The convolution-type Gurtin variational principle is known as the only variational principle that is, from the mathematics point of view, totally equivalent to the initial value problem system. In this paper, the equation of motion of rectangular thin plates is first transformed to a new governing equation containing initial conditions by using a convolution method. A convolution-type semi-analytical DQ approach, which involves differential quadrature (DQ) approximation in the space domain and an analytical series expansion in the time domain, is proposed to obtain the transient response solution. This approach offers the same advantages as the Gurtin variational principle and, at the same time, is much simpler in calculation. Numerical results show that it is very accurate yet computationally efficient for the dynamic response of plates.