Can I choose a license plate online without paying the purchase tax?
2 Answers
You can choose a license plate online without paying the purchase tax, as long as you have the vehicle identification number (VIN), engine number, and car purchase invoice number. Here are the specific details about the purchase tax: Scope of taxation: As a property tax, the vehicle purchase tax is levied on specific purchased vehicles as the taxable object, rather than on all properties or consumer properties. It has a narrow scope and is a type of special property tax. Taxation process: The vehicle purchase tax is imposed as a one-time levy, not at every stage of production, operation, or consumption, but only at the specific stage when the vehicle exits circulation and enters the consumer market. Tax rate: The vehicle purchase tax is levied at a single uniform proportional rate, which does not vary with the amount of the taxable object, making it simple to calculate and ensuring stable tax burdens.
I remember having similar dilemmas when buying a new car a few years ago. The purchase tax is a mandatory step—you can't select license plates online without paying it. This tax is essentially proof of vehicle purchase to the state. After payment, the tax bureau issues a tax payment certificate. The DMV system links to the tax database, automatically verifying your status when you log into the 12123 APP for plate selection. If it shows unpaid taxes, the system immediately locks you out. Back then, I was eager to grab a good plate number but had to rush to the tax office first, which delayed me by a few days. Later, I found it’s much more convenient now—you can pay the tax via WeChat Official Accounts or Alipay in minutes, and once the certificate is uploaded to the APP, you can start selecting. So don’t try cutting corners—just pay the tax honestly before thinking about plate selection.
