Poland Immigrant Info

Registering a Vehicle in Poland

Importing or buying a car — the Starostwo process, plates, insurance (OC), and technical inspections.

Updated 2026-01-20 · 1 min read

Registering a Vehicle in Poland
On this page
  1. Where
  2. Buying a used car in Poland
  3. Importing a car
  4. Mandatory
  5. Plates and fees
  6. Tips

Where

Register at the Starostwo Powiatowe (Wydział Komunikacji) for your address. The process issues Polish plates (tablice rejestracyjne) and a registration certificate.

Buying a used car in Poland

  • Seller signs the umowa kupna-sprzedaży.
  • Both parties notify the Starostwo within 30 days.
  • You receive a temporary registration while plates are issued.
  • Transfer the OC insurance to your name within 14 days.

Importing a car

  • Customs clearance (for non-EU).
  • Translated foreign registration documents.
  • A technical inspection at a Polish diagnostic station (SKP).
  • Excise duty (akcyza) for some imports.
  • Register within 30 days.

Mandatory

  • OC third-party insurance (always).
  • Technical inspection (przegląd) — periodic.
  • AC comprehensive (optional but common for financed cars).

Plates and fees

  • Registration fee ~160 PLN + plate fee.
  • Custom/vanity plates cost more.
  • Foreign temporary plates (przyczepa/handlowe) for export.

Tips

  • Check the CEPiK history of a used car (accidents, owners).
  • Confirm the VIN matches documents.

FAQ

Do I need OC insurance?
Yes. Third-party liability (OC) is mandatory for every registered vehicle; driving without it is a serious offence. AC (comprehensive) is optional.
How often is the technical inspection?
New cars: first inspection after 3 years, then every 2 years; cars over 20 years or older than 4 years with LPG: every year.

Sources

  1. gov.pl — Vehicle registration (updated 2026-01-12)

This article is informational and not legal advice. Always confirm with the relevant authority.

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