# Vehicle Registration (Fahrzeuganmeldung)

Register a car in your country of residence, whether bought locally or brought from abroad: documents, insurance, inspection, import taxes, plates and the registration certificate. Offices, taxes and deadlines vary by country.

- Europe · Automotive
- 9 steps · ~10 days · 6 documents
- Last reviewed: 2026-10
- Web page: https://raaya.cloud/p/bundled_VEHICLE_REGISTRATION_EU

## Steps

### 1. Check registration rules and deadlines (1 day)

If you live in a country (usually more than 185 days a year), your car must be registered there, even if you brought it from another EU country. A car bought locally also needs registering in your name. Check the deadline, the office and any registration tax before you buy or move.

Country specifics: Germany, register at the vehicle registration office (Zulassungsstelle) or online via i-Kfz with an eID. France, all carte grise applications are online via ANTS. Netherlands, imported cars are inspected by the RDW and registration tax (BPM) is paid to the Belastingdienst. Spain, register with the DGT. Italy, through the Motorizzazione and the PRA. UK, notify HMRC within 14 days of an imported car arriving and then register with the DVLA. Ireland, book a VRT inspection within seven days of arrival and pay VRT within 30 days.

Tip: Ask whether a tax exemption applies when you move house with your own car; some countries offer one.

Online: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/registration/registration-abroad/index_en.htm

### 2. Gather vehicle and personal documents (2 days)

Collect the documents that prove the car is yours, that it meets EU standards and that you live in the country. For a used car, check that the seller is the registered keeper and that the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches the papers.

Country specifics: Germany, both parts of the registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II) or the foreign registration papers, plus the EU Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for imports. France, the previous registration certificate, a certificate of conformity and a tax clearance (quitus fiscal) for imported cars. UK, the foreign registration document and proof of approval. Ireland, the foreign registration certificate and proof of transfer of residence if you claim relief.

Tip: For cars from outside the EU, customs clearance papers are needed before registration.

Documents: Driving Licence (Führerschein / permis de conduire), Passport or National ID Card, Proof of Residence (registration certificate), Purchase Contract or Invoice, EU Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

### 3. Arrange insurance and tax details (1 day)

Third-party liability insurance is compulsory everywhere in the EU and usually must be in place before registration. Get quotes early; prices vary widely between insurers.

Country specifics: Germany, the insurer issues an electronic insurance confirmation number (eVB-Nummer) that the registration office checks; vehicle tax is collected by customs by direct debit, so bring your bank details. France, an insurance certificate is needed. Netherlands, insurance is linked to the number plate. UK, you need insurance before you can drive the car on the road.

Tip: Ask your previous insurer for a no-claims certificate to lower your premium.

- [ ] Compare at least three liability insurance quotes
- [ ] Get the insurance confirmation (eVB-Nummer in Germany)
- [ ] Request a no-claims certificate from your previous insurer
- [ ] Prepare bank details for vehicle tax direct debit
- [ ] Check whether import VAT applies (new cars under six months or 6,000 km)

Documents: Liability Insurance Confirmation (eVB-Nummer)

### 4. Book an inspection (1 day)

Most countries require a valid roadworthiness test, and imported cars often need an extra identity or import inspection. Book a slot at an authorised centre.

Country specifics: Germany, the main inspection (Hauptuntersuchung) at TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ or KÜS, first after three years for new cars and then every two years. France, the contrôle technique. Netherlands, the RDW import inspection and later the periodic APK. UK, an MOT for cars over three years old. Spain, the ITV. Italy, the revisione. Ireland, the VRT inspection at an NCT centre, and later the NCT.

Tip: You can usually drive an unregistered car to a pre-booked inspection; ask the centre about the rules.

Documents: EU Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

### 5. Prepare the car for inspection (1 day)

Many cars fail for simple reasons such as a broken bulb or worn tyres. Check the basics the day before.

Country specifics: EU law sets a minimum tyre tread depth of 1.6 mm. Germany requires a first-aid kit, a warning triangle and a high-visibility vest in the car. France requires a warning triangle and a vest. Spain and Italy have their own lists of mandatory equipment.

Tip: Fix small faults before the test to avoid paying for a re-inspection.

