If you buy or import a car and plan to use it in Poland, you must register it and obtain Polish license plates.
Vehicle registration is handled by the Department of Communication (Wydział Komunikacji) at the local City Office (Urząd Miasta) or District Office (Starostwo Powiatowe).
👤 Who Can Register a Vehicle
You can register a vehicle if you:
- Own the vehicle
- Have a legal address in Poland
- Have a residence permit or visa
- Have all required vehicle documents
🔢 Step-by-step Guide
- Purchase mandatory third-party liability insurance (OC)
- Complete a technical inspection if required
- Prepare required documents
- Submit your application to the local Department of Communication
- Pay the registration fees
- Receive temporary registration documents and license plates
- Collect the permanent registration certificate when it is ready
Vehicle registration should generally be completed within 30 days of purchase or import, depending on the circumstances.
📑 Required Documents
- Registration application
- Passport or residence card
- Proof of ownership (Purchase agreement or invoice)
- Previous registration certificate
- Existing license plates
- Valid technical inspection certificate (If required)
- Proof of valid OC insurance
- Proof of payment of registration fees
🚘 If the Car Was Imported
- Customs clearance documents (For vehicles imported from outside the EU)
- Proof of excise tax payment or exemption (If applicable)
- Certified translations of foreign documents
- Foreign registration certificate
Additional requirements depend on whether the vehicle comes from an EU or non-EU country.
💰 Registration Fees
Typical registration costs include:
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard registration | 160 PLN |
| Individual license plates | 1000 PLN |