Public transport in Poland works well, but plenty of people still want their own car. Here’s how to buy and register a car in Poland as a foreigner in 2026: including a new deadline you need to know about.

No special documents needed to buy a car

To buy a car in Poland, you don’t need any special documents: just a valid passport with a valid visa, or another document confirming your legal stay in Poland (a residence card, EU long-term resident card, etc.).

To register the car, you need to visit the city or gmina (municipal) office where you live.

Documents you need for registration

The office will ask you for:

  • the sale contract or invoice;
  • the car’s previous registration documents;
  • the old plates (if the car is already registered in Poland and you’re not keeping the same plates);
  • proof of your right to the address where the car will be registered.

A car can be registered to more than one person: foreigners often register a car together with a Polish co-owner. If you bought the car in the same gmina where you live, you don’t need to change the plates, only the registration documents.

If your paperwork is complete, registration is typically handled in a single visit; if something is missing or unclear, it can take longer.

The 30-day registration deadline

Key change: as of 2026, you have a mandatory 30-day deadline from the date you acquire a car in Poland to file for registration (businesses trading in vehicles get 90 days). The clock starts from the date the sale contract is signed, not from the date you physically pick up the car.

Fines for missing the deadline (private individuals):

  • PLN 500: if you exceed the 30-day deadline;
  • PLN 1,000: if the delay exceeds 180 days.

Legal basis: Article 73aa of the Road Traffic Law (Prawo o ruchu drogowym); confirmed on the Ministry of Infrastructure’s “Rejestracja pojazdów” page.

Note: a fully electronic registration process (without an in-person visit to the office) is only planned for 2027: in 2026, you still need to go to the gmina office in person.

Registration fees and insurance in 2026

Approximate official fees for 2026:

  • registration without new plates (the car is already registered in Poland, only the owner changes): approx. PLN 67;
  • registration with new plates (first registration, or a plate change): approx. PLN 160-190;
  • mandatory technical inspection: approx. PLN 99.

If you’re buying from a private individual, you’ll owe PCC tax: 2% of the car’s value, payable to the tax office (Urząd Skarbowy). If you buy from a company, this tax doesn’t apply: VAT is already included in the price instead.

Important insurance clarification (updated): the previous owner’s third-party liability policy (OC) transfers to you automatically along with the car. This hasn’t changed. You can either keep using that policy until it expires (the insurer may recalculate the premium) or cancel it and take out a new one with any insurer. There is no strict requirement to “buy a new OC policy within 30 days of purchase”: what matters is that the car is continuously insured, with no gaps in coverage.

FAQ

When does the 30-day clock start?
From the date the sale contract (or other proof of acquisition) is signed, not from the date you actually collect the car.

Do I need to buy new OC insurance right after buying the car?
No, the existing policy transfers with the car. You only need a new policy if you decide to switch insurers or the old policy expires.

What happens if I don’t register within 30 days?
A PLN 500 fine if you’re late by up to 180 days, PLN 1,000 for longer delays.

Need help legalizing your stay or moving to Poland? Book a free consultation.

Author: MojaFirma team. Last reviewed: July 27, 2026.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Check exact fees with your local gmina office before visiting.