Will scratches on a new car affect its registration?
2 Answers
Scratches on a new car can affect its registration. Scratches are considered exterior damage, which may cause the vehicle to fail the appearance inspection, making it impossible to obtain a license plate and register the car. Documents required for registration: ID card, vehicle certificate of conformity, vehicle parameter sheet, second and fourth copies of the car invoice, vehicle purchase tax, car insurance policy, purchase invoice, vehicle certificate of conformity, ID card or organization code certificate and its copy for invoice issuance, compulsory insurance policy, tax payment certificate, and a temporary residence permit for non-locals. Registration process: After preparing the materials, go to the vehicle management office to submit the documents, sign as the owner, have the vehicle inspected and confirmed by the traffic police, choose a license plate number, receive the receipt, install the license plate, and collect the vehicle license and registration certificate.
It's definitely heartbreaking to see a new car get scratched, but based on my over ten years of driving experience, it won't directly affect the vehicle registration. During registration, the DMV mainly checks hard indicators like the VIN and engine serial number, as well as whether the vehicle's safety features meet standards, such as brake light functionality. Minor scratches or slight paint chips on the exterior are usually overlooked and won't cause any issues. However, if the scratch is particularly deep, causing a cracked headlight cover or body deformation that affects driving safety, then problems might arise. I suggest you proceed with the registration first and address any issues later if necessary. Of course, repairing a new car sooner is better to avoid affecting its resale value. Drive carefully on the road—safety is the top priority.
