Used Car and Licence Renewal Inspection: Costs, Bookings, and Centers
In Hong Kong, the Transport Department mandates that all licensed private cars over 6 years old must undergo annual inspections at government-designated centers. Only upon passing the inspection can the vehicle registration be renewed. This Kwiksure guide explains the inspection costs for private cars, the required documents, and important points to note for vehicle licence renewal inspections.
- When to Have Your Car Inspected?
- Private Car Licence Renewal Inspection Costs
- Private Car Licence Renewal Inspection Items and Process
- On the Inspection Day
- What to Note When Self-Inspecting?
- Follow-Up After Passing the Inspection
- Follow-Up After Failing the Inspection (Re-inspection)
- Should You Use a Garage for Inspection? What Are the Costs?
- Government Designated Inspection Centers
- Tips for Used Car Inspections
- Vehicle Inspection and Car Insurance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- [Vehicle License Renewal] Features of New Vehicle Licenses 2025| License Fees for Different Types of Vehicles | Renewal Documents and Three Main Methods (Including EV License Fee Calculator)
- [How Much Does It Cost to Own a Car in Hong Kong?] Breakdown of Driving Costs | Fuel, Insurance, License Fees, Parking Rent, Maintenance
- 7 Steps and Precautions for Buying a Used Car
- [Beginner Driver’s Guide] Should You Buy a New or Used Car? | Car Purchase Procedure | Things to Note When Buying a Car
- What to look out for when test-driving a new/used vehicle
When to Have Your Car Inspected?
Under Hong Kong law, all vehicles (gasoline, diesel, and electric) that have been licensed for more than 6 years must be inspected annually to legally operate on the road. Vehicle owners do not need to wait until the license expires; they can perform the inspection and renew their vehicle licence up to 4 months before the license expiration date.
In contrast, new cars or vehicles less than 6 years old do not require annual inspections. For example, if you own a new car manufactured in 2022, you do not need to have it inspected annually until 2028.
To undergo a formal inspection, you need to take your vehicle to a Transport Department-designated vehicle testing center. To accommodate working individuals, some testing centers provide services during evenings and on public holidays (except Sundays).
Private Car Licence Renewal Inspection Costs
The inspection costs vary depending on the type of vehicle. The initial inspection fee is higher than the re-inspection fee. Note that the re-inspection fee applies only if the re-inspection occurs within 14 days of the initial inspection; otherwise, the full fee will be charged.
Government’s Vehicle Annual Inspection Fee Schedule
|
Vehicle Type |
Inspection Fee |
|
Private Car (First Inspection) |
HK$585 |
|
Light Goods Vehicle (LGV; total weight not exceeding 1.9 tons) |
HK$695 |
|
Private Car Re-inspection (within 14 days after first inspection) |
HK$180 |
|
Light Goods Vehicle Re-inspection (within 14 days after first inspection) |
HK$230 |
|
Issuance of a duplicate of the Certificate of Roadworthiness for a private vehicle |
HK$180 |
|
Issuance of a duplicate of the Certificate of Roadworthiness for an LGV (total vehicle weight not exceeding 1.9 tons) |
HK$230 |
To ensure that their car passes the government inspection at once, many owners opt for familiar garages for pre-inspection. Although this option is more expensive and may incur additional repair costs, it can save money if the vehicle fails the inspection and requires repairs and a re-inspection.
|
Vehicle Type |
Inspection Fee |
|
Private Car Annual Inspection |
HK$1,000 to HK$2,500 |
|
Light Goods Vehicle Annual Inspection |
HK$2,000 and above |
|
Pre-sale Inspection Including Vehicle’s Underside |
HK$700 to HK$1,000 |
Private Car Licence Renewal Inspection Items and Process
Online Booking Process for Government Inspection Centers
Preparations:
- A credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or a PPS account number and online password for payment.
