What to do when changing license plates for ETC?

[JuliannaFitz]

Remove the ETC device and ETC card from the vehicle, and bring your ID card, new license plate vehicle registration certificate, and driver's license to an ETC service center or ETC processing point to complete the modification procedures. The staff will input the new information into the ETC electronic tag, reactivate it, and after reinstallation, it can be used. Below is relevant information: 1. The ETC device is dedicated to a specific vehicle. However, one ETC card can be bound to multiple vehicles for payment. An ETC card already bound to another vehicle can be used on other vehicles. Therefore, if the license plate is changed and the ETC device cannot be used, you can take it to an ETC service center or ETC processing point to cancel the ETC. After successful cancellation, reactivate the ETC device and input the new information, and bind the ETC card to the new license plate for use. 2. ETC is an electronic toll collection system, also known as an automatic road toll system. It is a road toll method specifically used for toll roads, commonly seen on highways, bridges or tunnels with toll policies, and some sections of urban centers to alleviate urban traffic congestion.

[LeJoanna]

Last time I got new license plates for my car, here’s how I handled the ETC process: I took the new vehicle registration certificate and my ID directly to the original ETC service point where I first applied. They processed the cancellation procedure. Remember to remove and bring the ETC device with you—the staff will scan the barcode on the device to unbind the old license plate. It takes about 3 days for the unbinding to complete, after which you can reapply with the new plates. Nowadays, most banking apps have an ETC service portal where you can take photos and upload the registration certificate for automatic recognition of the new plate number. Once approved, they’ll mail you a new device. A crucial point to note: if the old ETC device isn’t unbound before being installed on a new car, highway tolls might still be deducted from your original account. After reactivation, it’s best to use the manual lane for the first couple of highway trips to confirm everything works correctly.

[SanAlexis]

After changing license plates, handling ETC involves three steps: First, remove the ETC device attached to the car. Nowadays, most new models are equipped with anti-tamper locks, so you'll need to visit a service point for professional removal. Next, contact the issuing authority, bringing along the video of the plate-changing process recorded by your dashcam and the change certificate issued by the DMV, to request the cancellation of the original binding. Finally, reapplying online is particularly convenient. I did it through the Alipay ETC service, where it automatically recognized the new plate number and allowed me to keep the original payment account. From application to activating the new device took only four days, during which I used the WeChat ETC Assistant mini-program for temporary toll deductions. Remember to check the film at the windshield installation spot for bubbles, as they can affect sensor sensitivity.

[RyderLee]

Just went through ETC license plate replacement, here are key takeaways: First, unbinding the old plate was faster than expected—took me just 10 minutes at the original ETC service outlet. But mailing for new device takes longer, remember to keep old device in glove box to avoid accidental charges when using highways. Prepaid card users must transfer balance—last time I had over 200 yuan remaining, staff directly transferred it to new account. Some provinces now offer plate change channels, my Jiangsu one was done via facial recognition on 'ETC Mobile' app, but only for local plate changes. Recommend visiting bank counters on weekdays—they can activate and test devices on-site.