Does changing to the same color matte finish require registration?
4 Answers
Changing to the same color matte finish requires registration. If the exterior color of the vehicle has been altered, it must be registered at the vehicle management office within 10 working days. According to Article 10 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," the owner of a motor vehicle that has undergone a change in body color must apply for a modification registration at the vehicle management office of the registration location. Registered motor vehicles must apply for modification registration under any of the following circumstances: 1. Change in body color; 2. Replacement of the engine; 3. Replacement of the body or frame; 4. Replacement of the entire vehicle due to quality issues; 5. Change in usage nature, such as converting a commercial vehicle to a non-commercial vehicle or vice versa; 6. The motor vehicle owner's residence moves out of or into the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office, and an application for modification registration can be submitted to the vehicle management office of the registration location.
I just repainted my car with the same color in matte finish, and honestly, you must file for the modification. The DMV has clear regulations—any change in vehicle paint, including switching from gloss to matte, even if the color code remains the same, requires a modification registration. A friend of mine skipped the process to save trouble, only to get stuck during the annual inspection: fined 200 RMB and forced to repaint it back. The filing process isn’t complicated: bring your vehicle registration certificate and ID, fill out forms at the DMV, and it’s usually done in a week. But policies vary by region, so check the official website or call ahead. Safety is also critical—matte paint reflects less light, increasing nighttime driving risks, and insurers may deny claims if they find unreported modifications. So don’t gamble—file immediately after the change. Early filing means peace of mind, unlike my initial delay.
I love car modifications. Last year, I changed my beloved car to matte black. Although the color remained the same, the entire exterior got a new feel, super cool. However, the registration process is something you really need to take seriously. I asked my buddy at the repair shop, and he said according to the rules, a change in finish counts as a color modification and must be registered at the DMV. I went through the process myself—it's simple: pay a few dozen bucks, take photos for verification, and wait a few days for approval. The risks of not registering are huge. For example, if you're caught during a traffic stop, you could face points deduction and fines. Worse, during insurance claims, if they find out it's an unregistered modification, they might refuse to pay. Although it's a bit of a hassle, matte paint itself is durable and less prone to showing scratches compared to glossy finishes. My advice: don’t wait after the modification, get it registered ASAP to avoid regrets in case of any mishaps.
According to current regulations, any modification to the vehicle's paintwork, including changing to a matte finish even with the same color, is considered a color alteration and must be registered with the vehicle management office. In practice, neglecting this can lead to issues such as failing annual inspections or liability disputes in traffic accidents. The registration process includes providing vehicle documents and submitting an application, which is generally quick, but it's advisable to consult local authorities for specific details. In terms of safety, matte paint affects reflectivity, so ensuring compliance is essential to prevent potential hazards.
