How to Obtain a Beijing License Plate?
3 Answers
It can only be obtained through a lottery system. To apply for a Beijing vehicle license plate, the following conditions must be met: have a Beijing household registration; be a member of the Beijing garrison, active-duty military personnel, or active-duty armed police; non-local residents with a Beijing work residence permit; or Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents who have lived in Beijing for one year with a valid ID card. Additional information: 1. License Plate: Commonly known as a car plate, it is a panel hung on the front and back of a vehicle, usually made of aluminum, sheet metal, plastic, or paper, engraved with the vehicle's registration number, registration area, or other relevant information. 2. Function: The license plate serves as a numbering and information registration system for vehicles. Its main purpose is to identify the vehicle's region of registration and to trace the vehicle's owner and registration details based on the plate.
Getting a car license plate in Beijing is quite a hassle, in my opinion. I've been applying for the lottery for almost two years now, and every time I have to register and fill out forms on the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport website, requiring proof of local residency or a residence permit, then wait for the lottery results every month. The waiting time is just too long—some people wait for a year and a half and still don't get one. If you're in a hurry to get a car, you might consider buying a new energy vehicle—its quota approval is much faster, usually taking about six months in line. But don't even think about renting a license plate or buying one privately—I've heard that if caught, you could face fines or even have your eligibility revoked. Overall, Beijing is strict about this to control traffic congestion, so you just have to follow the rules and be patient.
Obtaining a Beijing license plate primarily relies on participating in the lottery system. You first need to submit an application on the designated website, providing materials such as your ID card and household registration proof. After approval, you enter the lottery pool. It's common to wait an average of one to two years. Once you win the lottery, you can purchase a car and register it. The approval process for new energy vehicle quotas is more efficient, with similar application thresholds but significantly reduced waiting times. Enterprises can also apply, but they must meet additional conditions, such as registered capital. Illegal methods like borrowing or buying/selling license plates carry legal risks and often prove more trouble than they're worth. Applying early is key to avoid last-minute hassles when you need a car.
