What to Do If a Temporary License Plate Is Lost?

[VonGeorge]

After losing a license plate, the first thing to do is to call the police. Then, file a report at the local police station to prevent the vehicle from being used illegally by criminals with fake plates. Bring the report to the vehicle management office to apply for a replacement. If only one plate is lost, the other one must also be submitted to the vehicle management office. During the replacement process, a temporary license plate will be issued, which must be returned when collecting the new plates. Below is the procedure for replacing a lost temporary license plate: 1. Prepare the vehicle's registration certificate, the original ID card of the vehicle owner and a copy, and the 'Motor Vehicle License Plate Application Form' available at the vehicle management office. 2. If the vehicle belongs to a company and the plate is stolen, also bring the organization code certificate. Remove the other plate and carry it with you. 3. Fill out the 'Motor Vehicle License Plate Application Form,' submit the required documents (vehicle registration certificate, original ID card and copy, and the other plate), and complete the payment.

[DeMiranda]

I've been driving for over a decade, and losing a temporary license plate isn't uncommon. If you run into this trouble, don't panic—stop driving immediately and don't hit the road. Driving without a plate can result in fines and penalty points. Head to the local DMV as soon as possible to get a replacement. Bring your ID, the original vehicle invoice, and the compulsory insurance policy, then fill out an application form. You can usually get a new plate the same day. Remember to call ahead to check the DMV's hours to avoid a wasted trip. The replacement process is straightforward but time-consuming—last time, it took me two hours to sort it out. To prevent this, it's best to take a photo of the plate and save it on your phone or keep a copy in the car. Temporary plates are easy to lose, so careful handling is crucial. If something happens while driving without it, you'll bear full responsibility—safety first, so don't cut corners and deal with it early.

[SanJace]

As a young person, I used the temporary license plate right after buying the car. If it gets lost, quickly check the mobile app or the DMV website. In some cities, you can apply for a replacement online by uploading photos of your ID and invoice, then choose between mail delivery or pickup, saving you the hassle of going in person. During the processing period, avoid driving out—getting caught could mean a fine of several hundred yuan plus penalty points. Last time I lost mine, I immediately contacted the 4S store to handle it for me—they know the process well and are efficient. Keeping backup materials in the cloud or WeChat favorites is a good habit. Also, pay attention to the temporary plate's expiration date; don’t let the replacement exceed the deadline to avoid affecting the transfer process. The whole process is faster than you’d think, but patience is key.

[SanDominic]

I just became a car owner a few months ago, and losing the temporary license plate really made me panic. I consulted other car owners, and they all said not to drive for now, otherwise, it would be bad if the police found out. Just go directly to the nearby vehicle management office, bring your ID card, car purchase invoice, and compulsory traffic insurance, queue up to fill out a form to get a new plate. Stay at home or take a taxi until the replacement is done. The replacement fee is usually just a few dozen bucks, not expensive. Newbies are advised to seek help from a 4S store—they're professional and considerate.