China to permit car registration service at vehicle retailers

BEIJING - China will allow motor vehicle retailers to provide license plate number selection and car registration services, according to the Ministry of Public Security Tuesday.

The measure, which will be piloted in a number of big and medium-sized cities including Beijing, Shanghai and provincial capitals starting Sept 20, will be extended across the country by the end of this year, said Li Jiangping, an official with the ministry, at a press conference.

It is part of a reform to facilitate car registration, which will enable car buyers to choose license plate numbers and receive their vehicle licenses directly after purchasing.

Currently, people need to register their newly purchased cars at a vehicle administration office to obtain a vehicle license in China.