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 one.

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 after 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.

Does not prevent the authorities in your new country requiring additional technical checks or certificates before registration.

When you register, you will have to present proof 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 will 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 trader or private individual.

For VAT purposes, a vehicle is used if it is more than 6 months since it was first put on the road, or 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 only pay VAT 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, if:

• such tests are also obligatory for local residents when the holder of the registration certificate changes
• the test does not duplicate any tests your car may already have had in your home country
• the mandatory periodic test in that country is due.

There is no EU 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.