Is a temporary residence permit required to buy a new car in another city?
3 Answers
Buying a new car in another city does not require a temporary residence permit, but it is needed for license plate registration. Fill in the information and submit: You need to fill out a temporary resident registration form. The applicant, employer, or property owner must submit the resident ID card, photos, and proof of temporary residence address, employment, or education to the local police station or community service agency authorized by the public security authority. After approval, a receipt will be issued. Wait for the temporary residence permit: The community police station will process the residence permit (formerly called a temporary residence permit). Photos will be taken at the police station, and it usually takes about 30 days to obtain the residence permit. After purchasing the car, you can then apply for a local license plate at the local vehicle management office.
Yes, a temporary residence permit is required, especially when registering a new car. As a car owner with over a decade of experience, I once wanted to buy a car in Shanghai while working in Suzhou, but I had to provide a temporary residence permit to prove my local rental or residence status before I could get a Shanghai license plate. Requirements vary by city—strict in metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, where formal residence documents are needed, while smaller cities may accept rental contracts. Without the permit, registration is troublesome. I almost got fined last time and had to pay extra hundreds through a friend’s intermediary. Before buying, check the local DMV policy online or call the 4S store to confirm. Don’t skip this step to avoid wasting time, fuel, and disrupting work/life. Bring your original ID to apply for the permit early—it’s simple but time-sensitive.
As a young person who just got my driver's license, I'm also paying attention to this. Friends told me that if you buy a new car in another city, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit to get local license plates, because they need to confirm you have a legal address. I came from the countryside to work in the city and want to buy a commuter car for convenience. Online research shows requirements vary by location - Hangzhou has stricter rules, while some smaller cities accept work certificates as alternatives. It's best not to guess randomly - go directly to the DMV or dealership to ask in person, or download the official app to check regulations. I delayed this process myself, which resulted in postponed vehicle pickup and wasted trips. Getting the documents done properly actually saves money. Remember to bring your ID card and rental contract to save time and avoid penalty risks. Plan ahead to prevent impacts on your budget and schedule.
