Importing a car from the United States or Canada is an increasingly popular choice — especially when you're looking for a specific model, a great deal, or a unique vehicle. However, registering such a vehicle in Poland involves several formalities, including obtaining certified sworn translations of the documents. Here is a complete guide.
What documents are required?
- Certificate of Title — the vehicle ownership document (most important)
- Bill of Sale — purchase agreement between seller and buyer
- Odometer Disclosure Statement — mileage declaration (if a separate document)
- Customs clearance document (SAD/PZC)
- Proof of excise duty payment
- Third-party liability insurance (OC)
- Technical inspection in Poland
Important: The Certificate of Title and Bill of Sale must be translated by a sworn translator of English registered on the list of the Polish Minister of Justice. The vehicle registration office does not accept regular translations.
Step 1: Customs clearance and excise duty
A car imported from outside the EU is subject to customs clearance. You must file a customs declaration and pay customs duty (6.5% of vehicle value) and VAT (23%) on the customs value. If the vehicle is over 6 months old and has over 6,000 km on the odometer, excise duty is 0% (engines up to 2,000 cc) or 18.6% (above 2,000 cc).
Step 2: Get sworn translations
The Certificate of Title is the primary document required for registration. The Bill of Sale is needed to establish the transaction value for customs and tax purposes. Both require sworn translation.
Simply send scans via WhatsApp or e-mail — originals are not required at the translation stage. Standard turnaround: 1–2 business days.
Step 3: Technical inspection
A US car does not have a European technical inspection, so you must undergo a technical inspection at a Polish diagnostic station before registration. The examiner checks compliance with EU standards — especially lighting (US uses different standards) and the speedometer (miles vs km).
Step 4: Register at the vehicle registration office
- Registration application form
- Certificate of Title (original) + sworn translation
- Bill of Sale + sworn translation
- Customs document SAD/PZC
- Proof of excise duty payment
- Technical inspection result
- OC insurance policy
- ID document
Common problems with US documents
- Salvage Title — if the Certificate of Title shows "Salvage" or "Rebuilt", the car may have issues with registration in Poland.
- Missing Lien Release — if a bank or leasing company appears on the title, proof of debt repayment is required.
- VIN number — US VINs have 17 characters and may not conform to European standards. The inspector will verify this.
Tip: Before purchasing, check the vehicle history on Carfax or AutoCheck using the VIN number to avoid Salvage Title issues and hidden damage.
Need a translation of your Certificate of Title or Bill of Sale?
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