Do I Need to Drive the Car to Replace the Vehicle License?

[StValeria]

Replacing the vehicle license requires driving the car, but you need to bring all the required materials. Process for replacing the vehicle license: Bring the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's identity proof to the vehicle management offices of each branch or the traffic police departments of each district (county) to obtain the "Motor Vehicle License Plate Application Form". Then apply for a file check and replacement of the vehicle license at the vehicle management office where the car is registered. Notes for replacing the vehicle license: If it is handled by an entrusted agent, the agent should also submit the original and photocopy of their identity proof, as well as a written authorization from the vehicle owner. The agent must sign the "Motor Vehicle License Plate Application Form".

[LeDylan]

Whether you need to drive your car to renew your vehicle license depends on the situation: For a normal renewal upon expiry, you don't need to drive the car. Just bring your ID card, the old vehicle license, and the compulsory traffic insurance policy to the vehicle management office. However, if you're replacing a lost vehicle license or if the vehicle management office requires an on-site inspection of the vehicle, you must drive the car there for verification. I learned this the hard way when I went to replace my license—I took time off work only to be told I needed to bring the car, making the trip a waste of time. I recommend calling your local vehicle management office first to confirm if your car needs inspection; their system can check this. Many cities now offer online renewal services through the 12123 app, where the new license is mailed directly to your home, saving you the hassle of going out. However, online services only support normal renewals; replacing a lost license still requires an in-person visit.

[AddysonMarie]

Just renewed the registration certificate for my old car: For vehicles within six years, no need to bring the car. Just prepare the original ID card, a copy, the old registration certificate (both main and supplementary pages), and a valid compulsory traffic insurance policy. The whole process at the counter took only twenty minutes. However, if you need a replacement due to damage to the registration certificate, you must drive the car to the inspection line for re-taking photos and tracing the chassis number. The DMV officer also reminded me that vehicles with modified body colors or worn engine numbers must be driven in for verification without exception. Additionally, the 12123 APP is now very powerful. For unmodified vehicles, simply upload the required materials for review, pay the fee online, and wait for the delivery, saving even the time for running errands.

[OAdeline]

There are two scenarios for renewing an expired vehicle license. For a standard renewal, simply bring the required documents: the owner's ID card, the old vehicle license, and a copy of the valid compulsory traffic insurance, and you can get it done on the spot at the vehicle management office. However, if it involves a replacement due to loss or changes in vehicle information, the vehicle must be brought in for inspection. Specifically, driving the vehicle is mandatory in these three cases: first, when replacing a lost vehicle license; second, when the vehicle has undergone modifications to its lights or body; and third, when the chassis or engine number is unclear and needs to be re-stamped. It's advisable to call the vehicle management office in advance to confirm requirements or check the processing guidelines on the Traffic Management 12123 app to avoid unnecessary trips. Nowadays, the first renewal for non-commercial vehicles can mostly be done online, making it increasingly convenient.