Is Car Washing Required Before License Plate Registration?
3 Answers
New cars do not need to be washed before license plate registration. During the registration process, the inspection focuses on whether the appearance of the motor vehicle has been modified and whether the vehicle identification number (VIN) is correct. There are no requirements regarding the cleanliness of the vehicle's exterior. If you are unable to register the vehicle yourself, you can authorize a proxy to handle the process, which will not affect the normal registration of the motor vehicle. Simply bring the relevant documents of the vehicle owner and all the vehicle's certificates to complete the registration procedure. The process for registering a vehicle's license plate is as follows: The owner should prepare the original and photocopy of their ID card, purchase invoice, vehicle certificate of conformity, proof of purchase tax payment, and insurance policy to register and inspect the vehicle at the vehicle management office. The inspection mainly includes checking the vehicle identification code, vehicle appearance, and warning triangle sign. After the vehicle inspection, you can proceed to the vehicle management office hall to select a license plate number. Generally, there are two options: self-selection or random selection. Once the number is selected, pay the required fees, and then wait to receive the license plate, which usually takes three to five working days.
I just bought a new car and was thinking about washing it before going to the DMV for license plate registration. To be honest, car washing isn’t mandatory—the main requirements for registration are the vehicle identification number and other essential documents. A dirty car won’t affect approval. But I think washing it is better, especially for the photo session. A clean car ensures clearer and more aesthetically pleasing photos, avoiding potential hassles later. Last time, I went without washing, and the staff didn’t say anything, but looking back, washing it might have saved some inspection time. An added benefit is that regular washing protects the paint and prevents corrosion. If you have time, a self-service car wash for just ten bucks is a great deal. Don’t worry about wasting water—just rinsing off surface dust with plain water is enough; no need for waxing or deep cleaning. The key is to bring all necessary documents like your ID, invoice, and insurance—don’t let this small thing delay the big picture.
As a regular car owner who drives frequently and has gone through the license plate registration process, I can tell you that there's no strict rule requiring you to wash your car beforehand. The core focus during registration is verifying information like the VIN number. However, from my personal experience, it's advisable to give your car a quick wash—especially if it's heavily soiled—as excessive dirt might slow down the inspection process, with staff needing to wipe down components more thoroughly. Last time I went without washing, dust reflections affected the photo quality during documentation, which, although didn't cause rejection, did add some extra time. My suggestion: judge based on your car's condition—skip it if reasonably clean; after long trips with mud splashes, a wash brings peace of mind. DIY or professional car wash both work, just avoid harsh chemical cleaners to protect the paint. Also, remember to check lights and brakes before registration—these are far more critical.
