Since 2006, the Transport Department has offered a vehicle registration number auction scheme, which has been popular among car owners. Many have come up with creative plate numbers like '0NLY Y0U' and '1 LUV U' to make their cars stand out.
Traditionally, the Transport Department opens applications for custom license plates in January, May, and September each year, followed by auctions where bids are placed. Car owners interested in custom license plates must submit their applications within the specified time and attend the auction in person. In addition to custom plates, the Transport Department also occasionally holds auctions for traditional license plates.
Recently, the Transport Department announced that it will move auctions online later this year. This guide will delve into the differences between traditional and custom license plates, the application procedures and important points for both, and how to participate in online auctions for desired license plate numbers.
Traditional license plates are categorized into "ordinary vehicle registration numbers" and "special vehicle registration numbers."
Ordinary Vehicle Registration Numbers: These are the most common license plate formats seen on the roads. They typically consist of 2 letters followed by 1 to 4 digits, excluding certain letter combinations like "AM," "LC," and "ZG." For example, WS 1226 or NW 1987.
Special Vehicle Registration Numbers: These consist of up to 4 digits or 2 letters (excluding "AM," "LC," and "ZG") followed by any number from the special list in Schedule 5 of the Hong Kong Laws. For example, BJ 7 or 2182. Note that "ordinary vehicle registration numbers" can be freely transferred, while "special vehicle registration numbers" cannot be transferred.
As the name suggests, custom license plates can be composed of any combination of letters and numbers, subject to the following conditions:
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Traditional License Plate Application Procedure |
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Stage 1 |
Apply for a license plate on the Transport Department’s website (an immediate HK$1,000 deposit is required. If you win the reserved registration number, the deposit will be deducted from the auction price; if unsuccessful, the deposit will be refunded). For ordinary vehicle registration numbers (excluding those starting with HK/XX), it takes about 12-18 months until the auction. For special vehicle registration numbers or ordinary numbers starting with HK/XX, it takes about 24 months or more until the auction. |
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Stage 2 |
The Transport Department will list the reserved license plate numbers in the auction catalog and notify the auction date via registered mail. |
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Stage 3 |
On the designated date and time (participants must be at least 18 years old), attend the auction venue with the following documents: Identification of the successful bidder. Identification of the purchaser (if different from the bidder). If the purchaser is a corporation, a copy of the company registration certificate (photocopy is acceptable). |
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Stage 4 |
After winning the bid, sign the "Vehicle Registration Number Auction Payment Commitment" and make payment via "ePay" or a crossed cheque. |
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Stage 5 |
Complete the "Vehicle Registration Number Sale Memorandum." |
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Stage 6 |
Within 12 months after winning the license plate, allocate the auctioned license plate to a vehicle registered in your name, otherwise, the number will be reallocated. Custom License Plate Application Procedure |
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Custom License Plate Application Procedure |
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Stage 1 |
Apply for a custom license plate on the Transport Department’s website within the designated period. You will receive an application number. Applications are typically open in January, May, and September. If applications exceed the processing limit, a lottery will be held. The results will be posted on the website, and successful applicants will be notified by mail. |
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Stage 2 |
The Transport Department will verify if the custom plate numbers meet the basic requirements. |
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Stage 3 |
The Transport Department will notify successful applicants of the verification results. |
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Stage 4 |
If the custom plate number meets the requirements, applicants must pay a HK$5,000 deposit within the specified deadline. If the custom plate number is not sold at the auction, it will be allocated to the applicant for a special fee of HK$5,000. The deposit paid will be considered as payment for the special fee and will not be refunded. |
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Stage 5 |
After paying the deposit, the Transport Department will review and notify the applicant of the approval results. |
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Stage 6 |
The Transport Department will arrange the auction (approximately 12-18 months wait) and publish details in newspapers. Applicants will be informed of the auction details. |
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Stage 7 |
On the specified date and time (participants must be at least 18 years old), attend the auction venue with the following documents: - Identification of the successful bidder. - If the purchaser is a corporation, a copy of the company registration certificate (photocopy is acceptable). |
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Stage 8 |
After winning the custom license plate, sign the "Custom Vehicle Registration Number Auction Payment Commitment" and "Custom Vehicle Registration Number Sale Memorandum," and make payment via "ePay" or a crossed cheque. - Custom license plates can only be allocated to vehicles registered in the purchaser’s name. - If the custom license plate is to be registered under a company, the company registration certificate should be presented immediately after the auction. |
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Stage 9 |
The purchaser will receive a "Custom Registration Number Allocation Certificate" after the auction. |
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Stage 10 |
Within 12 months of winning the license plate, allocate the auctioned number to a vehicle registered in your name, otherwise, the number will be reallocated. |
The Transport Department will launch an online auction platform by the end of this year. Interested parties, including those who have applied for traditional and custom license plates, can participate. Initially, there will be two online auctions each month for seven days, starting with a small number of ordinary plates for testing.
To participate, users must register via "ePay" or with an email address to access the online vehicle registration number auction platform. During the auction, users can place immediate or automated bids and set a maximum bid amount.
Even if you have paid a HK$1,000 or HK$5,000 deposit when applying, it does not guarantee you will get your desired license plate. This deposit is merely an "entry fee."
As with any auction, the highest bidder wins. Whether traditional or custom license plates, competition can be fierce. Special plates tend to attract more bidders, so reviewing past auction results can help estimate the "market price" of the plate you're interested in.
Auctions are conducted by raising bid paddles. Bidders should hold the paddle high with the number facing the auctioneer and bid loudly. Maintain silence and remain seated throughout the auction. Smoking, eating, drinking, and unauthorized photography, audio recording, or video recording are prohibited inside the auction venue.
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