- [ ] Check all lights, indicators and brake lights
- [ ] Check tyre tread (at least 1.6 mm) and tyre condition
- [ ] Check brakes and listen for unusual noises
- [ ] Make sure the windscreen has no cracks in the driver's view
- [ ] Check wipers and washer fluid
- [ ] Pack the mandatory safety equipment for your country
- [ ] Make sure the VIN is readable and matches the papers

### 6. Pay registration and import taxes (1 day)

Pay the registration fee and any registration or import tax. Registration taxes on imported cars can be large in some countries, so calculate them before you decide to bring a car.

Country specifics: Germany, registration fees are modest and there is no registration tax, but annual vehicle tax applies. Netherlands, BPM registration tax on imported cars. Ireland, Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT). Spain, a registration tax depending on emissions. France, a regional tax on the carte grise. Relief may apply when you move your residence with a car you have owned for some time.

Tip: Use the official tax calculators (Belastingdienst, Revenue) before you import.

### 7. Register the car at the registration office (1 day)

Submit your application at the registration office or online. You receive the registration certificate and your new number, and the old foreign registration is cancelled.

Country specifics: Germany, at the Zulassungsstelle you get the stamped Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and the seals for your plates; plates are made by nearby licensed shops. France, ANTS issues a temporary certificate online and posts the carte grise. Netherlands, the RDW issues the registration card (kentekencard). UK, the DVLA posts the V5C logbook. Spain, the DGT issues the permiso de circulación. Ireland, the car is registered after VRT is paid.

Tip: Book an appointment where possible; some registration offices are busy for weeks.

Documents: Passport or National ID Card, Proof of Residence (registration certificate), Liability Insurance Confirmation (eVB-Nummer)

### 8. Fit plates and finish the paperwork (1 day)

With the registration done, fit the plates, keep the papers in order and close accounts in your previous country.

Country specifics: Germany, keep Part I of the registration certificate in the car and Part II safely at home. UK, keep the V5C at home. Return or destroy old foreign plates as the issuing country requires, and tell your old insurer and tax office.

Tip: Photograph the registration certificate for your records.

- [ ] Fit the new plates and check the stickers or seals
- [ ] Keep the in-car registration document in the vehicle
- [ ] Store the ownership document safely at home
- [ ] Cancel the foreign registration and insurance
- [ ] Set up vehicle tax payment if not automatic

### 9. Remember the next inspection date (1 day)

Set a reminder for the next roadworthiness test and annual tax or insurance renewals. Driving with an overdue inspection can mean fines.

Country specifics: Germany, the sticker on the rear plate shows the month and year of the next inspection. UK, GOV.UK offers free MOT reminders by text or email. Netherlands, the RDW sends APK reminders. France, check the date on your contrôle technique report.

Tip: If you came from a non-EU country, also check when you must exchange your driving licence, for example after six months of residence in Germany.

## Documents you'll need

- **Driving Licence (Führerschein / permis de conduire)**: EU licences are valid across the EU. Non-EU licences are usually only valid for a limited time after you take up residence, then must be exchanged.
- **Passport or National ID Card**: Needed to register the car in your name. Non-EU citizens may also need a residence permit.
- **Proof of Residence (registration certificate)**: Registration offices check you live in the area. Your address registration certificate or a recent utility bill usually works.
- **Purchase Contract or Invoice**: Proves ownership and the purchase date and price, which can matter for taxes. Make sure the VIN and seller details are correct.
- **EU Certificate of Conformity (CoC)**: Issued by the manufacturer to show the car meets EU type approval. Needed for most imports; the manufacturer or importer can supply a copy.
- **Liability Insurance Confirmation (eVB-Nummer)**: Third-party liability insurance is compulsory. In Germany the insurer gives you an eVB number that the registration office checks electronically.

## Official sources

- [Your Europe: Registering your car abroad](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/registration/registration-abroad/index_en.htm)
- [Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (Germany)](https://www.kba.de/)
- [Service-Public.fr: Carte grise (vehicle registration certificate)](https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/N367)
- [RDW (Netherlands)](https://www.rdw.nl/)
- [GOV.UK: Importing vehicles into the UK](https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk)
- [Revenue.ie: Vehicle Registration Tax](https://www.revenue.ie/en/importing-vehicles-duty-free-allowances/guide-to-vrt/index.aspx)
- [DGT Sede Electrónica (Spain)](https://sede.dgt.gob.es/)

General guidance, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Confirm with the official source before you act.

Use this template free in Raaya: https://raaya.cloud/p/bundled_VEHICLE_REGISTRATION_EU