Is the color change registration for motorcycles permanent?
4 Answers
Motorcycle color change registration is not permanent and can be altered again. Origin of vehicle registration: This measure is formulated in accordance with the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of Tax Collection" (hereinafter referred to as the Tax Collection Law), the "Detailed Rules for the Implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of Tax Collection" (hereinafter referred to as the Implementation Rules of the Tax Collection Law), and the "Interim Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Vehicle Purchase Tax" (hereinafter referred to as the Vehicle Purchase Tax Regulations). Explanation of vehicle registration: When taxpayers file tax returns, they shall truthfully fill in the "Vehicle Purchase Tax Return Form" (see the attachment, hereinafter referred to as the Tax Return Form), and provide the original and photocopies of the following materials. The photocopies and the tax payment copy of the "Unified Invoice for Motor Vehicle Sales" (hereinafter referred to as the Unified Invoice) shall be retained by the competent tax authority, while other original documents shall be returned to the taxpayer after review by the competent tax authority.
I work in vehicle record management, and the registration is indeed long-term valid, but there's a prerequisite you should know. After successfully registering a color change for a motorcycle at the DMV, the information in the vehicle management system will be updated, and the new color will be noted in the green book (vehicle title). Theoretically, this color change is permanently valid. However, it's important to note that if you change the color again in the future, you'll need to re-register. I've handled many cases and found that many people are unaware that the lifespan of vehicle wraps is only 3 to 5 years, especially in areas with strong UV rays where fading and peeling are more common. If the wrap deteriorates and reveals the original factory paint color, it won't match the registered color. In such cases, it's best to go for re-registration.
A veteran rider with over a decade of motorcycle experience shares some insights. Registration is indeed valid for a lifetime, but don't expect it to be a one-time solution. I've changed the colors on several of my bikes, and the modification pages in the green book all reflect the new colors. The key is to keep up with maintenance—if the color wrap starts peeling or fading, it needs to be redone. My current matte gray wrap had to be reapplied twice last year. Annual inspections can be the most troublesome. Last week, I accompanied a fellow rider to the inspection station, and because his color wrap had some bubbling at the edges, the inspector insisted he peel it back to check the original paint. So even if you've registered the modification, you still need to keep an eye on the condition of the wrap. Otherwise, running into someone who's strict about the rules can be a real headache.
Having worked as an annual inspection officer for five years, I've seen too many color-modified vehicles during inspections. While the color is legal after registration, it doesn't mean you can ignore it forever. There are mainly three scenarios: full-body paint jobs can generally last ten years if they don't rust through; color-changing wraps require frequent checks, especially after rain when adhesive tends to fail; and one often-overlooked point – the color must match the registration during ownership transfer. Last autumn, I encountered a car registered as purple that had faded to pink, which failed inspection. I recommend checking your vehicle's color changes quarterly.
