Can I drive a car I bought without re-registering it?
Briefly yes, but you have only 30 days to register it. After buying a car, as a private person you must register it within 30 days of acquisition (dealers trading in vehicles — within 90 days). The deadline also covers cars imported from abroad and new ones. From 1 January 2024 the old "notification of acquisition" was replaced by a duty to register — a mere notification no longer suffices. You can drive the car straight away, provided it has a valid technical inspection and third-party (OC) insurance (the seller's policy carries over, but it's worth taking your own), but register it within the deadline. When selling a car, also remember to notify the office of the disposal within 30 days. You can register at the traffic department or online.
📋 The rules
- Register within 30 days of acquisition (dealers: 90 days)
- Also covers imported and new cars
- From 1 January 2024: duty to register instead of notification
- Driving needs a valid technical inspection and OC insurance
- Selling a car: notify the office within 30 days
🔓 Exceptions
- Dealer trading in vehicles: 90-day registration deadline
- The seller's OC policy covers the buyer until it expires (take your own)
- Temporary registration: in special cases (e.g. export, tests)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
For exceeding the 30-day registration deadline a private person pays 500 zł, and for a delay over 180 days — 1,000 zł (for a dealer 1,000 and 2,000 zł respectively). For failing to notify the sale of a car in time, the fine is 250 zł. Separately, driving without valid OC insurance risks heavy charges to the Insurance Guarantee Fund, and without a valid technical inspection — a fine and seizure of the registration document. To avoid fines: file the registration application (at the traffic department or online) within 30 days, prepare the contract/invoice, registration document, OC and proof of fees, and when selling — notify the office of the disposal and inform the insurer.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How long do I have to register a bought car?
30 days from the day of acquisition if you're a private person. Dealers trading in vehicles have 90 days. The deadline also covers cars imported from abroad and new ones. After buying, it's worth scheduling a visit to the traffic department or registering online right away.
Can I still just notify the acquisition?
No. Since 1 January 2024 the old notification of a vehicle's acquisition was replaced by a duty to register it within the statutory deadline. A mere notification no longer suffices — you must complete the full registration of the vehicle in time to avoid a penalty.
Can I drive the car before registering it?
Yes, within the 30 days of acquisition, provided the vehicle has a valid technical inspection and valid OC insurance. The seller's OC policy protects the buyer until it expires, but it's worth taking your own. Despite being able to drive, you must register in time to avoid a penalty.
What's the penalty for not registering in time?
A private person pays 500 zł for exceeding the 30-day deadline, and 1,000 zł for a delay over 180 days. For a dealer the penalties are 1,000 and 2,000 zł respectively. The penalty is administrative and imposed by the district authority, so it's worth keeping to the deadline.
What must I do when I sell my car?
Notify the office (traffic department) of the vehicle's disposal within 30 days and inform your insurer of the sale. Failing to notify the disposal risks a 250 zł fine. The notification protects you from liability for a vehicle you no longer own.
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