Will a scratch affect license plate registration for a brand-new car?
3 Answers
A minor scratch on a brand-new car before license plate registration does not affect the registration process. Documents required for new car registration: ID card, vehicle certificate of conformity, triplicate car purchase invoice issued by the 4S shop, original and duplicate tax payment certificates after paying vehicle purchase tax, insurance policy, compulsory traffic insurance policy. For non-local residents, a temporary residence permit is also required. New car registration needs to be processed at the vehicle management office. After submitting all required documents and paying fees, the vehicle must be driven to the vehicle management office for inspection. Some exempted vehicles only require external inspection, which generally involves checking the engine number and chassis number. After inspection, you can go to the vehicle management office hall to select a license plate. Function of license plates: The main function is to identify the vehicle's region of registration through the plate number, and to trace the vehicle's owner and registration information based on the plate.
As a car owner who just got a new car scratched, I can truly understand that heart-wrenching feeling. When a new car gets scratched before license plate registration, it usually doesn't affect the registration process. After my own accident, I consulted a friend at the vehicle management office, and they said that registration mainly involves verifying key documents like the vehicle's VIN code, certificate of conformity, and purchase invoice. As long as the car can be driven to the site normally, minor scratches or slight scrapes on the exterior are not an issue at all. However, if the damage is severe enough to affect the structural safety of the vehicle, such as broken or deformed lights, it might need to be repaired before passing inspection. I recommend being extra cautious when driving a new car before registration, choosing safe routes, and parking away from crowded areas to reduce risks. If something similar happens, don't rush to repair the car—go for registration first to avoid delays, and then deal with the damage through the insurance company. Protective film or temporary covers for new cars can also prevent accidents. In short, don't panic over minor issues, and address major problems promptly.
After years of working in auto repair, I've seen too many similar cases. If a brand-new car gets scratched before license plate registration, minor scratches generally won't affect the registration process. During registration, the DMV focuses on verifying the vehicle's legality—checking if the VIN and engine numbers match the documents. As long as the damage doesn't obscure this information or pose safety risks, it's usually not an issue. However, extensive body panel damage that causes deformation might affect safety inspections or the VIN location, potentially requiring repairs before registration. From my experience, it's best to quickly assess the damage: minor cases can proceed directly to registration, while severe damage should be addressed by a dealership using new car insurance for quick repairs before registration. New cars are most vulnerable before registration—parking them in a garage or having the dealership handle transportation is safer. Delaying damage repairs may lead to paint corrosion and higher repair costs later.
