Automotive Document Translation for Vehicle Registration: What, How and Where?

Importing a car from abroad is an attractive option for many people – it often allows you to save money or find a model in better technical condition. However, before your dream car can legally drive on domestic roads, it's necessary to complete a series of formalities, including certified translation of automotive documents. In this article, we'll explain which documents require translation depending on the country of origin of the vehicle, and how to efficiently order such translation online.

Why is it still worth importing cars from abroad?

Despite certain formalities and costs (e.g., excise tax on cars, the amount of which depends on the vehicle's value – often requiring certified translation of VAT invoices), importing cars from abroad remains very popular. The main reasons are:

• Price: You can often find vehicles at more attractive prices than on the domestic market.
• Technical condition: Cars from certain countries, such as Germany, are known for good maintenance and regular servicing.
• Greater selection: Foreign markets offer a wider range of models and equipment versions.

The search often begins online, on popular classified portals, including German car websites, which are eagerly browsed by car buyers.

Which automotive documents require translation for registration?

Registering a car imported from abroad requires presenting translated documents to the vehicle registration office. It's important that this be a certified translation performed by a translator with appropriate qualifications. The scope of required documents varies depending on the country from which the car was imported.

Cars from Germany

Germany is the most popular destination for car imports. To register a vehicle imported from our western neighbor, you need to translate:

• Registration certificate part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I – the so-called Small Brief)
• Registration certificate part II (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II – the so-called Large Brief, i.e., vehicle card)
• Purchase-sale agreement or purchase invoice.

Professional translation of these documents by a certified German translator is crucial.

Cars from France

For cars from France, translation is usually required for:

• French registration certificate (Carte Grise)
• Purchase-sale agreement or invoice.

Cars from Italy

For vehicles imported from Italy, it will be necessary to translate:

• Italian registration certificate (Carta di Circolazione)
• Deregistration certificate (Certificato di Radiazione) or ownership certificate (Certificato di Proprietà)
• Purchase-sale agreement or invoice.

Cars from the Netherlands

Import from the Netherlands may involve the need to translate a larger number of documents:

• Dutch registration certificate (Kentekenbewijs – may consist of several parts)
• Possible export certificate (Uitvoerkentekenbewijs)
• Possible vehicle deregistration certificate
• Purchase-sale agreement or invoice.

Cars from Belgium

When importing a car from Belgium, translations are usually sufficient for:

• Belgian registration certificate (Certificat d'immatriculation / Kentekenbewijs – often two-part)
• Purchase-sale agreement or invoice.

Cars from Lithuania

For vehicles from Lithuania, translations will be needed for:

• Lithuanian registration certificate (Registracijos liudijimas)
• Document confirming valid technical inspection (if required)
• Purchase-sale agreement or invoice.

Cars from the United Kingdom

For cars from the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), the following are presented for translation:

• British registration certificate (V5C)
• Purchase-sale agreement or invoice.

It should be remembered that cars from the United Kingdom have right-hand drive. Although their registration is possible, it involves certain modifications (e.g., headlights) and may affect insurance costs. After Brexit, formalities related to import from the UK may have undergone additional changes (e.g., customs duty, VAT), which is worth checking before purchase.

How much does certified translation of automotive documents cost?

The cost of translating automotive documents depends on several factors: source language, number of billing pages (usually 1125 characters with spaces for certified translation), and the given translator's price list. Roughly, complete translation of documents from popular languages such as German or English may cost from about $25 to $65. For rarer languages, the price may be higher.

It's worth noting that if the purchase-sale agreement is prepared in bilingual form (e.g., Polish-German), offices usually don't require its additional translation. However, other documents, such as the registration certificate, must be translated.

After obtaining translations and paying excise tax, the complete set of documents should be submitted to the appropriate Vehicle Registration Department. Initially, you receive a temporary registration certificate, and the permanent document along with the vehicle card (if issued) is usually ready for collection within 30 days.

Sworny.com – the best place for car document translation

Looking for a fast, reliable, and convenient way to get certified translation of automotive documents? The Sworny.com platform is the ideal solution. We offer access to a wide database of experienced sworn translators specializing in various languages.

The ordering process at Sworny.com is simple and intuitive:

1. Prepare scans or clear photos of automotive documents.
2. Submit files through our secure form at Sworny.com, specifying the language and your details.
3. You'll quickly receive offers from sworn translators along with quotes.
4. Choose the most favorable offer, make online payment, and the translator will begin work.
5. You'll receive the completed, authenticated translation in electronic form, and originals will be sent by courier or mail.

With Sworny.com, you save time and have confidence that your documents will be professionally translated, streamlining the registration process for your imported car.