How to Get License Plates Without Temporary Plates?

[LeJessica]

Without temporary plates, you can apply for a vehicle movement permit and then proceed to complete the license plate registration as soon as possible. The process for registering a new vehicle is as follows: 1. Pay the purchase tax, obtain new car insurance, and undergo criminal investigation testing; 2. Complete procedures at the inspection station: non-exempt vehicles undergo line inspection, payment, form filling, engraving and photographing, data collection, and receiving license plate materials; 3. Vehicle management office: submit documents, owner signs, police inspect and confirm the vehicle, select a license plate number, receive a receipt, install and photograph the fixed license plate, and receive the vehicle registration certificate and license. Temporary license plates are paper motor vehicle license plates that allow temporary road use, issued by the vehicle management department before the new vehicle is officially registered. During use, they are subject to traffic laws just like regular license plates, and any traffic violations will result in penalties.

[McFaith]

I also encountered this situation when buying a car. Actually, driving to the DMV without a temporary license plate is absolutely not allowed. You could be stopped by the police and fined, or even get points deducted in more serious cases. So the safest way is to arrange for a tow truck. Like me, I directly called a professional towing company, spending just a hundred or two to safely tow the car there. Remember to prepare the necessary documents in advance, such as the car purchase invoice, ID card, and insurance policy, and then complete the license plate registration at the DMV. Additionally, many 4S dealerships help with temporary license plates when you buy a car. If you didn’t get one, contact them immediately to arrange for a replacement. This isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s also for your own and others’ safety. Don’t risk driving to save a little money, as insurance won’t cover you in case of an accident. In short, it’s better to spend a little extra time than to break the rules.

[DeErin]

As an experienced driver, I believe the key lies in planning ahead. When I bought my first car, I forgot about the temporary license plate and ended up having a friend tow the car to the DMV with a rope—slow but compliant. I recommend checking local traffic regulations; some areas allow short-distance unlicensed driving, but the risks are too high, so it's best avoided. The optimal solution is to directly hire a towing service or ask the DMV to recommend a towing company. When registering, ensure you have all necessary documents, including a copy of the vehicle registration and compulsory insurance proof. Don’t overlook details like scheduling an online appointment with the DMV to save time. Remember, safety comes first—don’t imitate those who recklessly drive without proper documentation. Fines are minor, but accidents can lead to serious trouble.

[AndrewFitz]

Young car buyers often make this mistake. Last time, I didn’t have a temporary license plate and had to use a towing app to solve the problem. The steps are simple: order a tow truck via your phone, wait for a professional to tow the car to the DMV. Remember to bring the car purchase contract and ID card—the license plate process is quick but requires waiting. It’s advisable to check the DMV location in advance to avoid unnecessary detours. This isn’t a big deal; the towing fee isn’t expensive, just a few hundred bucks, which is much better than getting fined 500 and losing points. Safety comes first—don’t cut corners for convenience.