Registration

Issued by the manufacturer - shows that the technical characteristics of the vehicle meet safety and environmental standards. Can be either a European (EC) or a national certificate.

EC certificate of conformity - valid in all EU countries.

If your car has a valid EC certificate, national authorities cannot request any additional technical documentation - unless your car has been modified since leaving the factory (they can then require it to undergo a new approval).

National certificate of conformity - valid only in the country that issued it.

Generally for buses, trucks, vans, trailers and custom-built before May 2009 or vintage cars.

If your car is already registered and you move it to another EU country, the authorities in your new country will often require additional technical checks or certificates before registration.

When you wish to register a car that was already registered (by you or by the previous owner) in another EU country, you should submit the previous certificate to the registration authorities.

This certificate contains useful information about the car, so registration will be faster and more efficient.

When you register, you will have to present proof that you have insurance cover.

The authorities should accept insurance cover from any insurance company:

• based in that country or with an office there;
• without an office in that country but authorised to provide services there.

You may be asked to prove that you are the legal owner of the vehicle. Invoices used as proof of purchase should clearly state the VAT number of the car dealer.

National authorities are entitled to check, when registering vehicles, whether VAT has been correctly paid.

VAT rules vary depending on whether your car is new or used and whether you buy it from a professional dealer or a private individual.

For VAT purposes, a vehicle is used if it is more than 6 months since it was first put on the road and if it has clocked up over 6 000 km.

If you are buying a new car from a dealer in one EU country, but taking it to be registered in another EU country where you live or are moving to, you should pay VAT only in your country of residence.

If you are buying a used car from a private individual, you do not have to pay VAT in any country.

If you are buying a used car from a re-sale business, you will be charged VAT but only on the profit made from selling the used car. This VAT will not be shown in the invoice. The purchase will not be subject to VAT in the country of destination.

The authorities in the country where you want to register your vehicle may first require it to undergo a roadworthiness test.

Nevertheless, they are obliged to recognise a roadworthiness certificate issued in another EU country.

There is no EU‑wide law on vehicle registration and road tax. You will have to pay these taxes as required by law in the country where you live or are moving to.

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