Can vehicle color change registration be processed in a different location?
3 Answers
According to Article 56 of the newly revised "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" by the Ministry of Public Security, which came into effect on May 1, 2022, vehicle color change registration can be processed in a different location. For small and micro passenger vehicles applying for registration changes due to body color alterations, if the vehicle is not in the registration location, the application can be submitted to the local vehicle management office where the vehicle is located. The local vehicle management office where the vehicle is located should inspect the motor vehicle according to regulations, review the submitted proofs and credentials, and transfer the electronic inspection data of the motor vehicle to the registration location's vehicle management office. The registration location's vehicle management office will then review and issue the vehicle license according to regulations. The following materials must be submitted when applying for a change in vehicle body color: "Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form"; original and photocopies of the identity proofs of the vehicle owner and agent; original motor vehicle registration certificate; original motor vehicle license; and proof of penalty payment before changing the vehicle color. 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 registered and filed within 10 days after the vehicle color is changed. Notes on vehicle wrap color changes: Before preparing to change the color of a vehicle wrap, it is necessary to consult the vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to confirm whether the local area permits changing vehicle color using wraps. If the area does not support this method, the registration procedure cannot be processed after the color change, and the wrap must be completely removed to restore the vehicle's original color. Additionally, according to Article 10 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," vehicle owners are no longer required to apply to the vehicle management office in advance. They can first change the vehicle color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply for a change registration with the vehicle management office. According to Article 10, registered motor vehicles must apply for change registration with the registration location's vehicle management office 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 nature, such as converting a commercial vehicle to a non-commercial vehicle or vice versa. The vehicle owner's residence moves out of or into 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 emblem patterns and equipped with alarms and signal lights as required. Other motor vehicles are not allowed to paint, install, or use the specialized emblem patterns, alarms, or signal lights of the aforementioned vehicles or similar ones.
Last time when I changed my car's color, I was traveling out of town. I wanted to file the modification at the local vehicle management office but was told it wasn't possible - I had to return to the vehicle's registration location to handle it. Filing the modification means updating the vehicle license photo to prove the color change complies with regulations, otherwise you may be fined if checked on the road. The reason it couldn't be done elsewhere is due to unsynchronized data systems and local authority restrictions at vehicle management offices. At that time, I had to take leave and drive back to my hometown to handle it, which took a whole day - wasting fuel and being quite troublesome. Looking back now, I suggest car owners confirm the procedures with their registration location's vehicle management office before changing colors, or consider using an agent to save hassle. Don't forget to bring your ID card and vehicle registration certificate to avoid wasted trips. Overall, the filing process is quite simple - just a photo procedure - but the geographical restrictions are a pain point. These policies exist to prevent information errors and ensure safety, but hopefully the system's networking capabilities can be improved in the future.
From my understanding, vehicle color change registration cannot be processed in a different location and must be handled at the local DMV where the car is registered. This is a regulatory requirement to ensure accurate and unified vehicle information, and the vehicle license needs to be replaced after registration. If you plan to change the color while away, it's best to arrange in advance, such as authorizing a family member to handle it for you or waiting until you return to your local area. The registration must be completed within 10 days after the color change, and you'll need to bring the required materials to take photos and fill out forms on-site. This policy helps prevent traffic fraud but does inconvenience out-of-town car owners. I've noticed some cities are piloting online appointment services, which might expand to include cross-region options in the future. It's advisable for car owners to check with the DMV hotline for the latest updates to minimize hassle.
