Can the Vehicle License Be Replaced at Any Vehicle Management Office?
2 Answers
Vehicle license replacement services cannot be processed at vehicle management offices outside the registration location; you must apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered. Below are the relevant instructions for replacing a vehicle license: 1. Expired Vehicle License: If the vehicle license is about to expire, the vehicle must undergo an inspection within 90 days before the expiration date. Non-exempt vehicle owners should bring a power of attorney, the vehicle license, and the compulsory traffic insurance policy to the designated vehicle inspection station for inspection. Upon passing the inspection, the inspection qualification mark can be obtained directly at the station. 2. Exempt Vehicles: For vehicles exempt from inspection within six years, the traffic management department will no longer inspect the vehicle when issuing the inspection mark. Instead, they will only review the application form for the vehicle inspection mark, the vehicle license, the compulsory traffic insurance certificate, the proof of vehicle and vessel tax payment or exemption, and verify the records of traffic violations and accident handling.
I've been driving for over a decade, and renewing the vehicle license isn't something you can just do at any traffic management office. Generally, you need to go to the traffic management office where your car was originally registered, because each office is responsible for vehicle registrations in specific areas—it's like matching household registration records. If it's not the registration location, you might need to complete transfer or authorization procedures in advance, which can be quite troublesome. I recommend checking the local transportation bureau website or the 12123 app first to confirm the location, and bring all necessary documents like your ID, old vehicle license, and vehicle certificates to avoid a wasted trip. Before renewing, make sure your vehicle's annual inspection and insurance are valid, as missing documents can cause delays. Some cities now offer cross-region processing options, but policies vary, so don't assume it's available everywhere. Driving safety is crucial—getting caught with an expired license can result in fines, penalty points, or even insurance claim rejections, so timely renewal is the safest approach.
