The Guangdong-Hong Kong dual license plate (commonly known as the "dual license plate") is a core document connecting Guangdong and Hong Kong for cross-border travel. It is divided into two main categories: FU plates (for mainland vehicles traveling to Hong Kong, replacing the discontinued FV plates) and Guangdong Z plates (for Hong Kong vehicles traveling to Guangdong). In 2026, the dual license plate policy underwent significant adjustments, with the complete discontinuation of FV plates, upgraded benefits for FU plates, and a lower tax threshold. Many business owners and individuals are unclear about whether they meet the application requirements, what documents are needed, and what pitfalls to avoid during the application process.

First, let's clarify the core types of Guangdong-Hong Kong dual license plates in 2026 (to avoid confusion).

Many people get confused about license plate types before applying, leading to errors in prepared documents, ineligibility issues, and rejection. First, clarify the differences between the two core types of license plates in the latest 2026 application to make the process more efficient:

　1. FU plate (Mainland vehicles entering Hong Kong): The quota for FV plates in 2026 has been fully used up. All new applications will be issued FU plates. Existing FV plates can be used normally without being affected. The travel benefits are better than the old FV plates. You can stay in Hong Kong for 360 days a year (FV plates are only allowed for 180 days). There are no restrictions on driving in Shenzhen at all times.

2. Guangdong Z license plate (Hong Kong vehicles traveling to Guangdong): Hong Kong companies investing in Guangdong can apply for this license plate. The vehicle must be right-hand drive and can only travel within Guangdong Province. Driving outside the province will result in fines. A "restricted area permit" from the Hong Kong Transport Department is required for normal entry into Hong Kong.

Key reminder: The requirements for the two types of license plates differ significantly. You should first clarify the type you need to apply for before making the necessary preparations to avoid wasting your time.

II. Key Points: Eligible Applicants for Guangdong-Hong Kong Dual-Regional Vehicle License Plates (Latest Requirements in 2026, Must Read)

The application process for vehicle license plates between Guangdong and Hong Kong is "primarily for enterprises, supplemented by individuals." After the policy optimization in 2026, the tax threshold was lowered and some groups can apply without any threshold. Based on official regulations and practical experience, the application groups and core conditions are clearly defined by type. You can check against the criteria to determine if you meet the requirements.

　(I) Eligibility and conditions for obtaining a FU license plate (Mainland vehicles traveling to Hong Kong)

The program is primarily targeted at "mainland enterprises with cross-border business and travel needs." Individuals cannot apply directly; applications must be submitted in the name of a company. The latest requirements for 2026 are as follows:

1. Core Group: Independent legal entities registered in Guangdong Province (domestic or foreign-funded), with no tax arrears or abnormal business records, and the company has been in operation for more than one year (this period can be extended to 6 months in special circumstances).

2. Tax payment requirements (core threshold, to be lowered in 2026):

　　   For general ports such as Shenzhen Bay and Liantang: If the total amount of value-added tax and corporate income tax actually paid in the previous year is ≥ HKD 800,000 (formerly 1 million), one quota can be applied for; if the tax payment is ≥ HKD 5 million, one additional quota can be applied for, with a maximum of three quotas.

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Port: Those who have paid a total of HKD 800,000 in value-added tax and corporate income tax in the past 3 years can apply for 1 quota; those who have paid a total of HKD 5 million or more in taxes can apply for an additional quota, up to a maximum of 3.

Important reminder: Only value-added tax and corporate income tax are recognized, excluding individual income tax, export tax refunds, late payment fees, and fines. The tax bureau will verify these directly, and falsification will result in a lifetime ban on applying for tax benefits.

3. Special Groups (Tax Exemption): Foreign-invested high-tech enterprises do not need to meet tax requirements and can directly apply for 2 quotas (1 general port + 1 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge port), which are valid indefinitely.

4. Additional conditions: Enterprises must have genuine cross-border business (such as Guangdong-Hong Kong trade, cross-border services), vehicles must be left-hand drive, less than 6 years old, meet the National VI emission standard, and each vehicle can have a maximum of 3 registered drivers (who must have driver's licenses in both places and have been continuously paid social security for more than 6 months).

　　(II) Eligibility and conditions for obtaining a Guangdong Z license plate (Hong Kong vehicle to Guangdong)

This program primarily targets "Hong Kong companies investing in Guangdong," and applications are processed under the company's name; individuals cannot apply directly. The latest requirements for 2026 are as follows:

1. Core Group: Companies registered in Hong Kong (limited companies or unlimited companies are acceptable) that have actual investments in Guangdong Province (such as establishing branches, factories, or offices), with foreign investment accounting for ≥25%, and no record of illegal or irregular activities.

