How to Obtain Your Favourite Vehicle Registration Mark by Auction

The purpose of this web page is to explain in general terms how the sale of traditional vehicle registration marks by auction is operated.  The allocation and sale of traditional vehicle registration marks in Hong Kong is governed under Regulations 9 -14 of the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations, Cap. 374 Sub. Leg. E.

When did the auction start ?
In 1973, legislation was introduced whereby traditional vehicle registration marks could be purchased by auction.

How to obtain a mark by auction ?
You can attend any auction organised by the Transport Department from time to time and bid for the marks you like.

You may also apply to reserve any unassigned traditional vehicle registration mark for auction, includes:

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' and 'LC' ) 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 marks are 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 one to two letters as prefix (including 'HK', 'XX', 'AA', 'AB', 'AC' and so on but other than 'AM' and 'LC' ) 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:

	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 simply write to the Vehicle Registration Marks Unit, Transport Department at Room 506-508, 5/F, Harcourt House, 39 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong making such a request or submit the application through online service by clicking here. It would take six months or more from the submission of application to the holding of auction.   The waiting time would be longer if an applicant reserves more than one vehicle registration mark, or the reserved vehicle registration mark is (i) a mark without prefix, or (ii) a mark with a two-letter prefix and a single digit.
	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, H.K. 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. It would take four months or more from the submission of application to the holding of auction.   The waiting time would be different or even longer if more than one vehicle registration mark is 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.

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 contact address, please write to Vehicle Registration Marks Unit, Transport Department, Room 506-508, 5/F, Harcourt House, 39 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong(Fax Number: 3101 5561).

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'.  (Payment by post-dated cheques, cash or other methods will not be accepted.)

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.  And, any person who has submitted a deposit of $1,000 to the Transport Department to reserve a vehicle registration mark for auction should also attend.  Failure to do so may render the reserved mark sold to other bidders at $1,000.

Will the deposit for a mark reserved be refundable ?

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 Treasury for the refund.

The deposit for reserving the ordinary vehicle registration mark for auction shall be taken as special fee for the allocation of the reserved vehicle registration mark to the applicant if the reserved vehicle registration mark remains unsold in the auction. There will be no refund under such circumstances. The mark can only be assigned to a vehicle registered under the name of the applicant. 

All accepted applications cannot be withdrawn.

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 to confirm acceptance of the mark.  Within 12 months after the date of obtaining the mark by auction, the successful bidder has to get the mark assigned to a vehicle registered in his name, otherwise the mark will be withdrawn by the Transport Department and may be put up for auction again.

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.

Further 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, Room 506-508, 5/F, Harcourt House, 39 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong.