Is a license plate required to apply for ETC?
3 Answers
A license plate is required to apply for ETC. According to the "Implementation Plan for Accelerating the Application of Electronic Non-stop Toll Collection on Expressways" issued by the Ministry of Transport, the following documents are needed: the original valid ID card of the vehicle owner, the original and a copy of the vehicle registration certificate (showing the most recent annual inspection stamp). If applying on behalf of someone else, the original valid ID card of the agent is also required. If applying for ETC through major bank branches, you will also need to prepare a debit or credit card from the respective bank. Some banks only support ETC binding with credit cards, while others may require freezing a portion of the funds as a deposit when binding ETC with a debit card. Since ETC is linked to the vehicle, the vehicle information must be complete. Documents required for company vehicles: An introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal); a copy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); the agent's original ID card; the original vehicle registration certificate; the vehicle for which ETC is to be applied. You can also apply online: Since various banks have their own online services and platforms, to facilitate vehicle owners, online ETC application services have been launched, allowing you to apply without leaving your home. ETC billing principle: There are one or more ETC lanes on highways. Communication between the onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane enables automatic toll deduction via computer network technology linked to the bank. This allows vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping, based on the principle of "pass first, pay later." Benefits of installing ETC: Saves time: eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues;
I remember last time when I helped my buddy apply for an ETC, I found out that you have to wait until the car is licensed before you can do it. Why? The ETC device is linked to the license plate, and the system automatically charges by scanning the plate. Without a license plate, you simply can't register. When I first bought my car, it was on temporary plates, and I wanted to save time by installing the ETC quickly. But when I went to the bank, the staff shook their heads and said I had to register the official license plate first. Later, after getting the plates, applying for the ETC was super fast—just bring the vehicle registration certificate and ID to the bank, and it was done on the spot. ETC is really hassle-free—no queuing on the highway, plus you get discounts and save money. My advice to newcomers: don’t rush. First, complete the vehicle registration, then apply for the ETC to avoid mistakes and unnecessary trips. The whole process is actually very simple, so don’t worry.
I recently wanted to install an ETC after buying a car to save on highway tolls, but found out I needed a license plate first. The staff explained that the ETC system identifies vehicles by their license plates, so the device can't be activated without one. A friend of mine tried with temporary plates, but it didn't work either. You'll have to wait until the permanent plates are issued and then bring the vehicle registration to proceed. Once installed, ETC is super convenient—no need to pay at toll booths, and you can earn points for rewards. If you're considering it, remember the order: get your plates first, then apply for ETC. Don't skip this step to save time and avoid hassle.