- A printer to print the confirmation page once the online service is completed. If a printer is unavailable, ensure you note the reference number for the electronic service.
Steps:
- Go to GovHK and select 'Online booking for annual vehicle examination of private cars and LGVs' (for light goods vehicles not exceeding 1.9 tons).
- Click on 'Start Search.'
- Select 'Vehicle Type,' 'Engine Type,' 'Testing Center Region,' and 'Desired Appointment Date,' then click 'Next.'
- Based on your selected area and date, view the availability of relevant testing centers and choose a suitable time slot.
- Enter the vehicle details from the vehicle registration document, including 'Vehicle Details,' 'Registration Number,' and the last three digits or letters of the engine number. Select the appointment date and click 'View Time Slots' to confirm your selection.
- After entering the contact person's name and phone number, click on 'Preview Appointment.'
- Agree to the terms and conditions, then click 'Confirm and Pay.'
- Enter credit card details and click 'Pay.' Once payment is completed, your appointment is successfully booked.
On the Inspection Day
- The vehicle should not be dirty.
- Do not place too many items inside the car.
- Check that tire pressure is adequate.
- Ensure there is sufficient fuel or battery charge.
- Bring the vehicle registration document (license book).
What to Note When Self-Inspecting?
- In recent years, the government has cracked down on illegal vehicle modifications such as body kits and spoilers. It is best to revert any modifications before inspection.
- If your vehicle has tinted windows, ensure the light transmittance meets requirements (front and rear windshields and front side windows: 70%; rear side windows: 44%).
- The government has strict exhaust emission standards, which can be challenging for average vehicle owners to measure. Regular maintenance is advisable to avoid issues.
Inspection Phases and Items
|
Inspection Phase |
Items Included |
|
Phase 1 |
Vehicle identification, fire extinguisher, speedometer, horn, internal controls, windshield wipers, windows, body (including interior fittings and seats), tires, wheels, and exhaust emissions |
|
Phase 2 |
Check chassis structure, brake system, steering system, front and rear suspensions, transmission system, exhaust system, fuel pipes and tank (including the fuel interruption device), electric circuits, and chassis condition |
|
Phase 3 |
All vehicle lights, including stop lights, taillights, turn signals, headlights, and brake lights |
|
Phase 4 |
Parking brake and brake pedal |
You should ensure that all the above items are functioning properly before taking the car for inspection. Additionally, if there are any modified parts on the vehicle, you should revert them before inspection. For more information on modified vehicles, visit the Transport Department's 'Alterations and Modifications to Vehicles – DOs and DONTs' or our article: Your guide to aftermarket vehicle modifications in Hong Kong.
Follow-Up After Passing the Inspection
Although the list inspection items may appear long, it usually takes only 15 to 30 minutes to complete. After passing, vehicle owners will receive a 'Certificate of Roadworthiness.' Owners can then take the required documents and payment to the Transport Department or apply online for licence renewal. Please read our 2024 vehicle license fees, renewal documents and methods (With EV License Fee Calculator!).
Follow-Up After Failing the Inspection (Re-inspection)
If your vehicle fails the inspection, you will receive a detailed repair notice, which lists all the problems found by the vehicle inspector. Experienced vehicle owners can purchase the needed parts and perform the repair themselves to save costs. Then, of course, they must take the risk of their vehicle failing the re-inspection.
On the other hand, if you are not sure you can handle it yourself, you can hand your car over to a garage for repair and parts replacement first, and make an appointment to have your vehicle re-inspect within 14 days (including Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays). Please note that a re-inspection fee must be paid, unless the failed item is listed as 'no re-inspection fee required' and your vehicle is re-inspected within 14 days from the first inspection date.
If you disagree with the inspection results, you can request that the vehicle inspector or the person in charge of the center make further clarifications. If you still feel dissatisfied, you can also file a formal written appeal.
Should You Use a Garage for Inspection? What Are the Costs?
