How to Change Car License Plates?

[OStella]

You can apply online by submitting an application for vehicle registration transfer under your name on the website of the local traffic management authority. After the online application is approved, you will receive an SMS notification. When the vehicle's electronic records arrive at the local DMV, you will also receive an SMS notification. Bring the relevant documents to the corresponding DMV to complete the vehicle registration process. Use the approval notice to proceed with the vehicle plate registration. Collect the new local license plates and the new vehicle registration certificate.

[LaBrody]

Just helped a friend change license plates, had to make a trip to the DMV. First, prepare materials like the green vehicle registration book, ID card, and vehicle qualification certificate. If it's an out-of-town transfer, you'll also need a residence permit. Remember to remove the old plates on-site, as staff will inspect the vehicle and take photos. Plate selection is easier now—you can customize or randomly pick numbers on the 12123 app. I recommend choosing online in advance to save time. After paying the fees, wait for the new plates to be made; some cities issue them the same day. Finally, when installing the plates yourself, remember to use specialized anti-tamper screws, or you might get fined if caught. The whole process took me half a day, mostly due to waiting in line. Oh, and if you want to keep the original plate number, remember to apply in advance—it must meet the usage period requirement.

[MacOmar]

We used car dealers often handle this. The core three steps: document preparation, DMV processing, and installing new plates. For individual processing, bring the original owner's ID card, vehicle registration certificate, driving license, and compulsory insurance policy. We recommend making an appointment via 12123 first to avoid queues. After filling forms and vehicle inspection on-site, old plates will be reclaimed. The number selection moment might bring surprises, but retaining original numbers requires three years of usage. New plate fees are around 120 yuan, with metal plates typically taking three days for production. When self-installing, pay attention to alignment and avoid obscuring the license plate area. Finally, don't forget to update ETC information, otherwise you won't be able to use highways.

[AthenaAnn]

From the DMV staff's perspective: For license plate replacement, the vehicle owner must bring the original ID card, vehicle registration certificate, driving license, and compulsory traffic insurance policy. First, remove the old license plate, and staff will verify the vehicle identification number and engine number. After submitting the materials at the counter, pay a fee of 115 yuan for plate production (including 100 yuan for the reflective license plate and 15 yuan for the driving license processing fee). During number selection, you can operate the self-service machine in the service hall, with a time limit of 3 minutes to choose 1 out of 50 options. The new license plate must be collected at the designated production point, and it is recommended to bring vehicle photos as backup. Finally, note: The license plate must be installed using the sealing device issued by the DMV, otherwise it may be considered illegal modification.

[MacKaylee]

Last month, I just completed an inter-provincial vehicle transfer. First, handle the original registration: apply for electronic transfer on the 12123 platform, and after three days of approval, go to the vehicle management office in the destination city. Bring the sealed vehicle documents from the file bag and undergo a re-inspection with the vehicle identification number (remember to prepare a fire extinguisher). The key is to purchase compulsory traffic insurance in the destination city; otherwise, the process won't proceed. The new license plate selection offered more options for new energy vehicles compared to my hometown. I tried three times with self-selection before succeeding. The plate production took only two hours, but you'll need a screwdriver to install it. Important reminder: temporary license plates can only be issued three times, so plan your travel time carefully. It's recommended to bring a spare reflective vest for the inspection.

[LeJosiah]

Newbies, watch out for these pitfalls! Don't forget the original copy of the compulsory traffic insurance document, or you'll make a wasted trip like I did. Clear all traffic violations beforehand, as the system may delay the process. Prepare the right screwdriver for removing old license plates – I ended up using pliers. At the DMV, don't exceed the 90-second countdown for number selection, or a random plate will be assigned. Pay attention to front/back orientation when installing new plates – letters have specific alignment rules. Surprisingly, scalpers across from the DMV quoted ￥300 for assistance, but DIY costs just around ￥100. Damaged screw holes are troublesome, so apply oil during removal to prevent rust. After installation, photograph your plates – you'll need them for license updates.