What Procedures Are Required for Color Change Registration?
2 Answers
The "Motor Vehicle Modification Registration Application Form", original and photocopies of the identity documents of the vehicle owner and agent, the original vehicle registration certificate, and the original vehicle license are the necessary procedures for applying to change the body color of a motor vehicle. Additionally, any fines must be paid before changing the vehicle color. According to Article 6, Chapter 2 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law", if the color change area of a motor vehicle does not exceed 30%, there is no need to undergo modification registration. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, registration is required, and the change must be recorded within 10 days after the vehicle color is altered. Precautions for Vehicle Wrap Color Change: Before preparing to change the color of a vehicle wrap, it is necessary to consult the local vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to determine whether the region permits changing vehicle color through wraps. If the region does not support this method, registration procedures cannot be processed after the color change, and the wrap must be completely removed to restore the vehicle's original color. Additionally, according to Article 10 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations", vehicle owners are no longer required to apply to the vehicle management office in advance. They can first change the vehicle color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply to the vehicle management office for modification registration. According to Article 10, registered motor vehicles must apply for modification registration under 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 of use nature, such as commercial vehicles converted to non-commercial use or vice versa. The vehicle owner's residence moves out of or into the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office. Furthermore, 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 designated patterns and equipped with alarms and signal lights as required. Other motor vehicles are prohibited from painting, installing, or using patterns, alarms, or signal lights that are exclusive to or resemble those of the aforementioned vehicles.
I just completed the color change registration process, and it was actually quite simple. Remember to go to the DMV within 10 days after the color change, bringing your original ID card, vehicle registration certificate, and driving license. At the DMV, fill out a change registration application form, and the staff will inspect the car to verify the VIN and take a new photo to confirm the color. The whole process takes about half an hour, and the fee is just around ten yuan. Pay special attention that the car color cannot imitate special paint schemes like those of police or fire trucks, and even vinyl wrap color changes require registration. If you drive without registering the color change, you may be fined if caught. I recommend going on a weekday morning when it’s less crowded to avoid wasting time in queues.
