
Temporary license plates have a maximum validity period of 90 days. A temporary license plate is a provisional vehicle travel certificate issued by the vehicle management department of public security authorities when a car has not yet been officially registered due to certain procedures being processed. Temporary license plates are divided into: 1. Temporary license plates for administrative jurisdictions; 2. Temporary license plates for cross-administrative jurisdictions; 3. Temporary license plates for testing purposes; 4. Temporary license plates for special-type motor vehicles. The materials required to apply for a temporary license plate include: 1. Identity documents of the vehicle owner and the agent; 2. Proof of the vehicle's origin; 3. The whole vehicle factory qualification certificate for domestically produced motor vehicles, or the import certificate for imported motor vehicles; 4. The vehicle identification code and engine number rubbing. There are two temporary license plates in total, one to be affixed to the lower left or right corner of the front windshield, and the other to the lower left corner of the rear windshield.

Oh, I previously bought a new car and got a temporary license plate from the DMV, which can be valid for up to 30 days, especially suitable for inter-province transfers. For example, when I moved from Beijing to Shanghai, they gave me a 30-day temporary plate. But under normal circumstances, it's usually only issued for 15 days, so you need to apply based on your actual needs. If you exceed the deadline without switching to a formal license plate, the police may issue a fine or even deduct points, affecting your vehicle's road legality. A reminder: when applying for a temporary plate, bring materials like the car purchase invoice and ID card. Don’t wait until the last day—it’s best to go a few days early to avoid trouble. Temporary plates are designed for the transition period to ensure your new car is legally on the road, but don’t rely on them for too long. Get the formal procedures done as soon as possible.

As someone who often helps friends with vehicle-related matters, I understand that temporary license plates come with different validity periods. The standard temporary plate is valid for 15 days, but if you need to transfer the vehicle across administrative regions, such as moving out of the province, you can apply for one that lasts up to 30 days. This time limit is designed to encourage vehicle owners to complete the registration process promptly and reduce the risk of unlicensed vehicles on the road. My advice is to plan your schedule carefully once you receive the temporary plate and avoid exceeding the validity period, otherwise, you may face warnings or fines if caught by traffic police. The relevant regulations are detailed in the Road Traffic Safety Law. When applying, make sure to bring all required documents, such as your ID card and vehicle purchase proof, as the vehicle management office usually processes it on the same day. Always check the expiration date in advance to avoid any issues while driving.

Having driven for many years, I've seen numerous people getting tickets due to expired temporary license plates. Remember, the maximum validity of a temporary plate is 30 days, intended for specific relocation scenarios, but in most cases, only 15 days are approved. The key is not to procrastinate—get your permanent plates as soon as possible, since these are meant for short-term transition. If caught overdue, not only will you face fines, but it may also affect subsequent procedures. The DMV has clear regulations—safety first, handling it on time saves hassle.


