What to Do If the License Plate is Deformed?
2 Answers
If the license plate is slightly deformed, you can either repair it yourself or take it to a repair shop for fixing. However, if the deformation is severe, you will need to replace the license plate. The specific steps are as follows: 1. For minor deformation: You can attempt to repair it yourself or visit a repair shop, but be careful not to damage the characters or paint on the plate. It is still recommended to go to a repair shop, as removing the license plate can be tricky, and the cost is usually minimal. If repair is not possible, visit the local vehicle management office, where you can typically receive a new license plate within 3-5 working days. 2. For severe deformation: (1) First, report to the police for system record. (2) Schedule an appointment for license plate replacement through the official website or WeChat public account to save time and effort. (3) Prepare the necessary documents for replacement, including the original and a copy of the vehicle owner's ID card, the vehicle registration certificate, and the 'Motor Vehicle License Plate Application Form.' (4) Bring all the documents and the damaged license plate to the service window for verification. The damaged plate will be collected, and you will receive an acceptance receipt. (5) Use the acceptance receipt to pay the required fees at the payment window. (6) The final step is to collect and install the new license plate, which usually takes about an hour.
I also encountered a situation where my license plate got bent recently, and I went to the 4S shop for a check right away. The mechanic said there are two ways to handle such deformation: minor bends can be softened and straightened with a heat gun, but if it's broken or severely deformed, you'll need a new plate. However, I must remind you, if you try to straighten it yourself, never use a lighter—aluminum plates can easily warp from the heat. I opted to replace the plate directly, which cost me a little over a hundred yuan and took about two hours. Remember to bring your vehicle registration certificate and ID card to the DMV for the procedure. After replacement, it's best to check the mounting bracket—last time, loose bracket screws caused my plate to get scraped. A deformed license plate can also affect your annual inspection, and if left unaddressed, it might even cause issues with insurance claims.
