
It cannot be processed online. The motor vehicle deregistration procedure can only be handled at the vehicle management office or the traffic management department of the public security authority. After obtaining the scrapping procedures, the vehicle must be sent to a scrapyard to receive a scrapping certificate, then return to the vehicle management office to complete the specific scrapping procedures. The following introduces the scrapping time and annual inspection for private cars: 1. Scrapping time for private cars:  Private vehicles do not have a fixed scrapping time. During use, when a private vehicle's mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, it will be guided for scrapping. Guided scrapping does not equal mandatory scrapping and is completed based on the vehicle owner's willingness. As long as the motor vehicle can pass the regular annual inspection, it can continue to be used normally. 2. Annual inspection for private cars over 20 years old:  They must undergo an on-site inspection every six months. If the vehicle fails to meet the inspection standards, it will be mandatorily scrapped. Mandatorily scrapped motor vehicles cannot be driven on the road, as doing so is illegal. The motor vehicle will be permanently impounded, and the driver will face penalties.

Recently, I went through the process of deregistering a vehicle, and many places now support online handling, which is quite convenient. To proceed, you need to submit an application via a mobile app or the local DMV website, uploading materials like the vehicle license and ID card photos. The prerequisite is that all traffic violations must be cleared, or the system will block the process. Upon completion, there’s usually an online confirmation, but sometimes you still need to visit in person to collect the scrapping certificate or deregistration form. There are significant regional differences—for instance, first-tier cities generally have broader coverage, while smaller cities might require more legwork. Personally, I’d recommend checking local policies online first and registering an account to try it out, as it can save a lot of time and hassle. Don’t forget to back up electronic copies of your documents to avoid starting over if something goes wrong.

As a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, I highly recommend handling vehicle deregistration online nowadays, but it must be done step by step. You need to ensure the vehicle has no accidents or mortgages, input the license plate number and owner information through the government service platform, and wait for review after uploading documents. The system will automatically check for any outstanding violations. If everything is clear, you can confirm online. The key is to have all materials ready, such as clear photos of both sides of your ID card, otherwise you might have to resubmit multiple times. Sometimes, online processing only covers initial steps, and you'll eventually need to visit the DMV to submit physical documents. My advice to beginners: check the guidelines on the DMV app beforehand, don't rely solely on the internet, as policies might change unexpectedly. Overall, it saves a lot of time, but requires a bit more patience.

Last year, I completed the deregistration of my old car entirely online through the local DMV app. Just upload the vehicle license and personal ID, and the system automatically verifies the information. If there are no outstanding traffic violations, the process is super fast—you’ll receive a confirmation SMS within minutes. However, there’s a prerequisite: documents must be accurate, or they’ll be rejected. Some regions may support fully online operations, including issuing electronic certificates, while others might require follow-up procedures. It’s advisable to book an online appointment or inquire first to avoid wasted trips. The tool is very convenient, and regular account maintenance can prevent glitches.