Since each inspection and re-inspection incurs costs, many drivers choose to have familiar garages conduct the inspections, as garage technicians have extensive experience and pay special attention to the required inspection items, thus increasing the likelihood of passing compared to self-inspections at testing centers.
While most garages claim to offer 'one-stop inspection services guaranteed to pass,' it is best to clarify the inspection fees before proceeding, as costs and items can vary significantly between garages. Generally, the cost for a private car annual inspection (including government testing center fees) ranges from HK$1,000 to HK$2,500, while light goods vehicles can cost over HK$2,000. This is typically two to three times more expensive than testing centers and does not include repair or replacement costs. Vehicle owners should weigh the time needed for inspection, the garage's inspection costs, and the risk of failing the inspection.
|
Vehicle Type |
Inspection Fee |
|
Private Car Annual Inspection |
HK$1,000 to HK$2,500 |
|
Light Goods Vehicle Annual Inspection |
HK$2,000 and above |
|
Pre-sale Inspection Including Underside |
HK$700 to HK$1,000 |
We recommend that owners who have never handled an annual vehicle inspection before, used car buyers, or owners of older vehicles use a garage for inspection, especially since used cars may have undisclosed modifications. The risk of self-inspecting (i.e., going directly to the testing center without using a garage) is higher. For cars with no previous owners or drivers confident about their vehicle’s condition, self-inspection is a viable option.
Government Designated Inspection Centers
The government has established 40 designated inspection centers across Hong Kong, with 38 currently offering normal services.
Hong Kong Island
|
Center |
Address |
Telephone |
Business Hours |
|
Crown Motors Ltd. |
Block B & C, G/F., Seaview Estate, 2-8 Watson Road, North Point, Hong Kong. |
2880 1525 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:00 Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Dah Chong Hong (Motor Service Centre) Ltd. |
G/F, DCH Motor Service Building, 111 Lee Nam Road, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. |
2808 6614 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:00 Sat: 08:30 - 17:30 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Dah Chong Hong (Motor Service Centre) Ltd. |
Unit B, G/F., Cheung Wah Industrial Building, Nos. 10-12 Shipyard Lane, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. |
2562 9846 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 Sat: 08:30 - 17:30 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Elite Motors |
Unit 3, G/F., Oceanic Industrial Centre, 2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. |
2711 0988 |
Mon - Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Jinan Automobile Testing (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. |
Shop A, G/F, Sun Yip Industrial Building, 3 On Yip Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong |
2117 9832 |
Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 19:00 Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00 Sundays and public holidays: closed |
|
Universal Cars Ltd. |
2/F., Kailey Industrial Centre, 12 Fung Yip Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong. |
3913 8266 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 19:00 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Zung Fu Company Ltd. |
Zung Fu House, 60 Ka Yip Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong. |
2895 7323 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:00 Sat, Sun & public holiday: Closed |
Kowloon
|
Center |
Address |
Telephone |
Business Hours |
|
Motormech Service Station Ltd. |
G/F, Tong Yuen Factory Building, 505 Castle Peak Road, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon. |
2411 1911 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:00 Sat: 09:00 - 17:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Cars Restoration (Hong Kong) Limited |
G/F, 16 - 18 Hing Yip St, Kwun Tong, Kowloon. |
2345 2810 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:30 Sat: 08:30 - 17:30 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Crown Motors Ltd. |
G/F, Jing Hin Industrial Building, 5 Wang Kee Street, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon. |
2825 5297 |
Mon - Sat: 08:30 - 17:30 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Dah Chong Hong (Motor Service Centre) Ltd. |
2/F, 20 Kai Cheung Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon. |
