Can a vehicle undergo annual inspection in a different location?
4 Answers
Vehicle can undergo annual inspection in a different location, but the owner must first apply to the original registration location before proceeding with the inspection. Every year, an application must be submitted to the vehicle management office of the original registration location. During the application, the vehicle must provide the driving license and the compulsory vehicle liability insurance policy. The vehicle management office will verify the vehicle and then issue a letter of authorization for the inspection qualification mark. The vehicle owner can then apply for the inspection mark at the local vehicle management office by submitting the authorization letter for the qualification mark. Annual inspection refers to the safety inspection conducted every year or every two years, which includes a comprehensive check of the vehicle's horn, brakes, axle weight, chassis, ignition system, lighting system, exhaust system, license plate installation, and other aspects.
Last year when I was on a business trip in Guangzhou with my Hunan-licensed car, I simply found a local inspection station to get it done. Remember to bring your vehicle license, ID card, and compulsory traffic insurance policy, and make sure all traffic violations are cleared beforehand. The current policy is very user-friendly - nationwide inspection coverage applies to most passenger cars, with on-site payment and testing. I got my new annual inspection sticker within half an hour. Calling ahead to confirm the inspection station's operating hours can save you a lot of trouble. However, special vehicles like large buses must return to their registration location for inspection. Overall, it was much more convenient than expected - I didn't even need to prepare a power of attorney.
For those of us who frequently travel across provinces for business, cross-province annual vehicle inspections are a top concern. My Zhejiang-licensed car has undergone inspections twice in Shandong—just navigate to the local DMV-designated inspection station. Three key points to note: first, settle all traffic violations, keep the vehicle in its original factory condition without modifications, and ensure the compulsory traffic insurance is valid. The process involves vehicle inspection, fee payment, and receiving the inspection sticker, all fully digitized, with inspection fees typically ranging from 200 to 400 RMB. Just helped a colleague with a cross-province inspection and would like to remind everyone that vehicle and vessel tax can also be paid in another province, eliminating the need to return to the original registration location.
Last month while working out of town, I realized my car was due for its annual inspection, so I directly booked a testing station via the 12123 APP. Just bring your ID card and vehicle license, and the staff will check the lights, brakes, etc. It took just over twenty minutes to complete. The nationwide inspection policy is really hassle-free—no need for a power of attorney. Special note: If you’ve modified the rims or headlights, make sure to restore them to their original condition beforehand. Inspection fees vary by location; I paid 280 and got the new sticker affixed to the windshield on the spot.
