Registering a car in Poland – guide for foreign drivers
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Registration is not just a bureaucratic formality in Poland – it is the legal mechanism that links a vehicle to a specific owner and ensures that insurance, taxes and technical inspections are up to date. Everyone who buys or imports a vehicle must register it within 30 days, and failure to meet this deadline may result in a fine of 200–1000 PLN. Registration allows the authorities to confirm that the vehicle meets EU safety and emission standards, that mandatory liability insurance (OC) is valid, and that excise duty and taxes have been paid where required. This article explains how to register a car bought in Poland, how to register an imported vehicle (including cars from the UK and non‑EU countries), what documents and fees are involved, how to obtain personalised licence plates and what to expect during technical inspections. The guide is based on official information from Polish authorities updated to 2025.
Registration of a vehicle purchased in Poland
If you buy a new or used car in Poland, you must submit a registration application within 30 days. The process is handled by the starostwo powiatowe (district office) or city office where you live, and you can apply in person, via a dealership or online. The steps include:
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Complete and sign the application – download the vehicle registration application and a consent to process personal data.
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Gather required documents:
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Proof of ownership such as a VAT invoice or sales contract.
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Certificate of conformity (CoC) or other approval document showing the vehicle meets EU standards.
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Proof of excise duty payment (if applicable).
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Identity document (passport or national ID).
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Submit the application – take the documents to your local office or authorise the dealership to do so.
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Pay fees – standard plates cost 80 PLN, a registration card costs 54 PLN, a temporary permit (valid 30 days) costs 13.50 PLN and a validation sticker costs 12.50 PLN. The total fee for a car with standard plates is around 160 PLN. Individual plates cost 1000 PLN.
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Receive temporary documents – after submitting your application and paying the fees, you receive temporary plates and a temporary registration certificate valid for up to 30 days.
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Collect the permanent registration card – within 30 days, the Polish Securities Printing House issues the permanent registration certificate. You must return the temporary permit when collecting the new card and show proof of insurance.
Required documents and costs (summary)
Use this checklist when registering a vehicle purchased in Poland:
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Application form and consent for data processing
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Proof of ownership – VAT invoice, sales contract or other legal document
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Certificate of conformity or equivalent EU approval
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Proof of excise duty payment (for passenger cars)
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Identity document – passport or national ID
Fees:
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Ordinary licence plates: 80 PLN
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Registration card: 54 PLN
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Temporary permit: 13.50 PLN
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Validation sticker: 12.50 PLN
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Total: ~160 PLN
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Individual plates (optional): 1000 PLN
You can pay these fees at the office, via a fee machine or by bank transfer. Additional costs may include 5 PLN per page for certifying copies of documents and 17 PLN in stamp duty for a power of attorney.
Registration of an imported vehicle from the EU
When you buy a used car abroad and import it to Poland, you must still apply for registration within 30 days. The general procedure mirrors that for domestic purchases but includes extra documentation:
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Fill in the registration application and attach the required documents.
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Provide proof of residence – foreigners must show a residence card or visa and proof of legal stay.
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Attach original foreign documents plus translations – all documents in a foreign language must be translated by a sworn translator, except the EU Certificate of Conformity and similar approval documents.
Provide the following documents:
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Application form.
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Personal data consent (if given).
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Power of attorney if someone else submits the application.
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Statement of the import date.
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Original foreign licence plates and certificate of registration.
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Proof of ownership (invoice, sales contract, donation agreement or court decision).
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Vehicle registration card with sworn translation.
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Evidence of customs clearance (for non‑EU vehicles).
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Excise duty payment confirmation or exemption certificate.
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Positive technical inspection certificate.
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Identity documents of all owners.
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Pay fees and submit documents – similar to domestic registration. You will receive temporary plates and a temporary registration certificate valid for 30 days.
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Collect the permanent registration card – within 30 days.
Documents specific to foreigners
Foreign citizens registering a vehicle in Poland must provide additional proof of legal stay, such as a visa or residence permit card and proof of address registration (zameldowanie). If registering a company vehicle, a current National Court Register (KRS) extract is required. EU citizens can provide proof of residence registration or an EU citizen’s stay card. Without a legal residence permit, non‑EU citizens cannot register a car.
Registering a car imported from the United Kingdom
Since the UK left the EU, registering a car imported from Great Britain follows the same rules as any non‑EU import. The buyer must adapt the vehicle to Polish road conditions and provide specific documents.
Vehicle adaptations
Right‑hand‑drive vehicles can be registered without relocating the steering wheel, but several modifications are mandatory:
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Adjust the headlights so that the beam illuminates the right side of the road.
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Move the rear fog light from the right to the left side.
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Replace the speedometer so it displays kilometres per hour.
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Replace the mirror glass to provide a wider field of vision.
Required documents for a UK car
To register a UK car in Poland, you must submit:
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Registration application.
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V5C registration document (British log book).
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Confirmation of excise duty payment.
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Proof of ownership (purchase agreement or invoice).
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Current technical inspection certificate.
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Liability insurance policy (OC).
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Existing UK licence plates.
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Identity documents for all owners.
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Receipt for the registration fee.
All documents in English must be translated by a sworn translator. The registration process must be completed within 30 days from import.
