
If your new car does not have temporary license plates, you can apply for a vehicle movement permit before proceeding with the license plate registration process. There are two ways to register your license plates: one is to go to the DMV yourself, and the other is to have the 4S dealership handle the registration for you, saving you the trip. Nowadays, most 4S dealerships offer "one-stop services," meaning that in addition to selling cars, they can also assist customers with license plate registration and paying purchase taxes, commonly referred to as "license plate fees." Below are some important points to note when registering license plates: 1. You will need the vehicle's certificate of conformity: When registering license plates at the DMV, the vehicle's certificate of conformity must be submitted to the DMV staff for archiving. 2. You will need the car purchase invoice: Whether you buy the car from a 4S dealership or an auto trader, you will receive a car purchase invoice after the purchase. This invoice must be kept safe, as without it, the car cannot be registered. When registering the license plates, the car purchase invoice must be presented to the DMV staff, and this invoice will also be archived.

I'm the type of person who is particularly concerned about safety, and I think driving without a temporary license plate is a big no-no. The police are very strict with checks on the road, and if you get stopped, you could face a fine and have your car impounded, which would have serious consequences. It's best not to risk driving on the road. I recommend using a towing service to take the car to the DMV. Nowadays, many 4S shops offer free towing services, or you can ask a friend to drive it there for you, but only if their car is available. If all else fails, you can take a taxi or public transport, as DMVs are usually located in urban areas with convenient transportation. Remember to bring necessary documents like your ID, purchase invoice, and tax payment certificate to avoid a wasted trip. The key is to make an appointment in advance to avoid overcrowding at the DMV, ensuring the whole process goes smoothly.

I prefer simple solutions to problems. If you don't have a temporary license plate, don't drive there yourself. Try other options: for example, hire a tow truck to take it there, which usually costs just a few dozen dollars; use ride-hailing apps like Didi and choose their large vehicle service for safety and convenience; or take public transport like buses or subways if the DMV is nearby. Remember to bring your vehicle's certificate of conformity and insurance policy. At the DMV, you'll need to have the car inspected and sign documents before getting the plates—take it step by step and don't rush. Many cities now support online appointment scheduling to reduce waiting times, which is a good idea. In short, don't panic, just find a reliable solution.

I once made a silly mistake when I was in a hurry to get my newly purchased car licensed. I forgot to apply for a temporary license plate and drove directly to the registration office, only to be stopped by the police halfway, fined, and wasting an entire day. The lesson was profound: never drive without a temporary license plate. It's better to spend extra time calling a tow truck or asking for help. The vehicle management office needs to inspect the vehicle identification number, so make sure to bring all the necessary documents to complete the process in one go and avoid repeated hassles. This is a common mistake, so learn from this experience and act wisely.


