[Application Instructions for Customized License Plate Numbers] Registration Steps, Fees and Application Instructions | Customized License Plate Regulations | License Plate Auction Bidding Process
Author:
Kwiksure Team
Created On:
2025-07-18
Edited On:
2025-07-18
Share:
-
-
-
-
The url was copied
The Transport Department opens in January, May and September every year. Apply for a custom license plate number, allowing car owners who are interested in customizing their license plate numbers to participate in the bidding and add personality to their cars. Kwiksure shares with everyone the application steps, fees, license plate regulations and bidding process for customized license plate numbers to help you successfully bid for your desired license plate.
Kwiksure, with over 25 years of expertise in car insurance, compares more than 60 insurance companies, and provides super low full and triple coverage premiums.
Provisions for Personalised Vehicle Registration Marks
- Consists of no more than 8 English letters, numbers, and/or spaces
- There can be blank spaces in the number, but each blank space must be counted as one character in the total number. There must not be more than one blank space between any two English letters and/or numbers.
- The letters 'I' and 'O' will be treated as the numbers '1' and '0' respectively; 'Q' is not allowed.
- No more than 4 identical letters or numbers in parallel
- They may be displayed in single or double rows and must be displayed in the approved manner
- conforming to Basic Combination Requirements for Personalized Vehicle Registration Marks
You can use the Online Service for Personalised Vehicle Registration Mark and enter the license plate number you want. Check if it complies with the regulations.
Registration process for custom license plate number
|
step |
Introduction |
|
Submit your application |
The Transport Department accepts applications for personalised vehicle registration marks in January, May, and September every year. After applicants submit their applications, the Transport Department will notify them of their individual application numbers. |
|
Draw |
If the number of applications exceeds the limit, the Transport Department will arrange a ballot and publish the result on its website and notify the applicants of the result by post. |
|
Check according to basic combination requirements |
If the applicant is successful, the Transport Department will check whether the license plate number applied for meets the basic requirements of the relevant combination and inform the applicant of the result. |
|
Pay deposit |
If the requirements are met, the applicant must pay a deposit of $5,000 before the specified deadline specified in the letter. |
|
Approval |
After receiving the deposit, the Commissioner for Transport will review the application and notify the result. |
|
auction |
If the Commissioner approves the application, the Transport Department will inform the applicant of the details of the auction. |
1. Submit application online (January, May and September every year)
Who can apply online?
You can submit your application online during the application period if you meet the following conditions:
- Aged 18 or above, holding a Hong Kong Identity Card (for Hong Kong residents) or a passport (for non-Hong Kong residents); or
- Authorised person of a limited company with a valid certificate of incorporation; business registration certificates are not acceptable
Information required for application submission
- A SmartAccount with digital signature function enabled (for Hong Kong residents only); or
- A valid personal or organizational digital certificate issued by a recognized certification authority (e.g. Hongkong Post)
After checking that the information is correct, you can sign and submit the application. You will receive a confirmation after completion.
2. Draw for custom license plate numbers
After the application period ends, if the number of applications received during that period exceeds the limit, the Transport Department will conduct a lottery.
3. Transport Department’s verification results
The Transport Department will check whether the customized license plate numbers comply with the basic requirements and notify the successful applicants of the results.
4. Winners pay deposit
Successful applicants will receive a notification letter stating that they need to pay a $5,000 deposit within a certain period of time. You can pay the deposit online, in person, by mail or by dropping it off in a drop box.
5. Approval by the Commissioner for Transport
Once the deposit is received, the Commissioner for Transport will review the application. If approved, the applicant will be invited to attend the relevant auction.
6. Attend auctions
The first bid starts at the reserve price of HK$5,000. The highest bidder mentioned by the auctioneer will be the buyer and will be issued the number.
Note: Applicants who have paid a $5,000 deposit and still need to attend the auction and bid (Including the first bid). Otherwise, the personalised vehicle registration mark you applied for may be sold to another bidder at the reserve price. If no one bids for the number at the auction, the number will be allocated to the applicant at a special fee of $5,000 (the $5,000 deposit paid at the time of application will be regarded as payment of the special fee). If the applicant fails to successfully bid for the number, the Treasury will return the deposit by postal cheque.
If the bid is successful, the buyer must immediately pay the price and complete the 'Memorandum of Sale of Personalized Vehicle Registration Marks'. The buyer will be issued a receipt and a 'Certificate of Allocation of Personalized Registration Marks' to prove his ownership of the license plate. Within 12 months from the date of the auction, the buyer must apply to the Commissioner for Transport to allocate the license plate to the car; otherwise, the Commissioner may cancel the allocation.
Sources:
Transport Department
1823
Hong Kong Government One-Stop Service
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to customize a license plate number?
A deposit of HK$5,000 is required to purchase a license plate number. If no one bids, the deposit can be used to obtain the license plate directly; if there are bidders, they will need to bid.
When can I apply for a custom license plate?
The Transport Department accepts applications in January, May, and September every year. Applications received after the deadline will have to wait until the next period.
Are there any restrictions on custom license plates?
A maximum of 8 characters (English letters, numbers or spaces) may be used, but the content must be approved by the Transport Department and cannot be offensive, illegal or duplicate with existing license plates.
