What to Do If the License Plate is Deformed?

[McKennedy]

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.

[LeDelilah]

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.

[DiAbel]

As a mechanic who inspects dozens of cars daily, I recommend addressing license plate deformation immediately. The other day, a Tiguan came in with its plate edges curled from a tree branch scrape. A license plate is like an ID card—when deformed, traffic cameras may misread it as an obscured plate, and those 12 points vanish instantly. Minor deformations can be fixed yourself: remove the plate and gently tap it flat with a rubber mallet (aluminum plates are soft, but avoid using a steel hammer). If the plate is cracked or bent at a 90-degree angle, just visit the DMV for a replacement—it’s the easiest solution. Also, check the license plate frame; many areas now ban decorative frames, as added frames can trap and deform plates. When getting new plates, try anti-loosening screws—they handle bumps better than standard ones.

[Ava]

Last week, my daughter scraped the curb while driving and dented the front license plate. First, I used a wrench to remove the plate, placed it on a towel on the ground, and gently hammered it flat from the back with a wooden mallet. It's important to note the reflective film in the middle of the plate—hitting it too hard can cause it to peel off. If the bend is severe, it's better not to bother and just get a replacement from the DMV. You'll need to bring the vehicle registration certificate. Nowadays, many cities allow appointments through the Traffic Management 12123 app, with a fee of 100 yuan. After replacing the plate, I got a set of anti-theft screws from the auto repair shop—the kind with spring washers—and haven’t had any issues since. A reminder to everyone: park farther from the curb. Last time, it was just five centimeters away.

[ODeclan]

Yesterday while washing my car, I noticed the rear license plate was deformed by the car wash brush—the aluminum plate even had curled edges. After some research, here's how to handle it: For minor deformations, use a heat gun to soften the plate, then flatten it against a wooden board, being careful not to damage the coating. Severely damaged plates should be replaced directly. You can schedule a replacement via the 12123 app, then drive to the DMV with the old plate. The whole process took 40 minutes and cost 110 yuan. The technician used anti-tamper screws, which can only be tightened in one direction, providing both theft and vibration protection. Don’t delay fixing a bent plate—last year, my neighbor ignored his curled plate, and rainwater pooled, rusting the numbers, causing a long delay during the annual inspection.

[LeKarter]

Last month when I returned from a trip, I found my front license plate had been dented by someone. I first called the vehicle management office for consultation, and the staff informed me that deformed plates must be replaced—self-repair doesn't count. The replacement process is straightforward: bring your ID card and vehicle license, fill out a form at the service hall, and pay the fee (costs vary between 100-130 RMB depending on the region). The old plate will be collected on the spot. The new plate arrives in three days—remember to prepare the fixing screws in advance. When installing the plate, I added a silicone washer to dampen vibrations. Once, I saw a mechanic fixing a bent plate by softening the aluminum with boiling water before flattening it, but improper temperature control can cause the reflective coating to bubble. It's best to leave professional tasks to the professionals.