2. Tax payment conditions (by port):

　　     Shenzhen Bay Port: Those who paid ≥ HKD 150,000 in taxes in Guangdong Province in the previous year can apply for one quota;

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Port: Those who have paid a cumulative total of HKD 100,000 or more in taxes in Guangdong over the past three years are eligible to apply for one quota;

General rule: The higher the tax paid, the more license plates you can apply for, up to a maximum of 3. The tax calculation method is the same as that for FU license plates (only value-added tax and corporate income tax).

3. Special groups (tax exemption threshold): Hong Kong and Macao National People's Congress deputies and high-end talents holding Youyue Card can apply for Guangdong Z license plates without paying taxes, and the approval cycle is shortened to 15-20 working days.

4. Additional conditions: The vehicle must be right-hand drive, less than 6 years old, meet the vehicle standards of both Guangdong and Hong Kong, and the driver must hold a dual driver's license, have no record of drunk driving or drug driving, and have a genuine employment relationship with the company.

(III) Groups of people who are not eligible (practical tips to avoid pitfalls and wasting time)

Based on years of experience, the following groups/companies are ineligible for dual Guangdong-Hong Kong license plates; please avoid this in advance:

1. Individuals without a business background applying solely for personal travel needs (individuals cannot apply directly; they must rely on a company);

2. The company has a history of tax arrears, abnormal operations, illegal or irregular activities, or fails to meet tax payment requirements (e.g., using individual income tax or export tax refunds to offset tax payments);

3. Vehicles that do not meet standards (e.g., FU license plates using right-hand drive, Guangdong Z license plates using left-hand drive, vehicles over 6 years old, or vehicles that do not meet the National VI emission standard);

4. Companies found to be operating under false pretenses or engaging in fictitious investments (without actual operations or genuine cross-border business) will have their quotas revoked and be listed as untrustworthy.

III. Practical Core: Documents for Applying for Vehicle License Plates in Guangdong and Hong Kong (categorized by type, for direct reference during preparation)

The completeness and standardization of the application documents directly determine the approval speed (normal approval takes 2-3 months, and missing documents will delay it by 1-2 weeks). Based on the latest policies and practical experience in 2026, the documents are organized into "essential documents + supplementary documents + precautions" for both FU and Guangdong Z license plates.

　　(a) FU license plate (Mainland vehicles traveling to Hong Kong) application documents (under the company's name)

1. Essential core documents for businesses (all are indispensable)

1. Company documents: Original and photocopy of business license (stamped with the company seal), and identification of the legal representative (photocopy of ID card/passport, stamped with the company seal);

2. Tax payment certificate: Original tax payment certificate issued by the tax bureau for the previous year (or the past 3 years, at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge port), stamped with the official seal of the tax bureau, clearly indicating the amount of value-added tax and corporate income tax paid (excluding individual income tax and export tax refunds);

3. Vehicle-related documents: Original and photocopies of vehicle registration certificate and driver's license, vehicle photos (front, side, and rear views, with license plate clearly visible), and vehicle inspection report (meets China VI emission standards);

4. Driver's relevant documents: original and photocopies of the driver's ID card, Hong Kong and Macao travel permit, and driver's licenses from both regions; proof of social security contributions for the driver (continuous for at least six months, stamped with the company seal); and proof of no traffic violations or irregularities.

5. Application form: "Approval Notice for Motor Vehicle Travel and Driving between Guangdong and Hong Kong" (downloadable from the official website of Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department, signed by the legal representative and stamped with the company seal).

　2. Supplementary documents (provided as needed)

1. Foreign-invested high-tech enterprises: Must provide the original and a copy of the high-tech enterprise certificate to prove the enterprise's qualifications for tax exemption application;

2. Proof of cross-border business: such as trade contracts between Guangdong and Hong Kong, cooperation agreements, customs declarations, etc., proving that the company has a genuine need for cross-border business operations (some ports may verify this);

3. Documents to be handled by an agent: If a third-party agency is entrusted to handle the matter, a power of attorney (signed by the legal representative and stamped with the company seal) and a copy of the agency's business license are required.

　3. Important Notes on Document Preparation (Key Practical Points)

1. All photocopies must bear the company seal, be clear and legible, and must not be altered or blurred;

2. Tax payment certificates must be valid (within 3 months from the date of issuance); expired certificates must be reissued.

3. Drivers' social security contributions must be paid by the applying company; third-party payments are invalid, and detailed social security payment records must be provided.

