Buying a car

Car sale-purchase contract (umowa)

The sale-purchase contract (umowa kupna-sprzedaży) is the main document when buying a car from a private seller. Registration, PCC and your safety depend on it. Here's what it must contain and what to watch for.

What the contract must contain

• date and place of conclusion;
• parties' details: name, address, PESEL or passport number;
• car description: make, model, VIN, plate number, year, mileage;
• price — in figures and words;
• the seller's declaration that the car is theirs and free of encumbrances;
• signatures of both parties.

Draw up the contract in two copies — one for each party.

What to watch for

• check the VIN on the car against the documents and the contract;
• verify the seller's identity by passport — are they the owner;
• if there are co-owners — all must sign;
• enter the real price (understating affects PCC and carries risk);
• check the car history by VIN before signing.

After signing. Within 14 days — PCC-3 (2%), within 30 days — registration, and OC right away. More on PCC here.

🚗 Unsure about the price? A free ballpark estimate — value the car on VARTOCAR →

In short

A well-drafted contract with the real price, an exact VIN and a verified seller is both protection and a trouble-free registration.

FAQ

What must a car sale-purchase contract contain?

Date and place, the parties' details (name, address, PESEL/passport), the car description (VIN, plate, year, mileage), the price in figures and words, a declaration of no encumbrances, and both parties' signatures.

How many copies of the contract are needed?

Two — one for each party.

Can you understate the price in the contract?

No, it's not advisable — it affects PCC and carries risk; the office may challenge the understated value.

What to do after signing?

Within 14 days file PCC-3 and pay 2%, within 30 days register the car and arrange OC.