What documents are required to apply for ETC?
4 Answers
To apply for ETC, you need to prepare the following documents: the vehicle owner's valid ID card, driver's license and vehicle registration certificate. If the applicant is not the owner, the agent's valid ID card and the current year's vehicle insurance policy are also required. For corporate applications, the handler's ID card (or driver's license), the organization's institutional code certificate (or business license), and the official seal are needed. Vehicle owners can apply for ETC through Alipay or WeChat appointment, or go to banks for free processing, or visit ETC self-operated outlets and some highway service areas. ETC can be linked to either a debit card or credit card. Please note that if binding a debit card, there needs to be a certain amount of available balance in the account as a deposit.
Oh, last time I went to the bank to apply for ETC was quite a hassle. Remember to bring the original ID card of the vehicle owner and that blue vehicle registration booklet—these two are mandatory. I forgot to bring the supplementary page of the registration last time and had to make a wasted trip. Nowadays, it mostly requires linking a bank card, and most banks accept either their own credit or debit cards, though the expressway card can also be topped up via WeChat or Alipay. It’s even more troublesome if you’re driving a company car—you’ll need a letter of authorization with the company seal. I’d recommend going directly to a major bank branch, as they can also help you install the OBU device on the spot. Recently, I found that some gas stations also offer the service—just bring all the required documents, and it’s done in ten minutes, much faster than queuing at the bank.
I just got my ETC set up last week, and it's indeed much more convenient. The essentials are the vehicle owner's ID card and the vehicle registration certificate. When I drove to the site, the staff also checked the VIN. It's recommended to bring a commonly used credit card for the bank account, as a debit card might require a frozen deposit. If you're applying on behalf of someone else, remember to bring the original ID cards of both the vehicle owner and the proxy applicant. I checked on WeChat, and now you can even apply for a mail-in installation kit through the ICBC app. A special reminder for those buying used cars: you can only apply for a new license plate ETC after the previous owner has canceled theirs. After installing the ETU, remember to test it in the ETC lane. Some toll stations have outdated equipment that may recognize your tag slowly—if this happens, just reverse three meters and try again.
Last month, I got an ETC for our old Lavida at home, and it took a few trips to figure it all out. For personal application, just bring your ID card, vehicle license, and bank card—a credit card is best. I made the silly mistake of taking my wife's card, only to find out it must be under the owner's name. For company vehicles, you need the business license, company seal, and a power of attorney. Nowadays, highway service stations also handle ETC applications, which is more efficient than banks, and they can test the device sensitivity on the spot. It's advisable to top up an extra 200 yuan to avoid insufficient balance—once at a provincial border toll station, I saw a car ahead with a malfunctioning ETC causing a half-hour jam. Remember to install it outside the dotted black area on the windshield, as metal films can interfere with the signal.
