Types of Traditional Vehicle Registration Marks

Ordinary vehicle registration mark: Any person may apply to reserve an ordinary vehicle registration mark which consists of two letters as prefix (including 'HK', 'XX', 'AA', 'AB', 'AC' and so on but other than 'AM', 'LC' and 'ZG') to the next series of prefix following the current series being issued (e.g. if the current series being issued is 'MY', you can reserve a mark in the 'MZ' series) and followed by 1 to 4 numerals not listed under items 1 to 14 of the Schedule 5 of Cap. 374E for auction. Ordinary vehicle registration mark is transferable together with the vehicle bearing this mark.

Special vehicle registration mark: Any person may apply to reserve a special vehicle registration mark which consists of only a number of 4 digits at most or consists of two letters as prefix (including 'HK', 'XX', 'AA', 'AB', 'AC' and so on but other than 'AM', 'LC' and 'ZG') to the next series of prefix following the current series being issued (e.g. if the current series being issued is 'MY', you can reserve a mark in the 'MZ' series) and followed by a number listed under items 1 to 14 of the Schedule 5 to Cap. 374E for auction. Special vehicle registration marks are non-transferable. Where the ownership in a motor vehicle with a special vehicle registration mark is transferred, the allocation of the special registration mark shall be cancelled.

 

Application Procedures

[The Department has to take time to process the reserved applications accumulated during the pandemic, the waiting time for auction will become longer. Thank you for your kind attention and understanding. ]

  • You should first of all check whether the mark is available to be reserved for auction by telephoning 2804 2600 or check the availability through online enquiry service by clicking here.
  • You should also need to make clear that the mark is a special or ordinary registration mark.
  • In the case of a special registration mark or an ordinary registration mark with a prefix 'HK' / 'XX', and if it is available, you can submit an application form (TD585) by post or fax to the Vehicle Registration Marks Unit, Transport Department (Address: 12/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon / Fax No.: 3101 5532) making such a request or submit the application through online service by clicking here. You may also make general enquiries through a chatbot by clicking here.

    In general, it would take twenty four months or more from the submission of application for a special vehicle registration mark or an ordinary vehicle registration mark with prefix 'HK' / 'XX' to the holding of auction. If an applicant reserves more than one vehicle registration mark, the waiting time of his/her reserved marks would be different and longer.

  • In the case of an ordinary registration mark with a prefix other than 'HK' / 'XX', and if it is available, you should complete an application form (TD283) and approach the Hong Kong Licensing Office at 3/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong to pay a refundable deposit of $1,000. Application forms are available at the Hong Kong Licensing Office and Vehicle Records Office. You may download the application form TD283 on the Internet. You may also submit the application through online service by clicking here or make general enquiries through a chatbot by clicking here.

    In general, it would take twelve to eighteen months or more from the submission of application to the holding of auction.   The waiting time may be different or longer if more than one vehicle registration mark are reserved by an applicant.

  • Your reserved mark will be put on the Waiting List for auction and you will be informed of the auction date by registered mail in due course.



Online Auction Platform for Vehicle Registration Marks

The Transport Department is developing an Online Auction Platform for Vehicle Registration Marks. Members of the public can participate in the bidding of ordinary vehicle registration marks, settle auction prices and receive auction-related information through computers or mobile devices.

After the launch of the Online Auction Platform, ordinary vehicle registration marks reserved for may be put up for open bidding via the Online Auction Platform. Applicants and bidders will have to register for an account in advance using "iAM Smart" mobile app or with email address before bidding.

The Online Auction Platform will require bidders to use a digital signature to confirm submission of bid and the bid amount during auction. Bidders must be a user of "iAM Smart+" with digital signature function or hold a valid digital certificate issued by recognised certification authorities in order to participate in an online auction.

The Transport Department will announce details of the online auction platform in due course. You are encouraged to download the "iAM Smart" mobile app and register for "iAM Smart+", or apply for a valid digital certificate for participating in the online auction after its launch. You may also visit the following websites for more information:

1. "iAM Smart" www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/
2. Register for "iAM Smart+" www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/about-version.html
3. Electronic Authentication & Digital Certificates www.gov.hk/en/residents/communication/infosec/cybersecurity/digitalcert.htm

Change of correspondence address and contact details

All the correspondences concerning the application for reserving a registration mark for auction will be sent to the contact address as indicated on the application form. If you would like to change the correspondence address or other contact details, please submit the completed application form (TD 640) by post or by fax to the Vehicle Registration Marks Unit of Transport Department (Address: 12/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon/ Fax no: 3101 5532).

You may also submit the change request through electronic form, or use GovHK's Access Change of Address Service to make application (After starting the application, click "Services by Organisation" in Step 2 and select "Vehicle Registration Marks Auction Applicant [TD03]" under "Transport Department", and then input and submit the required information).

 

Deposit for Mark Reservation

If the applicant is successful in bidding for the mark he has reserved, his $1,000 deposit will be accounted for in the actual sum payable for the mark.

If the applicant is unsuccessful in bidding for the mark he has reserved, his $1,000 deposit will be refunded and he will be notified by the Treasury for the refund.

If the reserved registration mark (except registration mark with 'HK' or 'XX' as a prefix, or special registration mark) remains unsold at the auction, it will be allocated to the applicant at a special fee of $1,000, and the deposit paid will be taken as payment of the special fee.  The applicant will be notified of the allocation after the auction by post.  Please note that the reserved registration mark can only be assigned to a vehicle registered in the name of the applicant under such circumstances.  Also, there will be no refund to the applicant.

All accepted applications cannot be withdrawn.

 

Enquiries

If you have any question concerning the auction of vehicle registration marks, you may telephone 2804 2600 or write to Vehicle Registration Marks Unit, Transport Department, 12/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon.