How to Handle the Procedures for Vehicle Wrap Color Change?
3 Answers
To apply for a change in the body color of a motor vehicle, the following documents must be submitted according to the "Road Traffic Safety Law": "Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form," identity proofs of the motor vehicle owner and agent, the motor vehicle registration certificate, and the motor vehicle driving license. 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%, no change registration is required. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, it must be filed and registered within 10 days after the vehicle color change. Precautions for vehicle color change: Before changing the color of a motor vehicle, it is necessary to consult the vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to confirm whether the region allows changing the vehicle color using wraps. If the region does not support this method, the change cannot be filed, and the wrap must be completely removed to restore the vehicle's original color. 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 color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply for change registration with the vehicle management office. According to Article 10, registered motor vehicles must apply for change registration with the local 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 commercial vehicles converted to non-commercial use or vice versa. The motor 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 specified patterns and equipped with alarms and signal lights as required. Other motor vehicles are prohibited from painting, installing, or using the exclusive or similar patterns, alarms, or signal lights of the aforementioned vehicles. According to Article 56 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," if the body color is changed without completing the required change registration, 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 the original body color.
I just had my car wrapped with a new color, and the paperwork was actually quite simple. Within 10 days of the color change, you need to visit the local DMV with your ID, vehicle registration, and car title, and fill out a change registration form. The staff will have your car driven to the inspection area for photos to confirm the color and wrap are acceptable, then you pay a fee of a few dozen dollars, and they issue a new registration on the spot. The whole process usually takes about half an hour—just don’t delay too long, or you might get fined by traffic police for non-compliance. I chose a low-key silver wrap and checked compliant colors in advance to avoid flashy designs that could cause trouble. I recommend finding a reputable wrap shop—they’ll also provide a modification certificate, which can save hassle if additional documents are needed. Overall, just make one trip to the DMV—it’s not complicated.
Key steps for handling procedures after car wrap modification: First, go to the DMV immediately after modification, bringing your ID card, vehicle license, and vehicle registration certificate. Second, queue for vehicle inspection, where staff will take photos to check if the wrap is secure and the color complies with regulations, such as avoiding colors reserved for police vehicles. Third, submit the documents and receive a new certificate, with fees ranging from approximately 50 to 100 yuan. In practice, I found that the wrap material must be UV-resistant and fade-proof; otherwise, it may fail inspection. Be mindful not to exceed the 15-day deadline, as exceeding it may require retaking the regulatory exam. A helpful tip is to choose wraps with national standard certification and keep the invoice and installation receipt as proof. After completing the procedures, don’t forget to verify the information on the new certificate to avoid issues while driving later. With proper time management, the entire process can go smoothly.
