
Annual vehicle inspection does not require the owner's ID card. It can be delegated to others for processing, but the agent's ID card must be provided. For the annual vehicle inspection, you only need to bring the vehicle registration certificate, driver's license, duplicate copy of the compulsory traffic policy, and the inspector's ID card to the vehicle management office to obtain and replace the annual inspection sticker. Vehicle annual inspection, also known as vehicle examination, refers to the annual inspection of vehicles that have already obtained official license plates and registration certificates, conducted according to the safety technical conditions for motor vehicle operation. The purpose is to check the main technical conditions of the vehicle, encourage enhanced vehicle maintenance, keep the vehicle in good condition, and ensure driving safety.

Last year during the inspection, it was indeed necessary to bring an ID card, which I personally experienced. Whether you drive to the inspection station yourself or have someone else handle it for you, the staff will verify identity information. Generally, you need to bring the original ID card of the vehicle owner, and if the car is registered under a company name, you must also bring the business license. Additionally, remember to prepare the vehicle registration certificate and the compulsory traffic policy—missing any one of these will require you to queue again. At the inspection stations in our area, they also require all traffic violations to be settled before passing the annual inspection, so it’s best to check in advance on the 12123 app for any unpaid fines. The entire process takes about an hour, and if all the documents are in order, it’s actually quite fast.

Providing identification is mandatory during the annual inspection, as it's a requirement. According to the 'Motor Vehicle Safety Technical Inspection Regulations', the vehicle owner or their agent must present valid identification to complete the procedure. Many inspection stations have upgraded to electronic systems nowadays, allowing some locations to retrieve records simply by scanning an ID card, which is much more convenient than before. However, if you're driving a vehicle registered under someone else's name, you'll also need to bring a letter of authorization from the owner. By the way, vehicles with modified lighting or dark window tinting are more likely to encounter issues, so it's recommended to restore them to factory condition before going for inspection.

I have a say in this matter, as my vehicle inspection was rejected just last week. The inspector at the testing station clearly stated that the original ID card of the vehicle owner is required, and photocopies won't be accepted. Additionally, I'd like to remind all car owners that there's now an added OBD inspection step. If your vehicle's fault codes aren't cleared, it will be deemed unqualified. My neighbor's old minivan failed because of this and had to be repaired three times before passing. The inspection fee is standardized nationwide, around 380 RMB for small cars, including the exhaust emission test. If you don't have time to go in person, you can also have the 4S shop handle it for you, but it will cost an extra 200 RMB service fee.

There are two scenarios to consider. For small private vehicles, the original ID card of the owner must be presented during the annual inspection, and this requirement is strictly enforced at inspection stations nationwide. However, for large commercial vehicles, the process is more complex. In addition to the ID card, documents such as the permit and the driver's vocational qualification certificate are required. New regulations at inspection stations also mandate that vehicles must be equipped with reflective vests and warning triangles. I've seen owners who had to purchase these items at high prices from the convenience stores near the inspection stations. If you go on weekends, the queues are particularly long. It's advisable to choose a weekday morning, bring a bottle of water, and patiently wait for your number to be called.

These materials are indispensable when handling the annual inspection procedures: the original ID card of the vehicle owner, the vehicle registration certificate, and a copy of the compulsory traffic within the validity period. After the implementation of the new environmental regulations, diesel vehicles must additionally undergo DPF particulate matter testing. What many vehicle owners overlook is the vehicle appearance inspection—if the area covered by stickers exceeds 30% of the body, rectification will be required. Insufficient lighting brightness is also a common issue, especially for older vehicles over six years. If there have been no modifications, the process can generally be completed in half an hour. Remember to clear any dashboard warning lights before going to the inspection station.


