
Vehicle inspection stickers can be collected at the vehicle management office or at inspection stations designated by the vehicle management office. To collect the sticker, you need to bring your vehicle registration certificate, compulsory traffic insurance, and ID card. The vehicle inspection process is as follows: 1. Fill out two forms: the Motor Vehicle License Plate Application Form and the Motor Vehicle Inspection Record Form; 2. Go to the annual inspection data entry window to submit and review the materials; 3. Visit the violation inquiry window—if there are any violations, pay the fines here; 4. Have an inspector perform an external inspection of the vehicle, which includes opening the hood and checking the chassis number. The inspector will provide a signed inspection approval page, which you then take to the inspection fee payment window to receive an invoice; 5. Proceed to the inspection login window and leave all materials there; 6. Wait in line for the inspection, and after completion, you will receive an inspection report; 7. Submit the annual inspection materials to the staff; 8. Upon passing the inspection, the annual inspection sticker will be issued.

I used to have to get my vehicle inspection sticker every year, so I'm quite familiar with the process. Generally, you can get it directly after passing the inspection at the service window of the inspection station. In some places, the vehicle management office or traffic police brigade has self-service machines or counters specifically for this purpose. Additionally, online methods are convenient too—just download the Traffic Management 12123 APP, upload the required documents for review, and have it mailed to your home. That's how I've been doing it for the past two years. Remember to bring your vehicle license and a copy of the compulsory insurance policy. It's best to call ahead and check local requirements. Nowadays, some cities also have agency windows at banks or postal points, though they charge a small service fee. Overall, I recommend going directly to the inspection station to get it on-site for the fastest service, and avoid queuing during the peak period at the end of the month.

Helped friends with vehicle inspection label collection a few times and noticed significant differences between cities. In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, labels are usually issued on the spot after inspection. Smaller cities might require you to pick them up at the vehicle management office. With the upgraded online services now, for new vehicles eligible for the six-year exemption, you just need to upload the vehicle license photo on the app and pay 20 yuan for postage. For older vehicles, they must first pass the on-site inspection, and when collecting the label, you'll need to bring the original ID card and the electronic copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy. It's advisable to check the local traffic management bureau's website in advance to see if the inspection station offers on-site label issuance services. Some 24-hour self-service kiosks can also print the labels.

When I first bought a car, I didn't know where to get the inspection sticker. Later, I found out that going directly to the testing station is the easiest way. After passing the inspection, just take the test sheet to the service hall window, and it's done in ten minutes. Remember to bring a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance, or now you can also show the electronic policy on your phone. Testing stations are mostly located in the suburbs, so it's recommended to go in the morning when there are fewer people. Additionally, you can also get it at the branch offices of the vehicle management department, but they are farther away and less efficient compared to the one-stop service at the testing station.


