Come to think of it, I can't recall CA issuing a temporary plate for some time. All I get when buying a new motorcycle is an empty license plate frame and a small strip of paper which is the temporary registration that you carry around with you in your wallet. The metal plate made by the State's prison workers, arrives within 30 to 60 days after the sale, via snail mail.
My daughter just bought a new car and she didn't get a temporary plate, either. However, I seem to recall that CA used to issue a temporary paper "plate", but that was a while ago. I wonder why things have changed?