(1) Online Auction Platform for Vehicle Registration Marks – 'E-Auction'

The Transport Department has launched E-Auction platform, on which the auction of all ordinary vehicle registration marks, except registration marks with "HK"/"XX" prefix, will be held. To participate in online auction, one has to register for an account on E-Auction in advance. Registered users can bid for their desired registration marks via E-Auction within specified time slots of online auction sessions and they are required to provide digital signature for placing bid (for the first time) in an auction session via "iAM Smart+" equipped with the digital signing function, or a valid personal digital certificate.

Applicants who have submitted a deposit of $1,000 to reserve a vehicle registration mark for auction should register as an E-Auction user in advance and participate in the online auction. Their reserved registration marks may be sold to other bidders at the reserve price if otherwise.

Successful bidders can make payments by a number of electronic payment means provided under the platform within the specified period, after which they can download the Memorandum of Sale of Vehicle Registration Mark from the platform so as assign the registration mark bidden to a vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser.

Please visit the 'E-Auction' website for more details. The public may also call the E-Auction hotline (3583 3980) or send email (e-auction-enquiry@td.gov.hk) for enquiries.

(2) Physical Auction

Registration marks with "HK"/"XX" prefix and special vehicle registration marks are auctioned in physical auction venues by paddle bidding method.

Preparation for Physical Auction

Who is expected to attend an auction?

Any member of the public who is interested in bidding for the marks put up for auction can attend. 

What to bring along on the date of auction?

Bidders are reminded to bring along the following documents with them for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after the successful bidding:

• the identity document of the successful bidder;
  
  
• the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
  
  
• a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation (photocopy is acceptable) if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
  
  
• a crossed cheque made payable to 'The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region' or 'The Government of the HKSAR'. For auctioned mark paid by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed. Successful bidders can also pay through Easy Pay System (EPS). However, payment by post-dated cheques, cash or other methods will not be accepted.

Relevant information for Physical Auction

After Physical Auction

What is the procedure for registering a mark bought at auction?

If successful in obtaining a mark at auction, the bidder has to complete a Memorandum of Sale of Vehicle Registration Mark to confirm acceptance of the mark. Within 12 months after the date of being allocated with the mark by auction, the purchaser has to get the mark assigned to a vehicle registered in his name, otherwise this allocation of the mark may be cancelled by the Transport Department and the mark may be reallocated.

Where will the funds obtained through auctions of marks go?

Funds raised through the auction of vehicle registration marks after deduction of the operation expenses will go to the Government Lotteries Fund, a body that uses the funds for charity.