What Procedures Are Required for Color Change Registration?
2 Answers
The documents required for applying to change the color of a motor vehicle include: "Application Form for Motor Vehicle Modification Registration," identity proofs of the vehicle owner and agent, the motor vehicle registration certificate, and the motor vehicle driving license. 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 apply for modification registration. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, registration is required, and the change must be registered within 10 days after the vehicle's color is altered. Precautions for changing vehicle wrap color: Before changing 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 the vehicle's color through wraps. If the region does not support this method, the registration procedure cannot be completed after the modification, and the wrap must be entirely removed to restore the vehicle's original color. Additionally, according to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," owners are no longer required to apply to the vehicle management office in advance. They can first change the vehicle's color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply for modification registration with the vehicle management office. 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. Whole vehicle replacement due to quality issues. Change of use, such as converting a commercial vehicle to a non-commercial vehicle or vice versa. Change of the vehicle owner's residence in or out of 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 these vehicles or similar to them. Article 56 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" states that if the body color is changed without completing the required modification registration, the public security traffic management department may issue a warning or impose a fine. The vehicle may also be impounded and required to revert to its original color.
I went through the color change registration process last year, and as an experienced driver, I think it's quite crucial. First, you need to prepare all the required documents: the vehicle license, original and photocopy of ID card, and the vehicle registration certificate—don’t forget any of them. Then, go to the local DMV to fill out the application form, queue for the vehicle inspection, and the staff will carefully check if the color matches the modification record. The whole process takes about half a day, so it’s advisable to go early to avoid peak hours. The key point is that the color change shouldn’t be too extreme, such as mimicking a police car, or it will be directly rejected. After completing the color change registration, driving becomes more worry-free, as you won’t have to fear being stopped and fined on the road. Also, the cost is low—just a few dozen yuan—saving both money and hassle. Remember to wash the car thoroughly before the color change to avoid any issues during the inspection.
