Vehicle Color Change Procedures?
4 Answers
To apply for a change in the color of a motor vehicle's body, the following documents must be submitted in accordance with the "Road Traffic Safety Law": "Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form." Original and photocopies of the identity proofs of the motor vehicle owner and the agent. Original motor vehicle registration certificate. Original motor vehicle license. According to Article 6, Chapter 2 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," if the area of color change on a motor vehicle does not exceed 30%, there is no need to go through the change registration process. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, it must be filed and recorded, and the registration must be completed within 10 days after the vehicle's color change. Precautions for vehicle color change: Before preparing to change the color of a motor vehicle, it is necessary to consult the vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to find out whether the region allows the use of film wrapping to change the vehicle's color. If the region does not support this method, it will be impossible to complete the filing procedures after the modification, and the film will have to be completely removed to restore the vehicle's original color. Owners are no longer required to apply to the vehicle management office in advance. They can first change the vehicle's color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply to the vehicle management office for a change of registration. According to Article 10, for registered motor vehicles, the owner must apply to the vehicle management office at the place of registration for a change of registration under any of the following circumstances: Change of body color. Replacement of the engine. Replacement of the body or frame. Replacement of the entire vehicle due to quality issues. Change in the use nature of the vehicle, such as from commercial to non-commercial or vice versa. The motor vehicle owner's residence moves out of or into the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office. Additionally, according to Article 15 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and engineering rescue vehicles must be painted with emblem patterns and equipped with alarms and signal lights as prescribed. Other motor vehicles are not allowed to be painted with, equipped with, or use emblem patterns, alarms, or signal lights that are exclusive to or similar to those of the aforementioned vehicles. Article 56 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" states that if the body color is changed without going through the change registration process as required, the public security traffic management department will issue a warning or impose a fine. The vehicle may also be impounded and required to revert to its original body color.
Changing your car's color requires completing the procedures first, otherwise you might get fined. Last time I changed my car color to a cool gray-blue, and it felt amazing. First, you need to prepare the required documents: original ID card, vehicle license, and registration certificate—these are essential. Next, drive your car to the designated inspection site for a check-up. They mainly ensure the car's condition is stable to avoid safety issues caused by the color change. After passing the inspection, take the report to the DMV, fill out a modification registration form, submit the documents, and pay a small fee (just a few dozen yuan). Wait for half a day, and your new license with the updated color photo will be ready. The whole process was faster than I expected—done in two or three days. Remember to go to the DMV early to avoid peak hours, or you'll be stuck in long queues. After the color change, update your insurance information to prevent disputes with the insurer in case of an accident. Also, avoid overly flashy colors, like imitating police car schemes, as it might cause issues during inspections. Overall, don’t be afraid of the hassle—doing it legally saves money and gives peace of mind.
As a young car enthusiast, I wanted to make my car more unique by changing its color, so I opted for a striking red. Surprisingly, the paperwork was simpler than expected. Just bring your ID and vehicle documents, drive to the inspection site where they quickly check the exterior and safety equipment—if everything's fine, they issue a certificate. Then, make a trip to the DMV. Booking an appointment in advance saves time (I did it online, super efficient), and for a small fee of around a hundred yuan, you get a new vehicle license. The whole process takes at most a day or two and doesn’t interfere with daily use. Before making changes, it’s best to check the color regulations to avoid wasting effort on overly flashy options. I’d also remind everyone that skipping the paperwork could lead to issues during annual inspections or even fines—definitely not worth it. After the color change, pay attention to cleaning and maintenance, as new paint tends to get dirty easily, affecting the look. In short, plan ahead, and it’s a breeze.
Changing car color requires formal procedures, don't try to be smart. With twenty years of driving experience, I've seen too many people suffer from cutting corners. The core process has three steps: prepare documents (ID card, vehicle license, etc.), pass vehicle inspection for safety confirmation, then register the change at the DMV. The cost is low and it takes just half to one full day. Avoid illegal colors like camouflage - otherwise it's wasted effort. After modification, notify your insurer to update records to prevent claim disputes. Skipping procedures carries serious consequences: potential fines and points if caught, and even bigger trouble during annual inspections. Honest compliance is the most worry-free approach.
