What is the process for replacing a damaged old license plate with a new one?
2 Answers
The process for replacing a damaged old license plate with a new one is: Fill out the motor vehicle license plate application form and submit the required documents (vehicle registration certificate, original ID card and its copy). Receiving the new license plate: Generally, after 8 working days, you can go back to the vehicle management office with the payment receipt, registration certificate, and acceptance voucher to collect the new license plate at the license plate issuance window. License plate is the common name for vehicle plates, which are plates hung at the front and rear of a vehicle. They are usually made of aluminum, iron, plastic, or paper, and bear the vehicle's registration number, registration region, or other relevant information. License plates serve to number and register vehicles, with their main function being to identify the vehicle's region of registration and to trace the vehicle's owner and registration details based on the plate.
I encountered a damaged license plate last year, and the process to handle it isn't too complicated, but you have to follow the steps carefully. First, confirm that the plate is genuinely damaged—like cracked or with faded characters that are illegible—otherwise, you’ll waste effort replacing it unnecessarily. Then, prepare your documents: bring your ID card, vehicle registration certificate, and original driving license, and don’t forget to make copies as backups. Next, visit your local vehicle management office or a designated service point—check their operating hours in advance to avoid a wasted trip. When filling out the application form, double-check the vehicle details to prevent errors that could cause delays. The fee usually ranges from tens to a hundred yuan, depending on the region. After inspection, the staff will issue you a new plate—make sure to verify on the spot that the plate number matches your old one and that it’s securely installed to avoid losing it on the road. I recommend taking photos of the new plate afterward for your records to avoid issues during future inspections. The whole process takes at most half a day, or even faster if there’s no crowd. The key is not to delay replacing it, or you might face fines if caught by the police.