4. Vehicle photos must meet specifications (size, angle) to avoid rejection due to non-compliance.

　(II) Documentation for Guangdong Z license plate (Hong Kong vehicle traveling to Guangdong) (under the company's name)

1. Essential core documents for businesses (all are indispensable)

1. Hong Kong company documents: Original and photocopies of the Hong Kong Certificate of Incorporation (CI) and Business Registration Certificate (BR), legal representative's identity document (photocopy of ID card/passport), and minutes of the Hong Kong company's board meeting (confirming the vehicle license application, signed by the directors);

2. Proof of Investment: Proof of investment within Guangdong Province (such as branch office business license, lease agreement, investment fund transfer voucher) to prove that the company has made actual investment;

3. Tax payment certificate: Original certificate of tax payment in Guangdong issued by the tax bureau (subject to the corresponding tax payment requirements at each port), stamped with the official seal of the tax bureau;

4. Vehicle-related documents: Original and photocopies of Hong Kong vehicle registration certificate and driver's license, proof of right-hand drive, vehicle inspection report (meeting standards of both Guangdong and Hong Kong), and a "restricted area permit" issued by the Hong Kong Transport Department (essential for entry into Hong Kong);

5. Driver's documents: Driver's ID card, Hong Kong and Macao travel permit, original and photocopies of both driver's licenses, proof of no traffic violations, and employment contract with the company;

6. Application form: "Approval Notice for Motor Vehicle Travel and Driving by Drivers between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao" (downloadable from the official website, signed by the legal representative and stamped with the company seal).

　2. Supplementary documents (provided as needed)

1. Special Groups' Certificates: Representatives of the National People's Congress from Hong Kong and Macau, and holders of the Guangdong Talent Card, need to provide corresponding qualification certificates for tax exemption applications;

2. Notarization of Foreign Language Documents: If the Hong Kong company's documents are in English, a notarized Chinese translation (issued by a certified notary public) is required.

3. Documents to be handled by an agent: Same as the requirements for FU license, a power of attorney and the agent's qualification certificate are required.

　　3. Important Notes on Document Preparation (Key Practical Points)

1. Hong Kong company information must be valid, and the business registration certificate must be renewed; otherwise, the review will not be successful.

2. Investment proof must be genuine and valid. False investments (such as no actual office address or no investment funds) will be rejected outright and will affect the company's subsequent applications.

3. The "restricted area permit" must be obtained in advance (processed by the Hong Kong Transport Department, approximately 1-2 working days). Without the permit, entry into Hong Kong is prohibited, and subsequent penalties include fines and vehicle impoundment.

4. All documents must be printed and organized on A4 paper, and bound in the order of "Company Information → Tax Payment Certificate → Vehicle Information → Driver Information" to facilitate verification by the approvers.

　(III) Key Points for Avoiding Common Pitfalls in General Files (Summary of Practical Experience, Must Read)

1. Refuse to forge documents: Do not forge core documents such as tax payment certificates and investment certificates. The tax bureau and public security bureau will conduct online verification. Forgery will result in a lifetime ban on applying for services and may also lead to fines.

2. Verify documents in advance: Before submission, check each document to avoid omissions or errors (such as forgetting to affix the official seal, or the driver's social security records not being valid for six months). Incomplete documents will lead to rejection of the application, and resubmission will require additional time.

3. Notarization of Foreign Language Documents is Mandatory: English documents from Hong Kong companies must be notarized in Chinese in advance. Unnotarized foreign language documents will be rejected directly. Notarization must be done by a reputable institution to avoid invalidity.

4. Timely updates: If there are any changes to company information (such as address, legal representative) or vehicle information, the relevant documents must be updated before submitting the license plate application. Otherwise, discrepancies will occur, affecting the approval process.

IV. Practical Supplement: Key Reminders for the Process (Based on the 2026 Policy, Avoid Detours)

1. Approval period: The normal approval period for FU and Guangdong Z license plates is 2-3 months. The approval speed at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Port is faster (up to 30% shorter), and the approval process for pure electric vehicles can be further accelerated.

2. Fee Explanation: The official fee is only about 10 yuan for processing; there are no "express fees" or "internal quotas." Legitimate agencies charge between 15,000 and 30,000 yuan. Anything 50% lower than the market price is likely a scam.

3. Subsequent Management: Starting in 2026, the interval for changing vehicles and drivers will be eliminated, and changes can be made at any time, but timely reporting is required; renewal of investment-related indicators will no longer require tax assessment, and can be processed with just the approval card;

4. Policy Changes: The 2026 policy focuses on "lowering the threshold and improving efficiency," with tax thresholds reduced and procedures simplified. SMEs can take advantage of the policy benefits to avoid subsequent threshold increases.

V. Summary: Identify the right target group, prepare all necessary documents, and process efficiently without encountering pitfalls.

the Guangdong-Hong Kong vehicle license plate policy in 2026 , the application threshold has been lowered and the process more convenient, but the core requirements (corporate entity, tax compliance, and vehicle and driver compliance) remain unchanged. The key to successful application is to first determine the type of license plate you need (FU plate/粤Z plate), check your eligibility against the general applicant pool, and then prepare all required documents to avoid falsifying information or omitting crucial documents.

　Key recommendations: Before applying, you can check your qualifications through the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department's government service website or entrust a formal agency to assist in verifying your documents (to avoid rejection due to a lack of understanding of the policies); when preparing your documents, strictly follow the requirements to ensure they are authentic, complete, and standardized. This will shorten the approval cycle, allow you to successfully obtain dual license plates, and open up the cross-border travel channel between Guangdong and Hong Kong.