Can I Apply for a Color Change Without the Green Book?

[HazelLynn]

It is not possible to register a color change for a vehicle without the green book. According to Article 6 of Chapter 2 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," if the color change area of a motor vehicle does not exceed 30%, there is no need to register the change. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, the change must be filed and registered within 10 days after the vehicle's color has been altered. Notes on Vehicle Color Change: Before changing the color of a motor vehicle, it is necessary to consult the vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to determine whether the local area permits the use of film to change the vehicle's color. If the area does not support this method, the filing procedure cannot be completed after the modification, and the film must be completely removed to restore the vehicle's original color. Documents required for applying to change the body color of a motor vehicle: "Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form." ID cards and copies of the motor vehicle owner and agent. Motor vehicle registration certificate. Motor vehicle driving license. Standard photos of the motor vehicle applying for the change registration. For company vehicles, the following additional documents are required: the company's renamed official seal, the new organization code certificate, and the business change information certificate issued by the Market Supervision and Administration Bureau (Industrial and Commercial Bureau). Additionally, according to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," owners are no longer required to apply to the vehicle management office in advance. They can first change the vehicle's color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply to the vehicle management office for change registration. According to Article 10, registered motor vehicles must apply for change registration under the following circumstances: Change of body color. Replacement of the engine. Replacement of the body or frame. Replacement of the entire vehicle due to quality issues. Change of use, such as converting a commercial vehicle to a non-commercial vehicle or vice versa. Change of the motor vehicle owner's residence to or from the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office. Furthermore, according to Article 15 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and engineering rescue vehicles must be painted with designated patterns and equipped with alarms and signal lights as required. Other motor vehicles are prohibited from painting, installing, or using patterns, alarms, or signal lights that are exclusive to or similar to those of the aforementioned vehicles. According to Article 56 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," if the body color is changed without following the proper change registration procedure, the public security traffic management department may issue a warning or impose a fine. The vehicle may also be impounded and required to revert to its original color.

[RicardoFitz]

Oh, this is a pretty common issue, and I've encountered a similar situation myself. Applying for a vehicle color change without the green book (vehicle registration certificate) is basically impossible because the green book serves as the official registration proof of the vehicle, used to verify the owner's identity and ownership. The DMV requires the original green book to process a color change registration; otherwise, the system can't update the data. A few years ago, I tried to change my car's color but forgot to bring the green book and had to make a wasted trip. The staff also reminded me that the registration must be completed within seven days after the color change, or there's a risk of fines. If you've lost your green book, don't panic—just go to the local vehicle management office to apply for a replacement. Bring the owner's ID card, invoice, and other necessary documents, and it usually takes about a week to get it sorted. Before making any modifications, it's best to consult a professional to ensure everything is legal so you can drive with peace of mind. Once the color change is done and the vehicle information is updated, you won't have any issues with reselling or annual inspections.

[StArya]

As a guy who often helps others with car modifications, I have some experience in this matter. Without the green book, it's almost impossible to submit a color change application. The green book is essentially the vehicle's household registration document, and the DMV checks it during the approval process to confirm who has the authority to make changes. Before changing the color, you must prepare the green book, as the DMV needs it to record the color modification. I've seen clients who insisted on changing colors without the green book and were turned away, having to get a replacement before returning. If the green book is lost, go to the vehicle registration office to get a new one—just bring your ID and fill out a form, and it'll be done quickly. After changing the color, don't forget to register it immediately; delaying it can lead to trouble, such as getting fined if caught driving with unregistered modifications. Legal modifications ensure road safety, so this is something you absolutely can't take lightly.

[EliAnn]

When I first bought my car, I was also curious about this and wanted to change the color for fun. Without the green book, you really can't apply for a color change. The green book is the official document of the car, and the DMV uses it to verify that you are the owner before allowing any color modification registration. Once, I wanted to change the color but found the green book was missing, so I had to apply for a replacement first. When applying for a color change, just bring the original green book to the DMV—the process is simple, just fill out an application. After the modification, you must promptly register and update the information to avoid being caught driving illegally. I recommend solving the green book issue first before considering a color change—it’s more secure and hassle-free.

[EloiseLee]

From a regulatory perspective, vehicle color changes must be legally registered. Without the green book (vehicle ownership certificate), you cannot apply because it serves as the core document proving ownership. The DMV verifies color modifications by cross-checking original records. Failure to register promptly after color alteration violates traffic regulations, risking fines or even vehicle impoundment. If the green book is lost, apply for a replacement immediately by submitting owner identification and application forms. The entire process emphasizes compliance—consult official guidelines before modifications to ensure smooth procedures.