How to Change the Color of a Financed Car Without the Green Book?

[Kirsten]

For a financed car without the green book, if the loan was obtained through the manufacturer's financial services, you can directly contact the 4S dealership and ask them to borrow the green book from the manufacturer. Borrowing the green book involves a fee, and it should be returned to the 4S dealership immediately after use. If the loan is from a bank, there is no alternative but to wait until the loan is fully repaid before changing the car's color. According to Article 6, 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 apply for a change of registration. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, it must be filed and registered within 10 days after the color change. Notes on Vehicle Color Change: Before changing the color of a motor vehicle, you should consult the vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to check whether the local area permits the use of wraps to change the vehicle's color. If the area does not support this method, the change cannot be registered, and you will have to remove the wrap entirely and restore the vehicle's original color. Documents required for applying to change the color of a motor vehicle: "Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form." Identity documents of the vehicle owner and agent. Motor vehicle registration certificate. Motor vehicle license. Additionally, according to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," owners are no longer required to apply to the vehicle management office in advance. They can first change the vehicle's color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply for a change of registration with the vehicle management office. According to Article 10, registered motor vehicles must apply for a change of registration 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, such as converting a commercial vehicle to non-commercial use or vice versa. Change of the vehicle owner's residence to or from 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 display designated patterns and install alarms and warning lights as required. Other motor vehicles are prohibited from displaying, installing, or using patterns, alarms, or warning lights similar to those designated for these special vehicles. According to Article 56 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," if the body color is changed without following the required registration procedures, the traffic management department of the public security authority may issue a warning or impose a fine. The vehicle may also be impounded and required to revert to its original color.

[DiDiana]

I’ve been thinking about this recently—if your car loan isn’t fully paid off and the green book (vehicle registration certificate) is held by the bank, changing the car’s color isn’t straightforward. First, you’ll need to contact the lender to ask if they can provide a proof or authorization letter. Since they hold ownership rights, never proceed without their approval. Otherwise, you won’t be able to register the color change, fail the annual inspection, or even face fines. The DMV requires the green book for record-keeping, so without it, your efforts will be in vain. If the bank agrees, consider using a temporary solution like a vinyl wrap for color changes—it leaves no marks when removed, but low-quality wraps may peel. Once the loan is settled and you regain the green book, opt for a formal paint job or modifications for peace of mind. In short, handle it patiently—don’t rush and create unnecessary trouble for yourself.