How to Register a Color Change Without the Vehicle Registration Certificate?

[DelHailey]

It is not possible to register a color change for a vehicle without the registration certificate. According to Article 90 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," the following documents are required for submission: "Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form," original and photocopy of the identity proof of the vehicle owner and agent, original vehicle registration certificate, original vehicle license, and payment of all fines before the color change. According to Article 6 of 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 change registration. 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 local vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to determine whether the region allows the use of wraps to change the vehicle color. If the region does not support this method, the registration procedure cannot be processed after the color change, and the wrap must be completely removed to restore the vehicle's original color. Additionally, according to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," vehicle 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 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. Change of the vehicle owner's residence in or out of 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 spray emblem patterns and install alarms and signal lights as required. Other motor vehicles are prohibited from spraying, installing, or using emblem patterns, alarms, or signal lights that are specific to or similar to those of the aforementioned vehicles.

[SanAngelina]

Back when I bought my car, I lost the green book (vehicle registration certificate) and wanted to change the color. After checking with the DMV, I learned that I had to apply for a replacement registration certificate first. You can’t just file for a color change without the green book—head to the DMV to get it reissued. Bring your ID card, vehicle license, and photos of the car, fill out an application form, and usually, you’ll get the new certificate in a few days. After replacing it, you can proceed with the color change, take new photos with the updated color, and file for the modification registration. Remember, never change the color before replacing the certificate—otherwise, you risk getting fined and penalized if caught on the road. I also recommend everyone keep their documents safe to avoid such hassles. Nowadays, you need paperwork for everything—better to save yourself the trouble.

[Leo]

I just bought a car and was eager to change its color, but the vehicle registration certificate wasn't in my possession. After consulting friends, I learned the necessary steps. First, I had to apply for a replacement of the green book. I went to the DMV with basic documents like my ID card and driving license. Once the replacement was processed, I could proceed with the color change. During the registration update, photos had to be taken to update the records. The whole process was quite straightforward, but the key is not to rush into changing the color to avoid violations. I think young people should pay attention to these procedures—legality ensures safety and prevents future hassles.

[DeErin]

At our auto repair shop, we often see car owners asking about changing the color of their vehicles without the green book. Experience tells us that without the green book, they must first go to the DMV to apply for a replacement registration certificate. They need to bring documents like their ID card and vehicle license to apply for the replacement. Only after obtaining the replacement can they proceed with the color change registration. Otherwise, the registration won't be possible, and it could easily lead to violations. We advise car owners not to cut corners and to complete the required procedures on time to avoid future troubles.