2768 2941 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 17:30 Sat: 08:30 - 17:30 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
German Motor Technology Service Centre |
Unit No. 8 - 9, Ground Floor, Po Lung Centre, No. 11 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon. |
2111 0027 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:30 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Jebsen Motors Ltd. |
Unit 1, G/F, Tower 2, Harbour Centre, 8 Hok Cheung Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon. |
2179 7951 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:00 Sat, Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
KBIA Motor Services Centre Limited |
Flat /Rm 2 - 5, G/F, Sino Industrial Plaza, 9 Kai Cheung Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon. |
2922 2928 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:30 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Sime Darby Motor Services Limited |
Unit A, G/F, Cheong Wah Factory Bldg., 39-41 Sheung Heung Road, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon. |
3913 8211 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 19:00 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
SSangyong (Hong Kong) Limited |
Ground Floor, 9 Mok Cheong Street, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon. |
2711 5165 |
Mon - Fri: 09:30 - 18:30 Sat: 10:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Zung Fu Company Ltd. |
G/F, Zung Fu Car Park Building, 50 Po Loi Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon. |
2363 9396 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:00 Sat, Sun & public holiday: Closed |
New Territories
|
Center |
Address |
Telephone |
Business Hours |
|
Action Motor Limited |
Room C, G/F, Winfield Industrial Building, 3 Kin Kwan Street, Tuen Mun, N.T. |
3692 4340 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Ankor Motors Limited |
Blk A, G/F, Man Sun Logistics Centre, 3B Hung Cheung Rd, Tuen Mun, N.T. |
2711 3898 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:30 Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Auto Force Motor Services |
G/F & 1/F, Yau Cheong Centre, 15 On Kui Street, Fanling, N.T. |
2155 2793 |
Mon - Fri: 10:00 - 19:00 Sat: 10:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
China Inspection Co Ltd |
50 Fuk Hi Street, Industrial Estate, Yuen Long, N.T. |
2486 6802 |
Mon - Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Crown Motors Ltd. |
G/F, Mita Centre, 552 - 566 Castle Peak Road, Kwai Chung, N.T. |
2880 4913 |
Mon - Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Crown Motors Ltd. |
2/F, Topsail Plaza, 11 On Sum Street, Siu Lek Yuen, Shatin, N.T. |
2825 5228 |
Mon - Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Crown Motors Ltd. |
1/F, SF Industrial Centre, 84 Chai Wan Kok Street, Tsuen Wan, New Territories |
2823 3206 |
Mon to Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Crown Motors Ltd. |
Lot 410, DD 127, Kiu Tau Wai, Ping Shan, Yuen Long, N.T. |
2880 4466 |
Mon - Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Dah Chong Hong (Motor Service Centre) Ltd. |
G/F, DCH Kiu Tau Wai Motor Centre, 30 Kiu Wong Street, Kiu Tau Wai, Ping Shan, Yuen Long, N.T. |
2479 0111 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 Sat: 08:30 - 17:30 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Fastwheel Automotive Service Limited |
Block A, 1/F, Sheung Shui Plaza, 3 Ka Fu Close, Sheung Shui, N.T. |
2161 9711 |
Mon - Sat: 08:45 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
GWM Services Limited |
Flat 4 G/F Wah Wai Centre, 38 - 40 Au Pui Wan Street, Fo Tan, Shatin, N.T. |
2868 9999 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 19:00 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
IPMC Best Solution Limited |
Flat/Rm B, G/F, Grand Industrial Building, 159 - 165 Wo Yi Hop Road, Kwai Chung, N.T. |
3188 1018 |
Mon - Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Kam Lung Motor Group Limited |
G/F, 53 - 57 Chai Wan Kok Street, Tsuen Wan, N.T. |
2119 4899 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:30 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Kings Motor Service Centre |
Flat/Rm 1, G/F, Kar Wah Industrial Building, Nos. 7-11A Hi Yip Street, Yuen Long, N.T. |
2436 3868 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:30 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
MMS Motor Testing Centre Limited |
Flat 20 & 20A, G/F, Po Yip Building, 62 - 70 Texaco Road, Tsuen Wan, N.T. |
2180 7434 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 19:00 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Ocean Express Motor Works Factory |
