Is It Difficult to License a Motorcycle?
3 Answers
Licensing a motorcycle is not difficult. As long as the motorcycle is purchased through official channels and comes with a certificate of conformity and invoice, licensing is straightforward. Motorcycle licensing timeframe: The invoice has an expiration date. If too much time passes, a new invoice must be issued to proceed with licensing, so don't delay too long. With 58 Auto's motorcycle license, you can get licensed in as little as 2 months. Documents required for motorcycle licensing: Purchase invoice, vehicle conformity certificate, and the owner's ID card. Simply bring your ID card and the vehicle conformity certificate to the tax department to pay the purchase tax, then proceed to an insurance company to pay for insurance. Finally, take the insurance certificate, purchase invoice, and ID card to the traffic management department to complete the vehicle registration process.
I've gone through the motorcycle registration process several times myself, and it doesn't seem particularly difficult, but it depends on the location and preparation. Big cities have more restrictions, like Beijing and Shanghai with their traffic control policies, where new license plates require queuing or a lottery, and waiting for several weeks is common. Emission standards are also strictly enforced, making it hard for anything below China IV to pass, and extra caution is needed when buying used motorcycles to ensure their legal origin and avoid blacklisting. Rural areas are relatively simpler, with fewer queues at the vehicle management offices, and bringing all required documents like the invoice, ID card, and insurance policy can usually get it done in a day. Costs include inspection and license plate fees totaling a few hundred yuan, with few hidden traps. It's advisable to check local policies before purchasing and seek help from qualified dealers for efficiency. Seeing unregistered bikes on the road is risky, as they can be impounded or fined. Overall, as long as the documents are complete and regulations are followed, the process is smooth, and there's no need for excessive anxiety.
As a new rider, I was most worried about the vehicle registration process. When I bought my first bike last year, I heard the procedures were complicated, but actually visiting the DMV wasn't as scary as I thought. The key is to prepare all required documents: original purchase invoice, ID card copy, and compulsory insurance policy—missing any one means multiple trips. In bigger cities, registration windows have long queues, and weekends are even more crowded, so it's best to go early on a weekday. Staff might seem impatient sometimes, but staying patient gets the job done. Avoid modifying your bike as it may fail the factory condition inspection, requiring a redo. Fees around 300-400 RMB are reasonable—don't let scalpers overcharge you. I found that booking DMV services online in advance saves time and effort, especially valuable for busy professionals. Overall, it's moderately challenging—just ask experienced riders or professional agencies for guidance.
