What are the requirements for buying a car and getting a license plate in Shanghai?
2 Answers
You need a Shanghai residence permit valid for more than one year, ID card, driver's license, purchase of a bid document, and participation in the license plate auction. Below are the specific procedures for car registration: 1. Pay vehicle purchase tax: You need to pay vehicle purchase tax, get new car insurance, and undergo criminal investigation testing. 2. Vehicle inspection: Non-exempt vehicles must pass inspection, pay fees, fill out forms, take rubbings and photos, and collect registration materials. You need to submit documents at the vehicle management office, sign as the owner, and have the vehicle inspected and confirmed by the police. 3. Install the license plate: Choose a number and receive a receipt, secure the license plate, and collect the vehicle license and registration certificate. With all materials ready, you can usually get the license plate on the same day.
To get a license plate in Shanghai, first understand that there’s a big difference between fuel-powered cars and new energy vehicles. For fuel-powered car plates, you need to participate in an auction. When I bid last year, I had to have a Shanghai household registration or residence permit plus three years of social security payments, along with a driver’s license and no more than four traffic violations within a year. New energy green plates are easier to obtain—even non-locals can apply, but they need a residence permit plus 12 months of social security payments within two years, a clean personal credit record, and a fixed parking spot at home to install a charging station. If the car is registered under a company name, it’s even simpler—just six months of tax payments. Required documents include ID card, tax payment proof, compulsory insurance policy, and for imported cars, an additional customs clearance document.
