What procedures are required for changing the color of a car?
3 Answers
To change the color of a car, you need to provide the "Motor Vehicle Change Registration/Record Application Form", the original and a copy of the identity proof of the vehicle owner, the original "Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate", and the original "Motor Vehicle License". Below are the relevant details: Changing the color can be done first and reported later: Owners are allowed to change the color of their cars first and then complete the record registration. The traffic management department has clear regulations on the registration time limit: the owner should complete the change registration at the vehicle management office within ten days after changing the color of the car. Precautions for changing the color: The body color cannot be the same as or similar to that of special vehicles. The so-called "special vehicles" here refer to police cars, fire trucks, road administration law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, etc. When changing the body color of a car, owners must not imitate the color schemes and patterns of these special vehicles; the area of color change using film must not exceed one-third of the body area.
I previously helped a friend with the process of changing a car's color, and it wasn't too complicated. The main thing is to prepare several documents to bring to the DMV for the modification registration: the original ID card and a copy, the vehicle's license, the motor vehicle registration certificate (that little green booklet), and a few photos of the car's new color. The photos should clearly capture the car from four angles. Once there, fill out an application form, then queue up for a vehicle inspection to confirm the color complies with regulations. The fee is usually around 50-100 RMB, payable in cash or via QR code. Once done, you can get the updated license. Don’t forget to complete the process within 10 days, or it might affect the annual inspection or result in fines if caught by traffic police. In some places, color changes with wraps don’t count as modifications, so it’s worth checking in advance to save some trouble. The whole process takes about half a day—just make sure all materials are ready and nothing is missing.
The first time I changed my car's color myself, I was quite nervous about missing steps. First, finalize the color change plan to ensure it complies with local traffic color regulations—avoid using overly flashy paint, for example. Then, gather the necessary materials: bring the owner's ID card, vehicle license, vehicle registration certificate, and take a few panoramic photos of the car as backup. Go to the DMV to fill out the color change application form, where staff will inspect the vehicle and confirm color consistency. Poor paint quality or reflective film exceeding standards might lead to rejection. Pay a small fee to update the documents. After completing the process, remember to notify your insurance company to update the vehicle information, otherwise, claims might be problematic in case of an accident. If everything goes smoothly, the whole process takes about two hours—newcomers shouldn’t panic, and making an appointment in advance can save time.
