What to Do When the Temporary License Plate Expires?
2 Answers
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.
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.
