
To obtain the environmental protection label for a private car, you need to bring the original copies of three documents: the vehicle license, the motor vehicle registration certificate, and the owner's ID card. For company vehicles, you should bring the original copies of the vehicle license, motor vehicle registration certificate, and the enterprise organization code certificate or business license. Below is relevant information about vehicle labels: 1. Motor Vehicle Inspection Qualification Label: Valid for one year. 2. Vehicle Environmental Protection Label: Issued for energy-saving and emission-reduction inspections and regular environmental checks, categorized into yellow and green labels, with annual inspections required. 3. Compulsory Label: Currently, vehicles only need to display the compulsory insurance and annual inspection labels. The environmental protection label has been canceled and merged with the annual inspection label. Private vehicles with 6 seats or fewer (including 6 seats) are exempt from on-site inspections for the first 6 years, but every 2 years, the compulsory insurance must be submitted to the traffic police department for annual review to renew the annual inspection label. Starting from the 6th year, vehicles must undergo an annual inspection until the vehicle reaches 15 years of age.

I remember getting the vehicle's environmental protection label last time was quite hassle-free. Nowadays, most places no longer require a separate application, as the environmental information is directly integrated into the electronic annual inspection label after passing the vehicle inspection, and the Traffic 12123 APP will update it automatically. However, for fuel-powered vehicles, you must first ensure the exhaust emissions meet the standards, while hybrid or pure electric vehicles generally receive the green label directly. Bring the vehicle registration certificate and the owner's ID card to the inspection station, where their system will automatically link the environmental rating. In some cities, you can also handle it at the government service center counter, while a few places might require a stamp from the environmental protection bureau—specific requirements depend on local regulations. It's advisable to check the latest policies on your local transportation website in advance, as many cities now promote paperless administration.

Last time I helped a relative with this, it took two trips to figure it out. The key is to check the qualifications of the inspection station—they must have environmental testing equipment. For new cars, you need to exchange the certificate of conformity when picking up the vehicle. Note that China VI vehicles receive green stickers, while older China IV or V vehicles might get yellow labels. First, go for the exhaust test to get the pass certificate, then take the original and a copy of the vehicle license to the window for registration. The staff will enter the information into the system. Some places support self-service printing—just scan a QR code at the inspection station. Remember to keep the environmental test report as proof in case of inspections.

This process mainly involves three steps. First, complete the motor vehicle environmental protection inspection at an authorized testing station to confirm that the exhaust emissions meet the standards before applying. Then, bring your vehicle license and ID card to the local DMV service hall or designated environmental protection office. Staff will verify the information and directly print the environmental protection label for you. Currently, cities like Beijing and Shanghai have digitized this process, allowing you to check the electronic label on your without needing a physical one. Note that the label's validity period aligns with the vehicle inspection cycle. New vehicles within six years are exempt from environmental protection inspections but still need to be registered.

The collection process is actually most convenient when following the annual inspection procedure. After completing the safety inspection at the testing station, proceed directly to the emissions test. Upon passing, the environmental protection label can be printed on the spot. You need to bring the vehicle registration certificate and ID card; for yellow-plate vehicles, the operating permit is also required. In the past, older vehicles needed a separate environmental label, but now it's integrated into the annual inspection label. One detail many overlook: vehicles transferred across provinces must undergo re-inspection at the destination to apply for the local label. Some areas, like Shenzhen, are piloting online applications, but most cities still require on-site label collection.

I just went through the process last month, and it's actually been simplified now. First, check the vehicle status on the 12123 app to confirm it's time for the annual inspection before taking action. Fuel vehicles must pass the emissions test, while new energy vehicles are exempt from testing but still need to complete the paperwork. Just find a regular motor vehicle inspection station near your home—the cost is included in the annual inspection fee. Bring three essential items: the owner's ID card, the vehicle registration certificate, and a valid compulsory traffic policy. Submit the documents at the counter, and their system will automatically issue the inspection certificate—the whole process takes about ten minutes. A special reminder: don't place the inspection sticker randomly; it must be affixed to the upper right corner of the windshield without obstructing the driver's view.