Registering a vehicle imported from outside the EU (e.g. USA)
Cars imported from non‑EU countries require additional steps because they must meet EU safety and emission standards. The procedure includes:
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Customs clearance – pay customs duty, VAT (23 %) and excise duty based on engine capacity. Proof of payment must be attached to the registration application.
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Adaptation to Polish regulations – modify the vehicle to comply with Polish traffic rules. For US cars, this involves converting headlights, adjusting the exhaust system, fitting a kilometre speedometer and relocating lights. Cars must pass a zero technical inspection at an authorised diagnostic station.
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Translate documents – all foreign documents, including the title, vehicle card and proof of ownership, must be translated by a sworn translator.
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Insurance – take out temporary third‑party liability insurance valid for 30 days.
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Submit application – include translated documents, customs and tax receipts, proof of technical inspection and de‑registration document from the country of origin. You will receive temporary plates and a temporary permit; the permanent certificate arrives within 30 days.
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Fees – standard registration fees are 161.50 PLN for a car with ordinary plates and 1081.50 PLN for individual plates.
Emission standards
Poland, as an EU member, follows EU emission regulations. Imported vehicles must comply with at least the Euro 6 emission standard or they may be refused import or require costly modifications. The technical inspection checks emissions and safety; vehicles failing to meet the standard may require engine or exhaust upgrades before registration.
Personalised or selected licence plates
If you want a unique registration number, you can apply for individual licence plates (tablice indywidualne). The car must already be registered or be registered for the first time. Rules include:
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The number must start with the regional code (two letters), followed by a combination of letters and numbers chosen by the owner.
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Offensive words or misleading sequences are not allowed.
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The fee for individual plates is 1000 PLN for a car (500 PLN for a motorcycle).
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The fee is added to the standard registration costs, so registering a new car with individual plates costs around 1080 PLN.
To request personalised plates, include your desired plate content on the registration application. If the proposed sequence is unavailable or illegal, the office will ask you to choose another.
Technical inspections and emission testing
A valid technical inspection (przegląd techniczny) is mandatory for registration and for continued road use. Key points:
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New passenger cars: the first inspection must occur within 3 years of the first registration; the next after 2 years and then annually.
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Used and imported vehicles: before registration, every imported car must undergo a zero inspection at an authorised station. This ensures the vehicle meets safety and emission standards.
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If the inspection certificate expires, the car cannot be legally driven and cannot be registered. The inspection result is recorded in the registration document.
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Non‑EU imports must meet Euro 6 emission standards. If the car fails the emissions test, modifications or retrofits are required before a positive certificate can be issued.
Practical tips for expatriates and foreign owners
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Obtain a PESEL and residence permit: a valid residence card or visa is usually required to register a car.
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Book appointments online: many district offices require appointments; use the online booking system (for example, in Warsaw) to avoid long queues.
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Translate documents early: translation by a sworn translator can take time; prepare translations before visiting the office.
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Check technical compliance: confirm that headlights, odometer and emissions meet Polish standards before the inspection to avoid repeated visits.
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Keep insurance valid: third‑party liability insurance must be purchased no later than the day of registration.
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Observe the 30‑day deadline: notify the office of the purchase or import within 30 days to avoid fines.
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Use power of attorney if needed: if you cannot attend in person, authorise someone else, but remember there is a small stamp duty for the power of attorney.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need a residence permit to register a car in Poland?Yes. Non‑EU citizens must have a valid visa or residence permit and proof of address registration. Without legal stay, registration is not permitted.
How long do I have to register a car after purchase or import?You must register the vehicle within 30 days of purchase or import. During this period, you may drive with the previous foreign plates if customs and insurance are valid.
What are the standard registration costs?For a passenger car with ordinary plates, the total fee is about 160 PLN (plates, registration card, temporary permit and sticker). Individual plates cost an additional 1000 PLN.
Do I need to change the steering wheel for a UK car?No. Since 2015, Poland does not require converting right‑hand‑drive cars to left‑hand drive. However, you must adjust headlights, fog lights, speedometer and mirrors before registration.
What documents must be translated?Any document in a foreign language, including registration certificates, purchase agreements and technical documents, must be translated by a sworn translator. EU certificates of conformity are exempt from translation.
Are emissions and technical inspections mandatory for imported cars?Yes. All imported vehicles must pass a technical inspection at an authorised station. Vehicles must meet Euro 6 emission standards or be modified to comply.
Can I drive my imported car while waiting for registration?You can drive temporarily with the foreign plates and valid insurance until registration; however, once you submit your application, you will receive temporary Polish plates and a permit valid for 30 days. After registration is complete, you must use the permanent plates.
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Conclusion
Registering a car in Poland is a structured process that ensures vehicles comply with safety and environmental standards and that ownership and insurance details are clearly recorded. Whether you purchase a car locally or import one from the UK, USA or another country, you must submit a registration application within 30 days, provide proof of ownership, pay the appropriate fees and supply a valid technical inspection certificate. Imported vehicles may require modifications and translations, and non‑EU vehicles must meet Euro 6 emission standards. Personalised plates are available for an extra fee.
To avoid delays, gather all documents in advance, book appointments online and ensure your residence status is in order. If you want expert assistance, akcyzawarszawa.pl can manage the entire registration process for you. Check your local starostwo powiatowe or city office for specific forms and the latest requirements, as regulations may vary by region and may be updated after 2025.
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