Buying a new vehicle
Last update
Before driving a new motor vehicle on the public highway for the first time, buyers must register the vehicle in their own name and obtain a registration certificate from the National Society of Automotive Traffic (Société nationale de circulation automobile - SNCA).
There are a number of administrative procedures to be carried out with various organisations. These must take place in a specific order:
- application for a registration number;
- taking out a civil liability insurance policy;
- payment of the tax stamp;
- clearing customs and paying Luxembourg VAT;
- filing of the administrative papers with the SNCA.
When a private individual purchases a vehicle from a trader (dealer, garage forecourt, etc.), the related procedures are generally performed by professional sales people.
Who is concerned
Any person:
- buying a new vehicle from a professional car dealership;
- wishing to register their vehicle under their name in Luxembourg
The vehicles to which this procedure relates are cars, motorbikes, mopeds, tricycles, quad bikes, motor homes, vans, tractors and machinery (with a maximum design speed of 6 km/h and weighing over 600 kg), trailers (including farm trailers pulled at a speed of over 40 km/h), buses, lorries and semi-trailers.
Prerequisites
Buyers must be listed in the National Register of Natural Persons with a Luxembourg address and a valid identity document.
During the various administrative procedures involved in purchasing a vehicle in a foreign country, buyers will be required to state their identity on several different occasions.
Bill of sale
When purchasing a vehicle, buyers must obtain a bill of sale from the retailer which acts as the purchaser's proof of ownership, identifying both the vehicle and its legal owner. This is, essentially, a sales invoice on the firm's headed paper.
A number of details must appear on a bill of sale:
- date of transaction;
- details of the seller;
- details of the vehicle: the chassis number, the make (manufacturer) and model (commercial name);
- details of the buyer:
- for private individuals: surname, first name, address, signature;
- for businesses and companies: business name, address (+ identification number);
- the sale 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.
Luxembourg registration number and number-plates
Before starting the process, future owners must apply for a registration number for the vehicle that they wish to purchase.
Applicants can choose either a standard-series number or a personalised number.
Unlike many foreign registration systems, the allocation of a registration number does not mean that the vehicle is registered, nor that it has automatically been accepted for registration.
Once confirmation has been received that a registration number has been reserved, the licence plate must be printed by a licence plate manufacturer.
Vehicles purchased abroad can be moved to Luxembourg on a trailer or semi-trailer. This avoids temporary registration procedures which, depending on the country, may be rather complicated, to varying degrees. In fact, no registration at all is required for a vehicle that is being transported on a trailer. In addition, each country has its own laws and procedures that may be more or less costly and complex for temporary registration with a view to selling vehicles abroad.
Road vehicles that need to be registered and are covered by insurance can be driven on a public highway in Luxembourg without being registered if they have red plates or licence plates bearing the number that will be used when the vehicle is registered. This applies for the direct journey between the point of sale and the place of registration, as well as for direct transfer to a garage or repair shop for repair, technical modification, conversion or inspection.
Third-party insurance
Driving a road vehicle on a public highway requires a civil liability-type insurance policy (RC Autos) to be taken out with an approved insurance company in Luxembourg.
As soon as future owners are able to inform their insurers of the vehicle chassis number and Luxembourg registration number, they can ask them to issue an international insurance card and proof of insurance (in the form of a sticker) attesting that the owner has taken out liability insurance for the vehicle.
Proof of a valid insurance policy is required in order to register the vehicle in the future owner's name.
Clearing customs and, where necessary, paying Luxembourg VAT
When someone buys a new vehicle, they then have to pay customs duty on the vehicle in Luxembourg so that they can be issued with the road tax disc (vignette 705) needed for final registration in the Grand Duchy.
Tax stamp
For a vehicle to be registered, the future owner must buy a tax stamp (droit de chancellerie or timbre de chancellerie) of EUR 50.
When a vehicle is registered with a personalised registration number, an additional EUR 200 is payable on top of the standard tax stamp. In the event of the transfer of a personalised number from one vehicle to another vehicle that is to be registered, the duty payable is EUR 24.
