Purchase of a used vehicle that was last registered outside Luxembourg

Last update

Summary:

In order to be able to drive a second-hand vehicle, that was last registered outside Luxembourg, on public roads, a series of administrative procedures must be carried out.

Go to online services and forms

Before you can drive on public roads after purchasing a second-hand motor vehicle, you must:

There are a number of administrative procedures you have to carry out with various bodies, in a specific order:

  1. apply for a registration number (if necessary);
  2. applying for a registration certificate for a road vehicle;
  3. take out a civil liability insurance policy (third-party insurance);
  4. customs clearance of the vehicle;
  5. pay the tax stamp;
  6. book an appointment with the SNCA.

When you buy a vehicle from a professional seller (car dealership, garage, etc.), all the administrative formalities are generally taken care of by the seller.

Who is concerned

Anyone who:

  • is living in Luxembourg; and
  • purchases a vehicle already registered in a country other than Luxembourg; and
  • wishes to register it in their name.

Vehicles concerned

This procedure applies to the following vehicles:

  • cars; 
  • motorcycles;
  • mopeds;
  • tricycles;
  • quadricycles;
  • camping-cars;
  • vans;
  • tractors and machinery with a maximum design speed that does not exceed 6 km/h and whose weight exceeds 600 kg;
  • trailers, including agricultural trailers towed at more than 40 km/h;
  • buses;
  • lorries;
  • articulated lorries.

Prerequisites

Residence in Luxembourg

You must:

Bill of sale

When you purchase your vehicle, the seller must provide you with a bill of sale, which serves as proof of ownership and enables you to:

  • identify the vehicle; and
  • prove that you are its owner.

If the seller is:

  • a legal person; the document must be a bill of sale printed on letterhead paper, with the business's intra-community VAT number shown on it. Your signature as the buyer is not required on a bill of sale;
  • a natural person: the document must be a sales contract. This document must be signed by the seller and yourself.

A number of details must appear on the bill of sale:

  • the date of transaction;
  • the details of the vehicle:
    • the vehicle identification number;
    • the brand (manufacturer);
    • the model (commercial name);
    • the mileage;
  • information about the seller and buyer:
    • for natural persons: surname, first name, address, signature;
    • for legal persons: company name, address, VAT number;
  • the sales price, and whether or not VAT is included;
  • VAT-related data: the VAT on a vehicle must always be paid in the country of destination – i.e. the country where the vehicle is registered.

 

If the bill of sale is missing or it is impossible to trace the new owner with certainty, the SNCA may register you as the holder on the registration certificate and not as the owner.
Thus, in the section identifying the registered holder, the entry C.4c 'n’est pas identifié par le certificat d’immatriculation comme propriétaire du véhicule' (is not identified by the registration certificate as the owner of the vehicle) will appear, and no owner will be listed on the registration certificate.

Foreign registration documents

To register the vehicle in Luxembourg, you will need to provide the complete foreign registration document.

As the buyer, you must check:

  • the document and find out how many different parts there must be;
  • that the seller has provided you with all the parts of the registration documents.

In the EU, this registration certificate usually consists of 2 parts.

Luxembourg registration number and licence plates

Before you begin the procedure, you must:

  • use a registration number that is still reserved in your name; or
  • apply for a registration number for the vehicle you wish to purchase. You can choose:
    • a number from the current series; or;
    • a personalised number.

The allocation of a registration number does not mean that the vehicle is:

  • registered;
  • automatically approved for registration.

Once you have received confirmation that your registration number has been reserved, you must order your number plate at an approved number plate manufacturer in Luxembourg.

Before your vehicle is registered, you may only drive it:

  • between the point of sale and the place where the vehicle will be registered; and
  • to a garage or repair shop to undergo a repair, technical modification or conversion, or inspection;
  • if you have:
    • fitted red licence plates; or
    • fitted licence plates bearing the number that will be used when the vehicle is registered; and
    • a civil liability insurance.

If you are purchasing a vehicle abroad, you can have it transported to Luxembourg:

  • on a trailer; or
  • on a semi-trailer truck.

