
Temporary license plates cannot be renewed once expired, but you can reapply for them. According to the regulations on the application and use of motor vehicle driving licenses: If the owner of a motor vehicle has not registered it after purchase, they can apply for temporary license plates up to three times, with each validity period not exceeding fifteen days. However, already issued temporary license plates cannot be extended. Temporary license plates are paper motor vehicle plates that allow temporary road use, also known as temporary driving plates. Temporary license plates are temporary vehicle movement permits issued by the vehicle management department of the public security bureau before the new vehicle is officially registered. The validity period of temporary license plates generally does not exceed thirty days. 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.

My temporary license plate was about to expire, so I want to share my personal experience. After buying the car, the temporary plate was only valid for a week before nearing expiration, so I nervously went to the local DMV. You should go early because the lines are long and crowded. You need to bring the original ID card, a copy of the car purchase invoice, and the vehicle insurance proof. I filled out a temporary plate renewal application and waited almost two hours before it was processed. The staff issued a new temporary plate, extending the validity by about two weeks—just enough time until the official plate arrived. I recommend not waiting until the last day; handle it one or two weeks in advance to avoid accidentally driving with an expired plate and getting fined. The whole process, though time-consuming, was quite straightforward—just make sure not to forget any documents, or you’ll have to make extra trips. Cars are valuable assets, so safety comes first.

I have some knowledge about car procedures, and renewing a temporary license plate is actually quite straightforward. First, check the validity period of your temporary plate, and visit the local vehicle management office before it expires. Required documents include your ID card, vehicle invoice or certificate of conformity, plus a copy of your insurance policy. It's best to make an online appointment in advance to reduce waiting time; if you don't have one, you can also go directly to the office. The application process involves filling out a form and submitting it, along with a small fee, and you can usually get the new plate on the same day. If your temporary plate is about to expire and cannot be renewed, avoid driving on the road to prevent fines or even having your car towed by traffic police. Always keep an eye on announcements from the vehicle management office, as policies may change in some areas—staying informed helps avoid delays.

As a new driver, I was also worried about my temporary license plate expiring when I first bought my car. Here's a simple solution: Before it expires, take your ID and car purchase invoice to the DMV to apply for an extension. Don't wait until the last day—handling it early saves hassle. Just fill out a form and pay the fee, and you'll get a new plate. If it expires, don't drive until you've renewed it to avoid fines. The extension gives you more time until you get your permanent plate. The whole process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes—safe driving comes first.


