Does Your Car Need to Be Registered After Applying a Color-Change Film?

The automotive beauty and modification market is now booming. Many car owners aim to enhance their vehicle’s appearance and personalization through beauty upgrades and modifications. Recently, lots of car enthusiasts have asked: after applying a color-change film, do you need to register at the vehicle management office? Here’s the breakdown:

I. No Registration Required

1.When the new color is super close to the original car paint—like switching from glossy black to matte black, no registration is needed.

2.If the color-change area on the car body is under 30%—such as blackening chrome trims, or changing the hood/side mirrors, no registration is required.

3.Applying a transparent clear car wrap (even a matte one) also doesn’t need registration.

II. Registration IS Required

After changing the car’s color, the owner must go to the vehicle management office within 10 days to complete the registration.

1. Documents needed:
① Vehicle card (Motor vehicle license);
② Original and copy of the owner’s ID card;
③ Motor vehicle registration certificate;
④ If someone else handles it, a power of attorney, plus the agent’s original ID and copy.

2. Steps to follow:
① After applying the color film, take the car to any vehicle management office (except Hong Kong/Macau-plated vehicles) for photos and inspection. Staff will update the new color and re-take vehicle photos.
② Fill out the "Application Form for Motor Vehicle Modification Registration/Recordal" (signed by the unit’s resposible for company vehicles, or the owner for personal vehicles).
③ Staff will record the change in the Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate and issue a new Motor Vehicle License.
④ Replace the old license at the service window. The whole process takes about 1–2 hours.

Note: Failing to register the color change within the time limit may result in penalties under traffic laws.

III. Registration NOT Allowed

1.Cannot use colors reserved for police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, or emergency rescue vehicles.

2.Wildly colorful, "chameleon" colors, mirror-like finishes, or galvanization (chrome/plated) films are banned due to strong glisten risking other drivers’ safety.

3.Registration is denied if the vehicle has unregistered major modifications (e.g., replacing the entire vehicle, engine, body, or frame).

4.If there are unresolved traffic fines.