Can a Vehicle Be Licensed in Any City?
4 Answers
National regulations stipulate that as long as the vehicle meets the standards and satisfies the local licensing conditions, it can be registered, with no restrictions on where it was purchased. Therefore, a vehicle can be licensed in any city. Materials required for licensing a vehicle purchased in another city include: Original and copy of the vehicle qualification certificate; Original purchase invoice (three copies in total); Compulsory insurance certificate; Vehicle purchase tax certificate; Owner's ID card; Residence permit. Procedures for licensing a vehicle in another city: Go to the inspection area to trace the vehicle frame number, inspect the vehicle, and take standard photos. Vehicles exceeding the inspection validity period should also undergo an online inspection; Fill out the "Application Form" at the service hall, submit the materials at the window, and receive the acceptance receipt; Select a license plate number through the self-service machine; Pay all required fees; Receive the vehicle registration certificate, driving license, and temporary license plate. You can apply for license plate mailing or choose to pick it up yourself. Precautions for purchasing a vehicle in another city: Some 4S stores may prohibit out-of-town customers from purchasing vehicles across regions, so be sure to clarify before buying to avoid the 4S store withholding certain documents of the new vehicle, requiring the owner to provide a local vehicle driving license for exchange; Since it is the break-in period for the new vehicle, drive carefully on the return trip, ensuring the engine speed is not too high, and avoid sudden acceleration and braking.
When I first started driving, I thought I could get a license plate in any city. Later, I found out that’s not the case at all. In China, car license plate registration must follow the owner’s household registration or permanent residence—you can’t just pick any city. For example, I live in Beijing, and if I want a license plate, I have to enter a lottery first, with a frustratingly low chance. What about getting a plate in my hometown? Since my household registration has been moved, the DMV requires over six months of residence proof and social security records. Some first-tier cities have strict license plate restrictions—plates are expensive and hard to obtain. I’ve heard of people using agents to register in remote cities to save money, but then they can’t drive in restricted zones and end up with one fine after another. In the long run, it’s better to play it safe and go through the proper procedures in your place of residence—it saves hassle and trouble. A car is meant to be driven, so don’t create unnecessary headaches for yourself down the road.
As a car mechanic, I've seen my fair share of license plate issues. There are restrictions on selecting plates: they must correspond to the owner's registered residence or actual place of residence. For example, if you live in Shanghai, you can only apply for a Shanghai license plate. Policies vary greatly between cities—Beijing has strict purchase restrictions, while Shenzhen offers free green plates but with long waiting lists. Want to register in another city? Unless you're relocating for work with proof, the process is complicated, and the DMV has many requirements. Even used car transfers require handling license plate ownership. New energy vehicle policies are relatively more lenient, but traffic restrictions in first-tier cities still apply penalties. I advise everyone to consult local traffic regulations in advance to avoid having their cars impounded for using out-of-town plates or dealing with the hassle of cross-region annual inspections. When it comes to license plates, operating legally and compliantly is the only way to use them with peace of mind—don't sacrifice long-term convenience for short-term gains.
When I bought my first car, I was also confused, thinking I could choose a license plate from any city. The truth is that license plate registration is based on the owner's address, either their household registration or place of residence. For example, if I live in Hangzhou, my car can only have a Zhejiang A plate; if I insist on an out-of-town plate, I'd need to find a local to help, but there are risks. New cars must pay purchase tax in the registration area, which is a clear limitation. Some places, like Guangzhou, have strict license plate restrictions. In short, you can't choose a license plate city as you wish, and understanding local policies is very important.