The stamp may be purchased from one of the competent offices of the Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (Administration de l'enregistrement, des domaines et de la TVA - AED), or the tax can be paid by bank transfer to the following account: LU76 0019 5955 4404 7000 (BIC: BCEELULL).
Stamps are not sent by post.
If paying by bank transfer, the future owner must submit proof of transfer (debit notice) at the time of registration. The following information must appear on the proof of payment:
- surname, first name;
- specific reason for the transfer;
- vehicle registration and chassis numbers.
Tax stamps are also available from the SNCA Registration department. An additional EUR 3 is payable on top of the standard tax stamp.
Costs
In addition to the cost of the vehicle itself and the insurance fees, the following, in particular, are payable:
- VAT in Luxembourg for any new vehicle purchased, payable to the Customs and Excise Agency;
- EUR 50 tax stamps in order to register the vehicle, as well as:
- EUR 200 for a personalised number; or
- EUR 24 if the personalised number is being transferred;
- licence plates;
- additional registration and acceptance testing fees for any new vehicles purchased outside the EU, or for vehicles that have been converted/modified;
- a conformity sticker for vehicles not subject to periodic roadworthiness inspections.
How to proceed
Motor vehicle registration
In Luxembourg, notice of registration of a vehicle that has been purchased must be given to the SNCA using the following documents:
- a completed and signed application for a registration certificate;
- Droit de Chancellerie stamp(s);
- bill of sale;
- proof of valid insurance;
- customs document;
- a European certificate of conformity;
- a photo of the manufacturer's plate;
- ID document if the purchaser is a natural person.
The customer can choose to carry out this procedure at any one of 3 SNCA sites:
- in northern Luxembourg (Fridhaff);
- in central Luxembourg (Sandweiler);
- in southern Luxembourg (Esch-sur-Alzette).
The Sandweiler, Esch-sur-Alzette and Fridhaff sites invite applicants to make an appointment to submit the administrative documents, either online or by phone on (+352) 26626 - 400.
Original copies of all required documents must be produced.
If the vehicle is not covered by a European certificate of conformity—for example, the vehicle originating outside the European Union—or if the documents attesting to the vehicle's conformity are incomplete or show inconsistencies, a vehicle conformity check will be required.
By submitting the administrative documents, owners can register vehicles with the Luxembourg authorities and obtain a vehicle registration certificate in their own name.
Vehicle owners must inform the SNCA of any change of home address within one month.
The person submitting the registration documents to the SNCA must have an identity card. If the documents are submitted by a third party (a person other than the new future owner of the vehicle), a mandate (French, Pdf, 300 Kb) and a copy of the future owner's ID document must be presented at the time of registration. In this event, it is important to ensure that all the documents state the name of the owner and not that of the representative.
Validity of the registration certificate and the conformity sticker
The validity of the registration certificate or the conformity sticker expires when:
- the end of the period of validity is reached;
- the document has been lost;
- the vehicle has been lost or stolen;
- the vehicle has been declared as scrapped or as being off the road;
- the vehicle has been sold or transferred to a new owner;
- the vehicle has been modified or converted;
- vehicles subject to periodic roadworthiness inspections are no longer covered by a valid technical inspection certificate for more than 2 years.
When a vehicle's registration certificate expires, the vehicle's owner must have a new certificate issued in order to get the vehicle in question back on the road.
Road tax
When registering the vehicle at the SNCA, the owner is issued a temporary road tax disc which is valid for 30 days.
Apart from some exceptions, all vehicles registered in Luxembourg, and used on public roads , are subject to road tax.
The Customs and Excise Agency determines the tax due on the basis of the data registered by the registration authorities in accordance with the rates in force. The decision of the final tax is sent to the debtor of the tax.
If the road tax for the vehicle in question remains unpaid for more than 60 days, the Grand-Ducal Police and customs and excise officers may issue a EUR 74 fine.
If the road tax for the vehicle in question remains unpaid for more than 60 days, the Grand-Ducal Police and customs and excise officers may immobilise the vehicle on public highways.
The Customs and Excise Agency (ADA) now offers the activation of the eDelivery function for road tax invoices. All invoices relating to road tax (Autosteier) can now be issued in electronic format (PDF) in the private eSpace on MyGuichet.lu.