This avoids temporary registration procedures which, depending on the country, can be rather complicated, to varying degrees.
As a matter of fact, no registration at all is required for a vehicle that is being transported on a trailer.

Civil liability insurance

To drive your road vehicle on a public highway, you must have a third-party liability insurance policy (RC Autos), taken out with an approved insurance company in Luxembourg.

You can ask your insurer for an insurance certificate and an international insurance card (if you are buying your vehicle abroad) as soon as you are able to provide the following:

  • the vehicle identification number; and
  • its Luxembourg registration number.

This document, with an active validity period, is required to register the vehicle in your name.

Customs clearance and payment of Luxembourg VAT

If you are purchasing a vehicle previously registered abroad, you must complete certain customs clearance formalities for the vehicle in Luxembourg:

  • customs formalities relating to the payment of customs duties and certain charges;
  • any formalities related to VAT payments.

This allows you to obtain the 705 tax certificate required for the permanent registration of your vehicle in Luxembourg.

Technical inspection

When you re-register your vehicle in Luxembourg, its technical inspection documents must be up-to-date.

There are 2 options for this:

  • the technical inspection certificate for your vehicle, which was previously registered in another Member State of the European Economic Area or in Switzerland, remains valid when you register the vehicle in Luxembourg. However, the period of validity of this certificate is determined by Luxembourg law;
  • you can have your vehicle inspected by an approved technical inspection body in Luxembourg before registering it;

the technical inspection certificate must:

  • be drafted in one of the official languages in Luxembourg; or
  • be translated by a sworn translator in Luxembourg for acceptance purposes (subject to the conformity of the technical inspection).

For compliance reasons, the technical inspection must be performed in the same country as the foreign registration document.

Costs

Costs

In addition to the cost of the vehicle itself and that of the insurance premium, you will need to allow for the following payments:

  • VATin Luxembourg on any vehicle classified as new or originating from outside the European Union (EU);
  • a EUR 50 tax stamp (stamp duty) to register the vehicle, plus an additional fee of:
    • EUR 200 for a personalised licence plate number; or
    • EUR 24 if a personalised number is being transferred;
  • the licence plates themselves;
  • additional registration and acceptance fees for any converted/modified vehicles; ;
  • where applicable, the cost of the technical inspection, or the cost of a conformity sticker for vehicles not subject to periodic technical inspections (such as tractors and machines).

Stamp duty

You can pay the stamp duty:

  • at one of the competent offices of the Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (Administration de l’enregistrement, des domaines et de la TVA); or
  • by bank transfer to the following account:

Account holder: AED-GUICHET UNIQUE-TIMBRES
IBAN: LU76 0019 5955 4404 7000
BIC:BCEELULL
Postal address: B.P. 31 L-2010 Luxembourg

Stamps are not sent by post.

If paying by bank transfer, you, as the future owner, must submit proof of the transfer (debit statement) at the time of registration. The following information must appear on the proof of payment:

  • surname, first name;
  • specific reason for the transfer;
  • licence plate number and vehicle identification numbers

The tax stamp is also available from the SNCA vehicle registration offices, but you will need to pay an additional EUR 3 in administrative fees.

 

How to proceed

Registering the motor vehicle

Application

To register your vehicle in Luxembourg, you must:

Submitting the administrative documents enables you to:

  • register the vehicle with the Luxembourg authorities; and
  • obtain a registration certificate for the vehicle issued in your name.

Supporting documents

You must also enclose with your application:

  • your identity document; or
  • if the application is being submitted by a third party:
  • the tax stamp(s) Droit de Chancellerie; and
  • the bill of sale; and
  • a valid insurance certificate; and
  • the customs document; and
  • the foreign registration document; and
  • a valid technical inspection certificate for vehicles subject to periodical technical inspection; and
  • the European certificate of conformity for vehicles registered for the first time after 1 February 2016.

If the application is submitted by a third party, it is important to ensure that all documents state the owner’s name and not that of the representative.

Original copies of all required documents must be produced.

Your vehicle will be subject to a conformity check if:

  • it is not covered by a European certificate of conformity (e.g. a non-EU vehicle); or
  • the documents attesting the conformity of your vehicle are incomplete or contain inconsistencies.

