Vehicle Colour Change Endorsement

Vehicle colour change endorsement refers to the statutory procedure where an already registered motor vehicle, having changed its body colour, officially applies to the Vehicle Administration Office to update its registration particulars, obtain an updated vehicle registration card, and refresh the vehicle's records. It is the vital step to make personalised colour changes fully road-legal, as well as an explicit compliance requirement stipulated under the Provisions on Motor Vehicle Registration.

I. Core Principle: Change Colour First, Endorse Later

Many car owners often wonder whether to change the colour or apply for endorsement first. The correct procedure is to complete the colour change first, then submit the endorsement application within the stipulated deadline. This is because the endorsement process requires an on-site vehicle inspection and updated photographs of the repainted vehicle to produce the new registration card.

According to Article 16 of the Provisions on Motor Vehicle Registration (Decree No. 164 of the Ministry of Public Security), vehicle owners must apply for a change of registration at the vehicle's registered Vehicle Administration Office within 10 days of altering the body colour. Note that this regulation applies to any colour change exceeding 30% of the vehicle’s overall body area . While certain local authorities may be more lenient on partial colour wraps or repaints below 30%, it is best practice to check with your local authority after any cosmetic update to verify if an official endorsement is required.

II. Required Documents and Procedure

The endorsement process itself is straightforward, typically taking only 1 to 2 hours from start to finish at minimal cost (usually just a 10-yuan card production fee, with no additional processing charges).

Required Documents:

• Vehicle owner’s original identity document

• Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate (Original "Green Book" / Vehicle Ownership Certificate)

• Original Motor Vehicle Registration Card

• Full clearance of any outstanding traffic summonses and accident records

Step-by-Step Procedure:

1. Drive to the Vehicle Administration Centre: Bring the required documents and drive the newly repainted/wrapped vehicle to the nearest vehicle administration office or vehicle registration service centre. It is advisable to look up service locations and book an appointment in advance via the "Traffic Management 12123" mobile app to skip the queues.

2. Vehicle Inspection: Drive into the vehicle inspection lane, where officers will inspect the new colour for compliance, check for illegal modifications, capture updated vehicle photos, and take an engine bay chassis number / VIN rubbing.

3. Submit Application: Proceed to the service counter, fill out the Motor Vehicle Registration Particulars Change Application Form, and submit all required documents. Once approved, pay the nominal registration card issuance fee.

4. Collect the New Registration Card: Within approximately 10 to 15 minutes, you will receive an updated vehicle registration card bearing the new colour photograph. The old card will be surrendered and cancelled, and the updated colour info will be formally endorsed on the vehicle registration certificate ("Green Book").

Appointing a Representative: Yes, third-party processing is permitted. The appointed representative must present their original identity document along with a formal letter of authorisation from the owner (which can also be generated digitally via the "Traffic Management 12123" app).

III. Strictly Prohibited Colours and Finishes

While cosmetic customisation offers plenty of freedom, the following two categories are strictly prohibited. Non-compliant vehicles will automatically fail inspection and may face enforcement action:

1. Imitating Emergency and Special Service Vehicles: It is strictly prohibited to adopt or mimic the dedicated liveries, distinctive graphics, or colour schemes of police vehicles, fire engines, ambulances, and emergency rescue units. Under Article 15 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, civilian vehicles are strictly barred from spraying, installing, or displaying official markings dedicated to emergency services.

2. Finishes Compromising Road Safety: The vehicle exterior must not exhibit excessive mirror-like reflectivity (save for localized factory chrome accents). High-glare finishes such as full mirror chrome wraps or high-reflection electroplated finishes are barred. Some local jurisdictions may also enforce specific restrictions on chameleon or gradient colour-shift wraps, so always check local guidelines beforehand.

IV. Nationwide Cross-Regional Endorsement Rules

Revised regulations implemented since 2022 have significantly streamlined cross-district colour endorsements. For small and compact passenger cars that are physically located outside their original registration district when repainted, owners can now apply directly at the Vehicle Administration Office where the vehicle is currently located, without driving back to the original place of registration. The local inspection centre will inspect the car and electronically transmit verified records back to the home registry for final approval and card issuance.

V. Consequences of Late or Non-Endorsement

Failing to register a colour change within the 10-day grace period may lead to an official warning or a compound fine of up to 200 yuan (up to 500 yuan in certain jurisdictions) if stopped by traffic enforcement. While demerit points are generally not deducted and immediate reinstatement of the original colour is rarely mandated on the spot, an unendorsed colour change will cause the vehicle to fail its mandatory periodic roadworthiness inspection (Puspakom-equivalent inspection) and could lead to insurance claims being rejected on the grounds of "vehicle specifications not matching registration records". Continued non-compliance may result in the vehicle being impounded until all endorsement procedures are formally completed.