Import from the USA
Registering a US car in Poland: documents, modifications, deadlines and fees
The car from the US auction is in Poland — now the paperwork begins. Registering a car brought from outside the EU takes different documents than one from Germany, and the car itself often has to be adapted to European requirements before it passes the technical inspection. And the clock is running: 30 days, after which a penalty applies. Below is the full path, in the order worth following.
Step 1: customs clearance and the clearance document
For a non-EU car cleared in Poland, duty, excise and VAT are paid at clearance, and registration requires the import customs clearance document. If the car was cleared in Germany, it enters Poland as an EU vehicle: you file the AKC-U/S return, pay the excise and present proof of payment at registration. The cost difference between the two routes is covered in clearing customs in Bremerhaven or in Poland, and you can work out the costs in the USA import calculator.
Step 2: sworn translations
Foreign-language documents are filed with a Polish translation by a sworn translator (or a consul). For a US car this mainly means the title (the registration/ownership document) and the proof of purchase — the auction invoice or a sale agreement.
Step 3: modifications and the technical inspection
Before its first registration, a non-EU car undergoes a technical inspection at a vehicle inspection station — the office requires a certificate showing a pass. US specification often needs adapting first. The most common changes:
- Turn indicators — must be amber; on many US cars the rear indicators are red and combined with the brake light.
- Dipped headlights — with a beam pattern that meets European requirements.
- A rear fog light — US cars usually don’t have one.
- Sometimes also minor changes to the speedometer or exhaust.
The scope depends on the model — before buying, ask an inspection station what exactly will need changing and add the cost to your budget.
Step 4: OC insurance before driving
A registered car — including on temporary registration — must have valid OC (third-party liability) insurance. For an expensive or repaired US car it’s worth pricing AC (comprehensive) straight away too; premiums vary a lot between insurers, so compare several offers.
Step 5: the application at the registration office — 30 days
You file the registration application within 30 days (art. 73aa of the Road Traffic Act). For a car brought from outside the EU the period runs from the day the National Revenue Administration (KAS) releases the vehicle for free circulation; for a car from the EU, from the day it’s brought into Poland. Being late carries a fine (art. 140mb): according to the Łódź city office, 500 zł, rising to 1,000 zł after 180 days.
| Document (non-EU car) | Notes |
|---|---|
| Registration application | Form at the office or online |
| Proof of ownership | Auction invoice or sale agreement — with a sworn translation |
| Title (US registration document) | With a sworn translation |
| Technical inspection certificate | A pass from an authorised SKP |
| Import customs clearance document | For clearance in Poland; for clearance in Germany — German documents and proof of excise |
| ID / company details | For a company — REGON; for a representative — a power of attorney |
Fees — for example, per the Łódź office: registration certificate 54 zł, plates 80 zł, legalisation stickers 12.50 zł, temporary permit 13.50 zł, i.e. 160 zł in total (plus 17 zł for a power of attorney if the representative isn’t a close relative). The office may also ask for a statement on the vehicle collection network — it is sometimes printed on the invoice.
The most common mistakes
- Counting the 30 days from the car’s arrival instead of its release for free circulation — or the other way round on the German route.
- Buying without checking the title — a car with a Parts only or Junk title will practically never pass registration.
- No budget for lighting modifications that only come to light at the inspection station.
- No repair paperwork for a damaged car — see Salvage and Rebuilt titles and flood cars.
Financing a US car? Compare a loan and a lease: Finumero →
This material is informational and is not legal advice. Required documents and fees can differ between offices — check your registration office’s website before you go.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long do I have to register a car imported from the USA? 30 days. For a non-EU car the period runs from the day the National Revenue Administration releases it for free circulation; for a car cleared in another EU country, from the day it’s brought into Poland.
What documents do I need to register a US car? The application, proof of ownership and the title with sworn translations, a certificate of a passed technical inspection, the import customs clearance document (or, after clearance in Germany, the German documents and proof of excise) and ID.
What modifications does a US car need? Usually lighting: amber indicators instead of red, dipped headlights meeting European requirements, and a rear fog light. Sometimes minor changes to the speedometer or exhaust too. The inspection station assesses the scope.
What is the penalty for registering a foreign car late? A fine under art. 140mb of the Road Traffic Act; according to the Łódź office it is 500 zł once 30 days have passed and 1,000 zł after 180 days.