
Vehicle deregistration is processed at the vehicle registration office where the vehicle was originally registered. The procedure is as follows: 1. Fill out the Application Form for Vehicle Suspension, Resumption, and Deregistration, as well as the Scrapped Vehicle Recycling Certificate, and sign your name at the bottom of each form; 2. Bring the completed forms, the applicant's ID card, vehicle license, and license plates to the relevant authority to complete the vehicle deregistration process. Vehicle deregistration applies to registered vehicles that have reached the mandatory scrapping standards set by the state, are lost, are no longer used within China for certain reasons, or are returned due to quality issues. The vehicle owner must apply for deregistration in such cases.

I've handled vehicle deregistration a few times before. You need to go to the local vehicle management office, commonly known as the DMV, usually located in the urban area or county transportation service center. You should bring your ID card, vehicle license, and vehicle registration certificate. Make sure to check the DMV's working hours in advance to avoid a wasted trip. If it's a vehicle scrapping deregistration, you'll also need to provide a scrapping certificate. After the DMV staff verifies the information, they'll help you complete the procedures. The whole process takes about half an hour to an hour. Remember to collect the deregistration certificate afterward. Failing to deregister promptly may leave legal liabilities under your name, affecting future vehicle use. After deregistration, it's advisable to check whether your auto insurance has been transferred or canceled to avoid complications. In big cities, there can be queues during peak times, so it's best to go early in the morning.

I once deregistered an old car because I moved and sold it. The process was quite simple—just go to the local DMV, and it’s the same in any city. At that time, I brought my ID card, the vehicle’s license, and the registration certificate. The DMV verified the car’s information on-site, collected the relevant documents, and printed the deregistration certificate immediately. If your vehicle is scrapped, you’ll also need a certificate from the scrapyard. The whole process was quick, but the key is to make sure you have all the documents to avoid multiple trips. Deregistering has many benefits, like avoiding unnecessary parking fees or traffic violation liabilities. I regretted not doing it sooner when I later received a ticket. After deregistering, remember to handle the license plate properly—don’t just discard it.

To deregister a vehicle, the most convenient way is to handle it on-site at the vehicle management office, which has branches in every city. You can easily find the address by searching online. Personally, I prefer online operations, such as submitting an application through the Traffic Management 12123 app, but for something as significant as deregistration, on-site processing is more reliable. Required documents include the owner's ID card, vehicle license, and registration certificate. If the vehicle has been scrapped, an additional scrapping certificate is needed. Don't forget to bring cash or a card when going to the vehicle management office, as there may be processing fees. After deregistration, the vehicle records will be cleared to prevent future disputes. To avoid weekend crowds, I recommend going before 10 a.m.


