A quick look at the car license renewal procedure in one article

For novice drivers to enjoy driving on the road, besides car insurance, don't forget your vehicle registration certificate, also known as your "driving license"! Previously, due to the pandemic, civil servants began working from home, and the Licensing Office, which handles vehicle registration renewals, also suspended its immediate renewal service, causing many car owners to have expired registration certificates and be unjustly "suspended." This article explains the vehicle registration renewal procedure to prevent car owners from unnecessarily breaking the law!

On-time license renewal exempts you from late payment surcharges

Vehicle registration certificates are available in two types: one-year and four-month validity. According to the law, vehicle owners must apply for license plate renewal within four months before the current registration certificate expires and within two years after its expiration. If the registration certificate expires for two years or more, the vehicle will be deregistered, and the owner will need to re-register before applying for a new registration certificate. However, even if the application is submitted within two years of the registration certificate's expiration, it is considered an overdue renewal and an overdue renewal fee will be charged. The calculation method for the overdue renewal fee is as follows:

 (Annual license fee - NT$114 injury/death assistance) x 0.33% x Number of days the vehicle registration certificate has expired** 

**That is, the number of days from the day after the original license expires to the day before the new license takes effect

However, if a vehicle is not used on the road after its registration certificate expires, the owner can apply for an exemption from the overdue registration fee

Prepare the necessary documents; you can renew your license online or in person

However, car owners don't need to worry too much about their license plates expiring, as the Transport Department provides four ways for them to renew their plates:

1. You can go to any Transport Department Licensing Office to make an appointment. Vehicle owners can make an appointment by calling the hotline (3763 8080) or online; the appointment period is up to 10 weeks. If an agent handles the application, the agent must bring their original identity document for record-keeping.

2. Mail: P.O. Box 79, Sha Tin Central Post Office (Please send by registered mail if possible to avoid losing important documents)

3. Drop it into any of the Transport Department's Licensing Office 's drop boxes.

4. Apply online(a digital certificate and scanner are required).

To avoid a wasted trip or a failed application, vehicle owners should remember to submit all of the following documents:

1. The vehicle owner's identification document (original or copy is acceptable)

2. Hong Kong identity card or passport; if the vehicle owner is a limited company, please present the Certificate of Incorporation

3. The vehicle registration document commonly known as the "license plate book" (original copy) (if lost, a copy must be applied for first, but both applications can be processed at the same time)

4. Third-party liability insurance policy / a temporary policy commonly known as a "Cover Note" (original or copy is acceptable, but the policy must be purchased in the name of the registered vehicle owner and remain valid until the new vehicle registration certificate takes effect.)

5. Proof of address (including utility bills, letters from government departments, public institutions, banks, or local educational institutions, etc., issued within three months prior to the application date, clearly showing the applicant's name and address, the name of the issuing organization, and the date of issuance; original or copy is acceptable)

For vehicles requiring inspection, an original copy of the "Vehicle Suitable for Road Use Certificate" (commonly known as the "Vehicle Inspection Certificate") is required. This certificate must be valid for four months from the date of issuance, and the validity period must include at least the first day of the new vehicle registration certificate's validity; otherwise, another inspection is required. If the certificate is lost, a copy must be applied for to renew the vehicle registration certificate.

Different vehicles have different tolls!

The Transport Department clearly lists the license fees for different vehicle types. Vehicle owners should remember to check the fees before renewing their licenses to avoid writing the wrong amount on the cheque!

Private car (gasoline)

Engine cylinder capacity	Annual license fee	Four months of license fee
<1,500 cc	$5,074	$1,804
>1,500 cc	$7,498	$2,653
>2,500 cc	$9,929	$3,504
>3,500 cc	$12,360	$4,355
>4,500 cc	$14,694	$5,171

Private vehicles (light diesel fuel)

Engine cylinder capacity	Annual license fee	Four months of license fee
<1,500 cc	$6,972	$2,469
>1,500 cc	$9,396	$3,317
>2,500 cc	$11,827	$4,168
>3,500 cc	$14,258	$5,019
>4,500 cc	$16,592	$5,836

Electric bus

Engine cylinder capacity	Annual license fee	Four months of license fee
<1 ton	$572	$30 + 35% of annual license fee
Every 250 kg more	$124

Motorcycles and motor tricycles

License fee $250

Please note that if the vehicle owner chooses to apply in person at the Licensing Office, the Transport Department only accepts the following payment methods:

1. cash

2. High FPS (FPS)

3. Easy-to-use (EPS)

4. The crossed cheque is headed "The Government of the HKSAR"

If you are submitting your application by mail or through a drop box, please pay the application fee by crossed cheque

Dedicated staff provide convenient and clear answers to your questions

To own your own car, various administrative procedures are indispensable, especially when renewing the license plate. You need to prepare a third-party liability insurance policy or a cover note. Seeking help from professionals is the wise choice! Whether it's pre-sale consultation or issues with old policies, AWM insurance specialists are happy to provide you with professional advice free of charge, easily compare car insurance prices for you, and let you choose the most ideal coverage so you can enjoy the pleasure of driving with peace of mind