DD 77 LOT 566-568 Ping Che Road, Fanling, N.T. |
2674 4454 |
Mon - Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Power Moto |
2/F, Jing Ho Industrial Building, 78 - 84 Wang Lung St, Tsuen Wan, N.T. |
2111 2260 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 19:00 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Simple Motors Limited |
Flat/Rm 2, 1/F, Wah Wai Centre, Nos. 38 - 40 Au Pui Wan Street, Fo Tan, Shatin, N.T. |
2527 1577 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:30 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Vang Iek Motors (Hong Kong) Limited |
LG/F, Wah Wing Industrial Building, 14 - 20 Wing Yip Street, Kwai Chung, N.T. |
3768 4998 |
Mon - Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Wallace Harper & Co. Ltd. |
Unit 6, G/F, Mansfield Industrial Centre,19 Hong Yip Street, YLTL 406, Wang Chau, Yuen Long, N.T. |
3913 8288 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Yau Wing Motors Co. |
Unit 2, G/F, Vanta Industrial Centre, 21 - 33 Tai Lin Pai Rd, Kwai Chung, NT. |
2426 1188 |
Mon - Fri: 09:15 - 18:45 Sat: 09:15 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
Tips for Used Car Inspections
In addition to annual inspections, if you purchase a used car from another owner, it is common to have the vehicle (including the underside) inspected before transfer (note: this private inspection is not a substitute for government inspections) to ensure there are no undisclosed modifications. Most garages offer this pre-sale inspection service, typically priced around HK$700 to HK$1,000.
If you are worried that the seller may have a garage operated by a friend perform the inspection and hide the car's problems or even temper with the odometer, you can contact a third-party inspection center. The best-known third-party vehicle inspection centers in Hong Kong include:
|
Center Name |
Services |
Fees |
|
· Inspects the underside of the car by taking photos · On-site inspection for used cars and inspection reports · Booking is required; on-site inspection by a mechanic will take about 1.5 hours, depending on the condition of the vehicle |
From HK$1,300 |
|
|
· Inspection of the vehicle’s underside using a lifting platform · On-site vehicle inspection and inspection reports; computerized vehicle testing is also available · Booking is required; on-site inspection by a mechanic will take about 1.5 hours, depending on the condition of the vehicle |
Vehicle inspection: from HK$1,300 Computer-aided inspection: HK$500 |
Vehicle Inspection and Car Insurance
You may ask, 'Does car insurance cover car inspections?' Unfortunately, the answer is no. However, there is an important relationship between the two - if you do not have a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness issued by a designated inspection center, in the event of an accident and a claim is made, your insurer may refuse to compensate.
Let’s say you collide with a fixed object while driving, causing damage to the car worth HKD $40,000 and you have comprehensive car insurance, not just third-party liability insurance (only comprehensive insurance will cover this type of damage).
When handling an insurance claim, your insurer will inspect the information and supporting documents provided by you. Once they find that your Certificate of Roadworthiness has expired, they will reject your claim, meaning that you will have to pay all repair costs yourself.
The reason your insurer can do this is that they expect you to comply with Hong Kong laws and regularly maintain your vehicle. If you fail to do so and an accident occurs, they will have reasons to believe that the accident was caused by a malfunction that would have been detected and fixed during the inspection. Furthermore, not having a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness means that you had been driving your car illegally, which is a big issue for your insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vehicles need to be inspected?
All private cars manufactured more than six years ago must undergo annual inspections to obtain a 'Certificate of Roadworthiness' to renew their license.
How long does the inspection process generally take?
That depends on the vehicle's condition. If it is in good shape, the inspection process can usually be completed within half a day.
What to do if the car fails in the inspection?
The inspection center will provide a report detailing the reasons for failure. The owner can take the vehicle to a garage for repairs and replacements before returning it for re-inspection.