Owner's obligations

You must inform the SNCA of any change of residence within one month.

Road tax

When registering the vehicle at the SNCA, you are issued a temporary road tax certificate, which is valid for 30 days.

As a general rule, you must have a valid road tax certificate (i.e. have paid the road tax) in order to drive a vehicle registered in Luxembourg on public roads.

The Customs and Excise Agency (ADA):

  • sets the amount of this tax:
    • based on data recorded by the registration authorities; and
    • in accordance with the applicable rates;
  • will notify you of the amount of this tax.

If payment of this tax on your vehicle is overdue:

  • fewer than 60 days: the Grand Ducal police and customs and excise officials may issue a fine of EUR 74;
  • more than 60 days: the Grand Ducal police and the customs and excise officials may immobilise the vehicle on the public road.

Parking permit

Many communes now require you to have a parking permit that allows you to park your vehicle in your neighbourhood. You can collect your residential parking permit from your commune upon presentation of your vehicle registration certificate.

Online services and forms

Online services

Activate the eDelivery function for the road tax (Autosteier) invoices and/or certificates

Other language(s)

Downloadable forms

Note: view tips for using PDF forms.

Demande en obtention d’un certificat d’immatriculation

Last update 02.04.2026

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Mandat pour toute démarche nécessaire auprès de la Société nationale de circulation automobile

Last update 20.12.2023

PDF302 Kb

Who to contact

2 of 6 bodies shown

  • Transport SNCT - national technical inspection centre

    Address:
    Luxembourg

  • SNCT - national technical inspection centre SNCT Bissen

    Address:
    4, Z.A.C Klengbousbierg L-7795 Bissen Luxembourg
    11, rue de Luxembourg L-5230 Sandweiler
    Phone:
    (+352) 26 15 62 222
    Appointments for technical inspections
    Fax:
    (+352) 26 15 62 200
    Email address:
    info@snct.lu
    Website:
    http://www.snct.lu/

  • SNCT - national technical inspection centre SNCT Esch-sur-Alzette

    Address:
    22-28, rue Jos Kieffer L-4176 Esch-sur-Alzette Luxembourg
    11, rue de Luxembourg L-5230 Sandweiler
    Phone:
    (+352) 26 15 62 500
    Phone:
    (+352) 26 15 62 222
    Appointments for technical inspections
    Fax:
    (+352) 26 15 62 200
    Email address:
    info@snct.lu
    Website:
    http://www.snct.lu/

  • SNCT - national technical inspection centre SNCT Livange

    Address:
    251, route de Luxembourg L-3378 Livange Luxembourg
    11, rue de Luxembourg L-5230 Sandweiler
    Phone:
    (+352) 26 15 62 222
    Appointments for technical inspections
    Fax:
    (+352) 26 15 62 200
    Email address:
    info@snct.lu
    Website:
    http://www.snct.lu/

  • SNCT - national technical inspection centre SNCT Marnach

    Address:
    23, Marbuergerstrooss L-9764 Marnach Luxembourg
    11, rue de Luxembourg L-5230 Sandweiler
    Phone:
    (+352) 26 15 62 222
    Appointments for technical inspections
    Fax:
    (+352) 26 15 62 200
    Email address:
    info@snct.lu
    Website:
    http://www.snct.lu/

  • SNCT - national technical inspection centre SNCT Sandweiler

    Address:
    11, rue de Luxembourg L-5230 Sandweiler Luxembourg
    11, rue de Luxembourg L-5230 Sandweiler
    Phone:
    (+352) 26 15 62 500
    Phone:
    (+352) 26 15 62 222
    Appointments for technical inspections
    Fax:
    (+352) 26 15 62 200
    Email address:
    info@snct.lu
    Website:
    http://www.snct.lu/

2 of 6 bodies shown

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED)

    Address:
    1-3, avenue Guillaume L-1651 Luxembourg
    B.P. 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
    Phone:
    (+352) 247 80 800
    Fax:
    (+352) 247 90 400
    Email address:
    info@pfi.public.lu
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) Central Revenue Office

