How to Handle the Procedures for Vehicle Wrap Color Change?
3 Answers
To apply for changing the color of a motor vehicle's body, the following documents must be submitted according to Article 6 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": "Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form." Original and photocopy of the identity proof of the motor vehicle owner and agent. Original motor vehicle registration certificate. Original motor vehicle license. According to Article 6 of Chapter 2 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," if the area of color change on a motor vehicle does not exceed 30%, there is no need to go through the change registration process. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, it must be filed and recorded, and the registration must be completed within 10 days after the vehicle color change. Precautions for vehicle color change: Before preparing to change the color of a motor vehicle, it is necessary to consult with the vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to confirm whether the region allows changing the vehicle color using a wrap. If the region does not support this method, the filing procedures cannot be processed after the change is made, and the only option is to remove the wrap entirely and 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 to the vehicle management office for change registration. According to Article 10, registered motor vehicles must apply for change registration with the local vehicle management office in 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 converting a commercial vehicle to a non-commercial vehicle 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 designated 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. Article 56 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" states that if the body color is changed without completing the change registration as required, the public security traffic management department may issue a warning or impose a fine. The vehicle may also be impounded and required to revert to its original color.
The process of changing your car's color with a wrap is actually not complicated. When I wrapped my car in a vibrant blue film, I just needed to make one trip to the DMV. After the wrap is done, bring your original ID card, vehicle license, and vehicle registration certificate to the local DMV, fill out a vehicle color change application form, and you might have to pay a small fee of a few dozen yuan for the processing. The staff will inspect the car to check how well the wrap is applied, take a photo for their records, and if everything goes smoothly, they’ll issue a new vehicle license with the updated color information. The whole process can be completed in half a day if things move quickly. Just remember to get the wrap done at a reputable shop to avoid bubbles—don’t try to DIY it. Before starting the process, check local regulations to make sure your chosen color isn’t too flashy, or it might not pass inspection. After updating the color, it’s best to notify your insurance company and keep a record for safety and coverage purposes.
Changing the vehicle color requires a registration modification, which is a legal requirement. Within 10 days after applying the wrap, you must visit the DMV with the owner's ID, vehicle registration certificate, and license to apply for a color change. After filling out the forms, the car will be inspected and photographed to ensure the wrap is securely and flawlessly applied. The cost is minimal, usually just a few dozen dollars. Choosing a standard color that doesn’t violate regulations—such as avoiding police car-like colors—is important. Expect to wait in line, though booking an appointment in advance can save time. Once the process is complete and you receive the updated documents, your vehicle will be legally compliant. Failing to update the registration can result in fines and may affect insurance claims. Opt for a reputable brand of wrap to ensure durability and avoid issues from cheap alternatives.
