How to Replace Vehicle License Plates?
3 Answers
An appointment is required. Prepare relevant documents for license plate replacement, obtain the acceptance receipt for payment, and wait for collection. Below is an introduction to the license plate replacement process: Make an appointment: Schedule an appointment on the DMV website or official WeChat account. Prepare relevant documents for license plate replacement: Original and photocopy of ID card. For organizations, provide the original and photocopy of the "Organization Code Certificate" (or business license with unified social credit code). Obtain acceptance receipt and make payment: Transfer ownership of the old vehicle. After obtaining the new vehicle, go to the DMV to collect the old license plate (ID card and new vehicle registration certificate required). First, pay a 125-yuan license plate production fee, report the date for retaining the license plate to DMV staff, and then collect the old plate. Wait for collection: Generally, new plates can be collected and installed after 15 working days.
I'm quite familiar with the license plate replacement process, having just helped a friend with it recently. First, gather all required documents: ID card, vehicle license, and vehicle registration certificate. If the old plate is lost, you'll also need a police station report. Second, drive to the DMV – remember to book an appointment via the traffic management app beforehand, or you'll be stuck in endless queues. The third step, vehicle inspection, is crucial. Officers will verify the VIN, and your car must be clean. If window tints are too dark, they'll need removing on the spot, and any illegally modified wheels must be reverted to factory specifications. Finally, pay the 110 yuan fee, choose your new number on-site to get temporary plates, with permanent ones typically delivered within 3 working days. The whole process takes half a day if smooth, but avoid month-end peak periods.
Last month my license plate got hit and bent out of shape. Here's my firsthand experience on how to replace it. At 9 AM, I headed straight to the DMV with my ID and vehicle green book. I took a number and waited until 11 AM for my turn. First, I filled out the Application Form for Replacement of Motor Vehicle License Plates. The staff member wore a reflective vest and took photos of the car for inspection, focusing on whether the VIN was clear. The old license plate had to be surrendered on the spot—if lost, an additional lost certificate would be required. After paying the fee, I was so nervous in front of the number selection machine that my palms were sweating. In the end, I randomly drew a combination with '88'. The temporary license plate was valid for 15 days, and the new metal plate arrived by express delivery just five days later. The whole process cost 128 yuan and was much faster than I expected.
