How to Apply for Temporary License Plates for Cars?

[AaronFitz]

Temporary license plates do not require the owner to apply in person. The steps to apply for temporary license plates are as follows: 1. Open the 12123 app, go to the business center, and click on 'Apply for New Vehicle Temporary License Plate'. 2. Select the city. 3. Upload vehicle invoice, certificate of conformity, and other required documents. 4. Fill in the vehicle information. 5. Submit the application. 6. You can click 'Check Progress' to view the application status. There are four types of temporary license plates: temporary plates for administrative jurisdictions, temporary plates for cross-administrative jurisdictions, temporary plates for testing purposes, and temporary plates for special-type motor vehicles. New vehicles using temporary license plates must not exceed 15 days, and the owner should promptly apply for official license plates from the vehicle management authority. After expiration, penalties may include vehicle impoundment, a fine of 200 yuan, and deduction of 3 points.

[ChaseMarie]

I just got my temporary license plates last month, and the whole process was actually quite simple. First, go to the DMV to fill out an application form, and don’t forget to bring the car purchase invoice, compulsory insurance policy, and original ID card. The staff will carefully check the vehicle information and then give you two paper plates—one for the front windshield and one for the rear. The fee is about fifteen yuan, and you can get them on the spot. Remember, temporary plates are only valid for fifteen days and can only be used within the city—don’t use them for long-distance trips. I recommend going in the morning when it’s less crowded to avoid wasting time in line.

[McMaci]

A few days ago, I helped a friend with a temporary license plate and realized that preparing the materials is key. First, you need the purchase receipt from the 4S dealership and a copy of the vehicle qualification certificate. Copies of both sides of your personal ID card are also required. At the DMV, start by imprinting the VIN, then submit the materials at the counter and wait for approval—the whole process takes about half an hour. There are two types of temporary plates: blue-background ones are only valid locally, while yellow-background ones allow inter-provincial travel but have a shorter validity period. Pay attention to the colors to avoid mistakes, or you might run into trouble if checked on the road.

[McLawson]

Obtaining a temporary license plate mainly involves four steps: preparing documents, vehicle inspection, fee payment, and plate collection. When taking a number and queuing at the DMV office, it's best to photocopy your ID card and vehicle invoice in advance to avoid running back and forth. Some cities now support online appointments, and uploading documents in advance on the Traffic Management 12123 APP can save a lot of time. Once you receive the plate, it must be affixed to the conspicuous positions of the front and rear windows as required; failure to do so will result in a 200-yuan fine. Last time I went, I noticed that there were very few people after 3 PM, so I recommend going during off-peak hours for greater efficiency.

[DelBeckett]

I have experience with temporary license plates. New cars must have them to be road-legal, and you can get them the same day if you bring all the required documents. Remember to purchase compulsory traffic insurance first, and the copy of the insurance policy needs to be stamped. During the vehicle inspection at the DMV, they will focus on the VIN and engine number, so it's best to clean them in advance. If you're having someone else handle it for you, you'll also need a power of attorney. Temporary plates have a very short validity period, and driving with expired plates is treated as driving without plates, resulting in an immediate 12-point deduction. I recommend going on a weekday for convenience, as weekends are crowded with fewer windows open.

[StBenjamin]

Advice for new car owners who just got temporary plates: The purchase invoice and vehicle conformity certificate are the most important – you can't proceed without either. It's best to call the DMV in advance to confirm the exact document requirements, as they may vary by location. After obtaining temporary plates, strictly observe the driving area restrictions – never take city-issued temp plates onto highways. The fee is only 10-20 yuan, but never use scalpers – it costs more and risks complications. Choose a sunny day for registration – rainy days make vehicle inspections particularly troublesome.