How to Get a License Plate Without a Residence Permit at a 4S Shop?
3 Answers
Residence permits are required for non-local residents who want to register their vehicles locally. Make sure to inquire about this when purchasing a car. Generally, non-local residents must provide a residence permit, at least one year of social insurance, a local property ownership certificate, etc. A residence permit is the most convenient option. Currently, it takes over six months to process a residence permit, so apply for it as early as possible. Additionally, check the local license plate registration requirements. You can consult the local 4S shop for details.
When I bought the car, I didn't have a residence permit either, but the 4S store salesperson directly helped me solve the issue. They said a rental contract or temporary residence proof could be used as alternatives. For example, I signed a formal agreement with my landlord, which they submitted to the DMV, and everything was settled. Actually, the DMV doesn't only accept residence permits—utility bills or address certificates issued by employers are also valid. The 4S store had dedicated staff to handle this and even reminded me to prepare documents in advance to avoid multiple trips. The whole process cost a small fee, but it was much more convenient. I recommend discussing your situation clearly with the salesperson when buying a car, as 4S stores have extensive experience in these matters.
As a novice driver, I just figured out that you can get your license plate even without a residence permit. The 4S store told me the key is the address proof, like a rental contract or a copy of the property certificate, which are all valid. They can handle the license plate service for me, and I only need to provide my ID card and supplementary materials, such as a letter of proof from the landlord. Don’t worry about spending extra money—paying a small service fee can make the process go smoothly, and the DMV won’t be too strict about alternative documents. I also learned to prepare some other materials in case of rejection, like a household register or bank statement. As long as I communicate with the 4S store in advance, there won’t be any major issues.
