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

[VonAutumn]

New car temporary license plates can be processed by the 4S dealership or by the owner themselves. If processed through the 4S dealership, the owner needs to provide their ID card, the fourth copy of the car purchase invoice, the original and a copy of the vehicle qualification certificate, and the original and a copy of the third copy of the compulsory insurance. Below are some precautions regarding the use of temporary license plates: 1. The validity period of temporary license plates generally does not exceed thirty days. There are four types: temporary license plates for administrative districts, cross-administrative district temporary license plates, temporary license plates for testing purposes, and temporary license plates for special-type motor vehicles. 2. New cars using temporary license plates must not exceed 15 days, and the owner should promptly apply to the vehicle management authority for formal license plates. After expiration, the owner may face penalties such as vehicle impoundment, a fine of 200 yuan, and a deduction of 12 points.

[DeDakota]

When I first got my new car, I was also confused. Later, I learned that applying for temporary license plates mainly involves these steps: Bring the basic materials such as the car purchase invoice, vehicle certificate, original ID card of the owner, and compulsory insurance policy, then drive directly to the vehicle management office or traffic police station. Fill out a temporary license plate application form on-site, and the staff will verify information like the VIN. After paying a small fee of around ten yuan, you can get the paper temporary plates. Remember to affix the temporary plates on the front and rear windshields as required, so you can legally drive for fifteen days. I recommend going early to avoid the peak hours on Mondays and at the end of the month—the whole process takes about half an hour. It's best not to drive long distances with temporary plates; wait until the official license plates are issued for a more secure option.

[VonCali]

Last month's experience helping a friend with a temporary license plate taught me the ropes: having all the documents ready is crucial—don’t forget the duplicate copy of compulsory traffic insurance along with the invoice and ID. Nowadays, some cities even allow you to apply for temporary plates directly at compulsory insurance service points, saving you a trip to the DMV. If you’re struggling, a reliable sales consultant can assist, as most 4S shops offer agency services. Validity periods vary by region, typically 15 to 30 days—plenty of time to handle formal registration. Just remember, there’s a proper way to display temporary plates: they must be prominently placed on the front and rear windshields. Don’t cut corners by leaving them on the dashboard, or you risk points deduction if caught by traffic police.

[SanEvan]

Personal experience tells you the process is really simple: prepare the car purchase invoice, original ID card, vehicle certificate, and compulsory traffic insurance policy, then head straight to the local DMV. Take a number, queue up, fill out forms, and after the staff verifies your documents, you can get the temporary license plate on the spot. Note that temporary plates are usually valid for 15 days, and you must replace them with permanent plates before expiration. The worst is forgetting the compulsory insurance certificate—my neighbor made a wasted trip last time. Here’s a lesser-known fact: traffic violations during the temporary plate period are still penalized, so don’t think you can speed just because there’s no metal plate.

[OwenDella]

Just a few words for friends who just picked up their new car: Remember to bring a copy of the purchase invoice and keep the original safe to avoid losing it. When applying for a temporary license plate, double-check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is accurately recorded—even a single wrong letter can cause trouble. It's advisable to visit the DMV on a weekday morning when it's less crowded to save time. After receiving the temporary plate, carefully check the start date of its validity period, which usually begins on the day of application. When attaching the temporary plate, use static cling stickers instead of directly taping it to the glass to avoid leaving sticky residue that's hard to clean. DMVs in suburban or county areas tend to be less busy, but it's best to confirm their operating hours in advance.