    Address:
    308, route d'Esch L-1471 Luxembourg
    BP 1004, L-1010 Luxembourg
    Phone:
    (+352) 247 80 753
    Email address:
    lux.rc@en.etat.lu
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu
    Closed ⋅ Opens Monday at 8.00
    Sunday:
    Closed
    Monday:
    8.00 to 12.00, 14.00 to 16.00
    Tuesday:
    8.00 to 12.00, 14.00 to 16.00
    Wednesday:
    8.00 to 12.00, 14.00 to 16.00
    Thursday:
    8.00 to 12.00, 14.00 to 16.00
    Friday:
    8.00 to 12.00, 14.00 to 16.00
    Saturday:
    Closed
    From 08.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 16.00

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) Civil Registry Office Diekirch

    Address:
    Place Guillaume (Hôtel des Postes) L-9237 Diekirch
    BP 174, L-9202 Diekirch
    Phone:
    (+352) 247 80 810
    Email address:
    diek.ac@en.etat.lu
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) Civil Registry Office Esch-sur-Alzette

    Address:
    33-35, rue Zénon Bernard L-4031 Esch-sur-Alzette Luxembourg
    BP 244, L-4003 Esch-sur-Alzette
    Email address:
    esch.ac@en.etat.lu
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) Civil Registry Office Grevenmacher

    Address:
    Schiltzeplaz (Hôtel des Postes) L-6774 Grevenmacher
    Postfach 22 / L-6701 Grevenmacher
    Phone:
    (+352) 247 80 585
    Email address:
    grevenmacher@en.etat.lu
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) Department for office management and operation

    Address:
    1-3, avenue Guillaume L-1651 Luxembourg
    BP 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
    Phone:
    (+352) 247 80 800
    Email address:
    remboursement.transport@en.etat.lu
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) Fines and Collection Office

    Address:
    308, route d'Esch L-1471 Luxembourg
    BP 1004, L-1010 Luxembourg
    Phone:
    (+352) 247 80 910
    Email address:
    lux.ar@en.etat.lu
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) Luxembourg Civil Registry Office 2

    Address:
    308, route d’Esch L-1471 Luxembourg
    BP 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
    Phone:
    (+352) 247 80 926
    Email address:
    lux.ac2@en.etat.lu
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) Luxembourg Guichet Unique

    Address:
    308, route d’Esch L-1471 Luxembourg
    Phone:
    (+352) 247 80 337
    Email address:
    aed.lgu@en.etat.lu
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu
    Closed ⋅ Opens Monday at 8.30
    Sunday:
    Closed
    Monday:
    8.30 to 12.00, 14.00 to 16.00
    Tuesday:
    8.30 to 12.00, 14.00 to 16.00
    Wednesday:
    8.30 to 12.00, 14.00 to 16.00
    Thursday:
    8.30 to 12.00, 14.00 to 16.00
    Friday:
    8.30 to 12.00, 14.00 to 16.00
    Saturday:
    Closed

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority

    Address:
    1-3, avenue Guillaume L-1651 Luxembourg
    BP 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
    Phone:
    (+352) 247 80 800
    Fax:
    (+352) 247 90 400
    Email address:
    info@pfi.public.lu
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) Registration, Inheritance, Mortgages

    Address:
    308, route d’Esch L-1471 Luxembourg Luxembourg
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) Reporting

    Address:
    1-3, avenue Guillaume L-1651 Luxembourg
    BP 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
    Phone:
    (+352) 247 80 385
    Email address:
    AED.Alerte@en.etat.lu
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) VAT department

    Address:
    308, route d’Esch L-1471 Luxembourg Luxembourg
    BP 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu

  • Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) Wills service

    Address:
    1-3, avenue Guillaume L-1651 Luxembourg
    B.P. 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
    Phone:
    (+352) 247 80 475
    Phone:
    (+352) 247 80 473
    Fax:
    (+352) 247 90 400
    Email address:
    info@aed.public.lu
    Website:
    https://pfi.public.lu

2 of 14 bodies shown

2 of 10 bodies shown

Related procedures and links

Procedures

Paying VAT for a new or used vehicle purchased in an EU Member State

Links

Further information

Download

Legal references

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