary license plate application form based on their personal information; 2. After completing the form, the staff will provide a number plate, and the applicant should queue up for the temporary license plate service according to this number; 3. When it's their turn, they should go to the dedicated window for temporary license plate services, submit the required documents and the completed temporary license plate application form to the staff. Temporary license plates serve as proof of legal road use for vehicles that have not yet obtained official license plates issued by the public traffic police department. Before obtaining the official vehicle license plates, having temporary license plates allows the vehicle to be driven legally on the road. However, it's important to note that temporary license plates also have an expiration date.
Getting a temporary license plate is actually quite simple. I did it right after buying my car. First, prepare the documents: for a new car, bring the original purchase invoice, a copy of your ID card, and a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy. Second, go to the local vehicle management office, find a counter to fill out the application form, and carefully check the vehicle information to avoid mistakes. Third, pay the fee—usually a few dozen yuan for the processing cost, and you can pay in cash or by scanning a QR code. Once approved, you can get the temporary license plate on the spot. It's paper-based and must be affixed to the lower right corner of the front windshield; otherwise, you may be fined if checked by the police. The validity period is typically 15 days, which is enough time to drive to get your formal plates. The whole process takes less than an hour, and it's best to go on weekdays when it's less crowded. During the temporary plate period, make sure to follow traffic rules and avoid long-distance highway trips, as some areas have restrictions for temporary plates. I recommend making copies of your documents in advance to save time—don’t make the same mistake I did by forgetting to bring everything and having to make an extra trip.
Hey, I'm quite familiar with temporary license plates! Just bring your ID, car invoice, and insurance policy to the DMV. Queue up, fill out a form, and after the staff checks your documents, pay the fee and get your plate—simple and quick. Temporary plates usually have a 15-day validity period, so don’t forget to stick them on your car window. Remember, new cars must have this before hitting the road, or the traffic police will issue a fine. The cost is low, just a few dozen bucks. I recommend going to the DMV early when it’s less crowded. Last time, it only took me half an hour—pretty efficient. Drive carefully during the temporary plate period to avoid violations, which could complicate the formal registration process later. If your documents aren’t complete, bring copies just in case. There are copy shops near the DMV, so it’s super convenient.
