Can I have my car inspected in another location? Do I need to go in person?
2 Answers
You can have your car inspected in another location, and it is not necessary for you to go in person for the annual inspection. Below is the relevant information about cross-regional vehicle inspection: 1. Required documents: Original ID card; Vehicle registration certificate; Copy of compulsory traffic insurance; Proof of vehicle and vessel tax; Authorization letter for cross-regional vehicle inspection. 2. Authorized annual inspection: You can personally bring the documents to apply and then return; Alternatively, you can authorize a local friend or relative to handle the authorization letter on your behalf. However, the vehicle owner needs to provide the authorized person with a power of attorney. The authorized person must bring their own ID card, the power of attorney, the owner's original ID card, vehicle registration certificate, copy of compulsory traffic insurance, and proof of vehicle and vessel tax to proceed with the inspection on your behalf. After the inspection is completed, these documents must be mailed back to the vehicle owner for the annual inspection.
Last year, I just completed an out-of-town vehicle inspection in Suzhou with my Shandong-licensed car. Straight to the point, cross-region inspections are now nationwide—no issue unless the local DMV has special requirements. I specifically consulted traffic police officers at the DMV, who confirmed that all you need are the vehicle registration certificate, compulsory traffic insurance policy, and the owner’s ID card. If someone else handles it for you, they’ll need their ID too. That day, I had my cousin go for me since I was away on business. The whole process took just over half an hour: staff scanned the VIN with a device and checked emissions, brakes, lights, etc. A heads-up—double-check if the local inspection station accepts out-of-town vehicles, ideally by calling ahead to avoid wasted trips. Some places might require clearing traffic violations or providing proof of vehicle tax payment, so pay attention to these details.
