What to Do When the Temporary License Plate Expires?

[DeRowan]

Temporary license plates can be renewed consecutively upon expiration, or you can proceed to obtain a permanent license plate. Below is detailed information regarding the application for both temporary and permanent license plates: 1. Applying for a Temporary License Plate: A temporary license plate is a provisional vehicle travel permit issued by the vehicle management department of the public security bureau for newly purchased vehicles before official registration. Temporary plates can be applied for consecutively, but the number of renewals is limited to three. If you need to drive in another province, you must apply for a 30-day cross-province temporary license plate. 2. Applying for a Permanent License Plate: A permanent license plate serves as the identification and information registration for a vehicle. Its primary function is to indicate the vehicle's region of registration through the plate number, and it also allows for tracking the vehicle's owner and registration details based on the plate number.

[StOlivia]

When I bought my new car last year, the temporary license plate was about to expire, and I felt a bit anxious at the time. However, the process turned out to be quite simple. Before the temporary plate expired, I promptly visited the vehicle management office to apply for a formal license plate. I just needed to bring the car purchase invoice, my ID card, and proof of compulsory traffic insurance. If you drive with an expired temporary plate and get caught by traffic police, you could face fines, penalty points, and it might even affect your insurance claims. I also checked the local vehicle management office’s business hours online in advance and went early in the morning when there were fewer people, which made the process much faster—it only took about an hour to complete. Looking back now, the key is not to procrastinate. Start preparing at least a week before the expiration date to avoid last-minute panic. Some places may allow you to renew the temporary plate, but it’s best to get a formal one directly for long-term peace of mind.

[Hannah]

I just got my driver's license, and my car is also new. I was really worried about something going wrong when the temporary license plate was about to expire. Later, I found out that solving this issue isn't difficult—the key is not to drive with an expired plate. I promptly went to the DMV to get the official license plate, making sure to prepare all the car purchase documents and copies of my ID card. Driving with an expired plate is too risky; in case of an accident, the insurance company might refuse to pay, and you could face hefty fines. I recommend taking action a few days in advance to avoid wasting half a day queuing during peak hours. I often browse car owner forums to read experiences shared by other beginners, such as going to handle the paperwork on a weekday afternoon and ensuring all materials are ready to avoid delays. The key is to be prepared and not wait until the last day to panic.

[ErinRose]

Don't drive with an expired temporary license plate. First, prepare your vehicle purchase invoice, ID card, and insurance policy, then go directly to the DMV to apply for official plates. Driving with expired plates may result in fines or even vehicle impoundment. Try to complete the process at least one week before expiration to avoid hassle. The DMV procedure is usually quick—just fill out forms and submit documents. If you can't make it in time, park the car and don't drive it. Regularly check the expiration date on the window sticker and don't overlook it. Safety first.