What to Do If a Temporary License Plate Is Lost?
3 Answers
After losing the license plate, the first thing to do is to call the police. Then, go to the local police station to file a report to prevent the vehicle from being used by criminals with fake plates. Take the proof 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.
Oh, I just dealt with this a couple of days ago. Don't panic if you lose one temporary license plate, just go get a replacement immediately. Bring your original ID card and its copy, along with all the purchase invoices and certificates from when you bought the car, and go directly to the vehicle management office or traffic police station window. Nowadays, many places allow online replacement applications through the 12123 Traffic Management App, but you'll need to upload photos of the required materials. After approval, you can choose mail delivery or self-pickup. Important reminder: never take chances by driving with just one temporary plate—if caught, it's treated as driving without license plates, costing you all 12 points. To be safe, it's best not to drive the car during the replacement period.
My neighbor has encountered this situation as well. First, it's important to clarify that a temporary license plate set consists of two pieces that must be displayed simultaneously on the front and rear windshields. If one is lost, it needs to be replaced. The quickest solution is to drive to the DMV with the vehicle owner's ID card, original purchase invoice, and the original vehicle qualification certificate (or customs declaration for imported vehicles) to apply for a replacement. Note that if the temporary plate was issued in a different location from where the car was purchased, the replacement process might be more complicated. The key point is not to drive the car without the temporary plate—either arrange for a tow truck or avoid moving the car until the new temporary plate is obtained. To save trouble, it's advisable to call the local DMV beforehand to confirm the required documentation details.
