In Hong Kong, all vehicles must have a valid vehicle license to be on the road. What are the renewal fees for different types of vehicles such as private cars and vans? Is the license fee different for electric vehicles? What are the differences between the license renewal procedures and required documents for new and used cars? For how long is the license valid? What should you do if you forgot to renew? In this Kwiksure article, our experts will answer all the above questions for you.

2023 vehicle license and renewal fees

The license fee for private vehicles is determined by its engine displacement, whereas the license fee for vans and electric vehicles is based on the vehicle weight.

Private vehicles (petrol) license fees

Private vehicles (light diesel) license fees

License fees for motorcycles and motor tricycles

License fees for van-type light goods vehicles

License fees for electric vehicles

* Please note that the license fees listed above is for reference only.

As mentioned, the license fee for electric vehicles is based on the net weight of the vehicle, and is lower than for private vehicles, customer service vehicles and even motorcycles. The license fee can similarly be paid for one year or four months.

Take Tesla’s Model 3 for an example. The high-performance/long-range AWD version has a net weight of 1,844 kg. The fee for the first metric ton (1,000 kg) is HKD $572, and the fee for every additional 250 kg is HKD $124. Thus, the license fee for Tesla’s Model 3 is just HKD $572 + (HKD $124 X 4) = HKD $1,068.

When do I need to apply for/renew a vehicle license?

The law requires that all vehicles need to be registered and licensed to be on the road. Normally, the same vehicle only needs to be registered once, and the owner must renew the vehicle license 4 months before it expires. If your vehicle license will expire within the next 4 months, or if it has expired but for less than two years, you can renew it following one of the three methods below.

However, some vehicles will first need to pass a vehicle inspection before you can renew its license. The law requires that after they have been licensed for six years, all private vehicles and minivans weighing no more than 1.9 tons must pass a vehicle inspection at least once a year for their license to be renewed. You do not need to wait until the license has expired though, because the vehicle inspection and license renewal can be performed up to 4 months before the license expires.

Three ways to renew your vehicle license

There are three ways to renew a vehicle license: 1) Make an appointment online or by phone and then apply in person at a Licensing Office, 2) Apply by post, 3) Renew the license online using the iAM Smart+ app.

Method 1: Make an appointment online or by phone, then apply in person at a Licensing Office

To apply for a license renewal this way, you must first make a free appointment to renew your vehicle license at a Licensing Office through "GovHK" or by calling the 24-hour appointment hotline 3763 8080. This appointment can be between 4 months before the expiration of the current license and 2 years after its expiration. When you make an appointment you will also choose a time slot, and the appointment can be made at most 10 weeks in advance.

After an appointment is made, you can personally or arrange for an agent (who must bring the original copy of his identity document for record purposes) to bring the following documents to your selected Licensing Office at your chosen time slot to renew your vehicle license, which will be issued on the same day. Each time you renew your license, you can choose to renew it for either four months or one year to suit your needs.

Documents for license renewal

1. Completed Application for Renewal of Vehicle License (TD558)
2. Identity document of registered vehicle owner (original or copy)
3. Vehicle Registration Document (original)
4. Valid third-party risks insurance policy/cover note (original or copy) (the vehicle owner must be the policyholder and the insurance must be valid on the date when the renewed license is to become effective)
5. Proof of address within the past three months (original or copy)
6. Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR)/Certificate of Fitness (COF) (original) (only applicable to vehicles requiring vehicle inspection)

Method 2: Use the iAM Smart + app to renew your license online*

*Note that you need to use the "iAM Smart +" app, not the “iAM Smart” app, because only the former has the digital signing function.

1. Download the iAM Smart + app, and (with your HKID card) head to a self-registration kiosk or registration counter at a post office to activate the iAM Smart + digital signing feature. After completing your registration, you can use the iAM Smart + app to access various government online services, including online license renewal.
2. Open your "iAM Smart +" app, click "Online Application for Vehicle License Renewal" or click "Scan QR Code" to scan the QR code.
3. Enter your personal information and vehicle information, and then choose whether to renew your license for 4 months or 12 months.
4. Upload the original Vehicle Registration Document, a vehicle inspection certificate, a copy of a valid third-party risks insurance policy/cover note, and enter some text information.
5. Confirm your address and upload your proof of address (you could use an e-bill for utilities, such as a water, electricity or gas e-bill in place of a hardcopy proof of address).
6. After confirming that the information is correct, you can use JCB, credit card, PPS or UnionPay to pay online.
7. After completing the steps, the renewed vehicle license will be sent by registered mail to your correspondence address within 10 working days.

Method 3: Apply by post (no need to go to the Licensing Office)

If you wish to apply for a license by post, you can follow the steps below:

1. Obtain an application form from a public enquiry service centre of the Home Affairs Department, a post office, a Transport Department (TD) Licensing Office, or call the customer service hotline of the TD at 2804 2600 to obtain an application form by fax, or download the form (TD558) here.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Send the completed form together with the supporting documents and payable fees to Shatin Licensing Office, P.O. Box 79, Shatin Central Post Office. (you are encouraged to send by registered mail to prevent the loss of important documents).
4. If there is no problem with the application form, the TD will send the new vehicle license to your correspondence address by registered mail within 10 working days after receiving your application.

Source: Transport Department

What if the vehicle license has expired?

If you apply for renewal after the license has expired, it is an overdue license renewal. When renewing an expired vehicle license, in addition to paying the standard renewal fee, you may have to pay an additional fee for the unlicensed period (commonly called an overdue license fee). The exception is if you can prove that the vehicle was never used on the road for the entire unlicensed period. For details, please refer to How to apply for a waiver of the additional fee for an unlicensed period (see below).

Calculation method for the additional fee for an unlicensed period:

Additional fee for an unlicensed period = (Annual license fee excluding the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Fund Levy of HKD $114) x 0.33% x no. of days of the unlicensed period**

**Excluding the last license expiry date and the effective date of the renewed license.

In addition, if your vehicle license has expired for more than 2 years, your vehicle registration will be canceled. You will then have to apply for vehicle registration again in order to obtain a vehicle license.

How do I apply for a waiver of the overdue license fee?

If your vehicle was never used on the road after the vehicle license expired, you can apply for a waiver of the overdue license fee. What you need to do is fill in the declaration on page 2 of the application form TD558 for the renewal of vehicle license, "Declaration of Application for Waiving Additional Fees Incurred from Usage of Vehicle During the Unlicensed Period", specifying the entire period of nonuse of your vehicle. If you submit your application by mail, the postmark date will be deemed to be the end date of the nonuse period. And because the date TD receives your application may be later than the postmark date, you could still be charged an overdue license fee during that brief period by the TD. Thus, you may consider going to a licensing office in person for an overdue license renewal application. Lastly, whether an overdue license fee is paid or not, the effective date of the new vehicle license is its date of issue.

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FAQs about vehicle license renewal

How can I be sure that my online license renewal application has been successfully submitted?

If all the required documents are successfully submitted, the TD will send the new license to your correspondence address by registered mail within 10 working days. If you still haven’t received your new license after this, you should call 1823.

If my vehicle license has not expired, can I apply for renewal in advance?

Yes, license renewals can be applied for up to 4 months before expiry.