Want to buy a car in Shanghai? First, you'll need to win a license plate in the city's auction system. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process.

Who can apply?

To join the auction, you must meet these requirements:

1. Hold a valid Shanghai residence permit.

• Permanent residents: Foreign Permanent Residence ID card.
• Non-permanent residents: Passport + valid visa/residence permit (6+ months left) + Shanghai Residence Card (Type B).

2. Tax & social security: Show proof that you have paid local social security or income tax for at least one year (up to the month before applying).

3. No Existing Shanghai Plates: You (or your spouse) can't already have a Shanghai-licensed car.

4. Valid Chinese Driver's License (Class C or above).

5. Clean Driving Record: You must have no serious traffic violations in the past year (e.g., 12+ penalty points, 5+ tickets, or license suspensions).

Step-by-step application

1. Apply Online or In-Person

• Online: Use the auction website http://chepai.alltobid.com or Shanghai Guo Pai app.
• In-person: Visit one of the service centers (addresses below).
• Sign a Letter of Commitment confirming your eligibility.

2. Wait for Review

The Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport and other relevant authorities will verify the application (takes 20 working days).

3. Check Results

Track status via the http://jtw.sh.gov.cn/ website, auction platform http://chepai.alltobid.com, or Shanghai Guo Pai app. You'll also get an SMS.

4. Next Steps

• Approved? Register for the auction within one month.
• Rejected? Appeal within 10 days for a re-review (decision in 15 days).

Service center locations

• Minhang district: No 288 Xinzhen Road (Minhang Stadium B2).
• Changning district: No 938 Songhong Road (Fuyuanwan Jiuhua Commercial Plaza, B1-A2).
• Huangpu district: 2F, No 181 Middle Sichuan Road.
• Pudong New Area: No 800 Chengshan Road (Yunding International Commercial Plaza, A101).

⏰ Hours: 9 am – 4 pm, Sunday – Friday (closed Saturdays, auction days & holidays).

Need help? Call 12345 or 021-2309-9230.

 

Source: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport