Which department should be applied to for changing the color of a motor vehicle's body?
4 Answers
The "Road Transport Regulations of the People's Republic of China" stipulate: For registered motor vehicles, changing the color of the vehicle body requires applying for modification registration with the public security traffic management department. To apply for modification registration, the owner of the motor vehicle must fill out an application form, present the motor vehicle for inspection, and submit the following documents and certificates: (1) The identity document of the motor vehicle owner. (2) The motor vehicle registration certificate. (3) The motor vehicle driving license. (4) If the engine, body, or frame is replaced, a motor vehicle safety technical inspection certificate must also be submitted. (5) If the entire vehicle is replaced due to quality issues, a motor vehicle safety technical inspection certificate must also be submitted, except for motor vehicles imported through customs and those exempted from safety technical inspections as recognized by the competent department of motor vehicle products under the State Council.
I found many people don't know the process of car paint modification. From personal experience: you must register the changes at the DMV. Don't think changing color is a trivial matter. Last time when I changed to matte gray, I went straight to the DMV with my ID card, vehicle registration certificate, and driving license. The staff inspected the car and took photos very carefully, checking the original VIN to confirm it wasn't a salvage vehicle. After waiting two hours, I got the new driving license with updated photo background, making it legal to drive. Remember you must complete the procedure within 10 days after modification. Otherwise, getting fined 500 yuan is the least concern - worse case you might fail the annual inspection. I suggest checking local DMV requirements before color change. Some special colors like police car schemes aren't allowed for registration.
When it comes to the vehicle color change procedure, the core is dealing with the traffic management department. Simply apply for the modification registration at your local Vehicle Management Office, and some cities now even offer online appointments. The most crucial thing is to bring the vehicle registration certificate—that little green booklet. The on-site process is actually straightforward: pay a 10-yuan processing fee, drive your car to the inspection area, and wait for the police to confirm that the new color matches the photo on the vehicle license. Important reminder: Even partial wraps covering over 30% of the area must be registered. Don’t follow those influencer car owners who change the entire color without registration—if an accident happens, your car damage insurance claim might be denied.
Last month I just wrapped my car in electro-optic purple, and the color change procedure was handled directly at the DMV. Simple three steps: First, bring the vehicle title and registration, drive to the inspection area to queue up, wait for the officer to use the device to verify that the VIN matches the system information, then take new photos and upload them to the system. The whole process took two hours and cost just a few dozen yuan in administrative fees. Be careful not to choose color schemes reserved for special vehicles, and remember to register the change within ten days to stay legal.
