Registering a car in Poland is a mandatory procedure for all vehicle owners, including both Polish citizens and foreign residents. Whether you’ve purchased a car in Poland or imported it from abroad, it’s essential to complete the registration process in a timely manner to legally operate the vehicle. This article provides a detailed guide on the registration process, required documents, and deadlines.

When Do You Need to Register a Car in Poland?

● When purchasing a car in Poland:If you buy a new or used car, you must register it within 30 days from the date of signing the purchase agreement.
● When importing a car from abroad:For vehicles brought into Poland from another country (including EU member states), registration must also be completed within 30 days of crossing the border.
● After a change of ownership:If you sell or buy a car, the new owner is required to re-register it under their name.

Penalties for Late Registration

Since 2020, Poland has introduced fines for missing the registration deadlines. Delays can result in penalties ranging from 200 to 1,000 PLN. Therefore, it’s crucial to begin the registration process as soon as possible.

Make sure to carefully review all documents before purchase and enter accurate and complete information in the sales agreement to avoid issues during registration. It’s often difficult to contact the previous owner after the purchase, so it’s best to gather all necessary details upfront.

Car Registration Process

1. Prepare the Required DocumentsTo register a car, you will need the following:

● Completed application form (wniosek o rejestrację pojazdu). ● Proof of ownership: purchase agreement, invoice, or gift agreement.
● Vehicle card (karta pojazdu, if applicable): required for cars previously registered in Poland. ● Certificate of previous registration: (dowód rejestracyjny).
● Mandatory liability insurance (OC): proof of active insurance coverage.
● Customs documents (for vehicles imported from outside the EU): proof of payment for customs duties and taxes.
● Eco-certificate (if applicable): documentation of the vehicle's environmental standards (required in some EU countries).
● ID document: passport or residence card (karta pobytu).

2. Pay Registration FeesThe cost of registering a car in Poland varies depending on several factors:

● New car registration: approximately 180 PLN.
● Imported car registration: around 256 PLN (includes license plates, stickers, and documentation).
● Personalized license plates: starting from 1,000 PLN.

Payments can be made at the office or via bank transfer.

3. Submit Your ApplicationSubmit your application and documents to the Wydział Komunikacji (Transport Department) at the municipal or district office in your place of residence. At this stage, you must:

● Return old license plates (if applicable).
● Provide copies of insurance and other required documents.

4. Temporary Registration CertificateAfter submitting your application, you will receive a temporary registration certificate (czasowy dowód rejestracyjny), which is valid for up to 30 days. This allows you to legally use the vehicle while waiting for the permanent registration.
5. Collect the Permanent Certificate and PlatesWithin a few weeks (usually no more than 30 days), you will be notified when your permanent registration certificate and license plates are ready. You must pick them up at the same office where you submitted your application.

Cost of Our Services

Each foreigner’s situation is unique, with different sets of documents, purchasing conditions, and vehicle usage requirements. That’s why we calculate the cost of our services individually for every client.
To find out the cost of car registration based on your specific situation, contact our friendly manager through the chat window.
We are grateful for your trust and for choosing our company!

Frequently Asked Questions

● Can I drive a car with foreign plates in Poland?Yes, but only for up to 6 months from the date of entry. After that, the vehicle must be registered in Poland.
● Do I need to insure my car before registration?Yes, having an active liability insurance policy (OC) is mandatory for registration.
● How long is the temporary registration certificate valid?It is valid for up to 30 days, during which you must obtain the permanent registration.