Where to Apply for a Car ETC?
2 Answers
ETC can be applied for at bank branches, online banking platforms, or highway service areas. To apply, you need to provide the original and photocopies of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is made by someone other than the owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, a bank debit card application form is needed. The debit card is used to bind the ETC card. After obtaining the debit card, you can go to designated bank branches to receive and install the ETC onboard device for free, with no additional charges. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old and own the vehicle in their name. Documents required for company-owned vehicles: An introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal); photocopy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); original ID card of the agent; original vehicle registration certificate; and the vehicle requiring ETC. You can also apply online: Since most banks have their own online services and sections, they have launched online ETC application services for the convenience of vehicle owners, allowing applications to be made without leaving home. Here are some notes for ETC installation: Do not obstruct the driver's view. It is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have steeply angled windshields, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing the ETC without considering this may increase blind spots. Install it on the right side behind the rearview mirror to avoid obstructing the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement, as it has a solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, avoid installing it on the blackened areas of the windshield or where the solar panel might be blocked. Once installed, do not remove it casually: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield presses the lever in. If removed, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You will then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This mechanism is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device.
After driving for so many years, ETC has really saved me a lot of time on highways, and the service points are quite diverse. Banks are my top recommendation for getting started—institutions like ICBC or China Construction Bank offer ETC services. Just bring your ID card, driver’s license, and vehicle registration certificate to the counter, and they’ll typically install the device for free and activate it for you, all in under half an hour. Highway service areas are another great option—you can get it done while passing through a toll station, saving time and hassle. Online methods are particularly popular now: use the WeChat ETC mini-program or search for ETC services on Alipay, upload your documents, and the device will be mailed to your home. Just follow the instructions to attach it, and you’re good to go. Don’t forget to link a bank card for automatic payments, and be sure to choose a reliable, well-known platform to avoid issues later. If the device malfunctions, you can return to the bank or service station for inspection and repairs. These service points are easy to find—just search on a map—and prioritize free installations for an economical and worry-free experience.