To benefit from this service, interested parties must subscribe to the eDelivery function. The subscription can be made via the MyGuichet.lu private eSpace under 'My data'" in the 'Transport' section, under 'Road tax' (Autosteier). This step is necessary to receive the ADA invoice in the electronic mailbox of the private eSpace.
Moreover, it is now also possible to receive the road tax disc by electronic means. You will need to activate the specific eDelivery function for this. Once the invoice has been paid, the road tax disc will be sent and you can print it out and keep it in your vehicle.
When you receive the new message and the road tax disc in your private eSpace, you will be notified by email.
Parking permit
Many communes now require motor vehicle owners to obtain a permit to park in the neighbourhood where they live. Residents' parking permits are distributed by the commune in question upon submission of a registration certificate.
Good to know
It is now possible to use MyGuichet.lu without a LuxTrust product in order to make an appointment with the reception desk of the Customs and Excise Agency (Administration des douanes et accises - ADA).
The applicant selects:
- the reason for the application, i.e.:
- a request for a vignette 705; or
- other: applicants who choose 'Autre' must give the reason for requesting an appointment;
- the customs office to which they wish to go for the appointment :
- Centre (Howald);
- North (Diekirch);
- the date and time of their appointment among the proposed time slots.
Please note: Depending on the time slots available, it is possible to select an appointment for the same day.
Online services and forms
Who to contact
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority
-
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority
- Address:
-
1-3, Avenue Guillaume
L-1651
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
BP 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 247 80800
- Fax:
- (+352) 247 90400
- Email address:
- info@aed.public.lu
- Website:
- https://pfi.public.lu
-
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority Central Revenue Office
- Address:
-
308, route d'Esch
L-1471
Luxembourg
BP 1004, L-1010 Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 247 80753
- Email address:
- lux.rc@en.etat.lu
- Website:
- https://pfi.public.lu
Closed ⋅ Opens à 8h00
- Wednesday:
- 8h00 à 12h00, 14h00 à 16h00
- Thursday:
- 8h00 à 12h00, 14h00 à 16h00
- Friday:
- 8h00 à 12h00, 14h00 à 16h00
- Saturday:
- Closed
- Sunday:
- Closed
- Monday:
- 8h00 à 12h00, 14h00 à 16h00
- Tuesday:
- 8h00 à 12h00, 14h00 à 16h00
From 08.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 16.00 -
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority Wills service
- Address:
-
1-3, avenue Guillaume
L-1651
Luxembourg
BP 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
- Fax:
- (+352) 247 90400
- Email address:
- info@aed.public.lu
- Website:
- https://pfi.public.lu
-
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority Fines and Collection Office
- Address:
-
308, route d'Esch
L-1471
Luxembourg
BP 1004, L-1010 Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 247 80910
- Email address:
- lux.ar@en.etat.lu
- Website:
- https://pfi.public.lu
-
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority Luxembourg Civil Registry Office 2
- Address:
-
308, route d’Esch
L-1471
Luxembourg
BP 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 247 80926
- Email address:
- lux.ac2@en.etat.lu
- Website:
- https://pfi.public.lu
-
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority Civil Registry Office Grevenmacher
- Address:
-
Schiltzeplaz (Hôtel des Postes)
L-6774
Grevenmacher
Postfach 22 / L-6701 Grevenmacher
- Phone:
- (+352) 247 80585
- Email address:
- grevenmacher@en.etat.lu
- Website:
- https://pfi.public.lu
-
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority Civil Registry Office Diekirch
- Address:
-
Place Guillaume (Hôtel des Postes)
L-9237
Diekirch
BP 174, L-9202 Diekirch
- Phone:
- (+352) 247 80810
- Email address:
- diek.ac@en.etat.lu
- Website:
- https://pfi.public.lu
-
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority Civil Registry Office Esch-sur-Alzette
- Address:
-
33-35, rue Zénon Bernard
L-4031
Esch-sur-Alzette
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 Luxembourg Guichet Unique
- Address:
- 308, route d’Esch L-1471 Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 247 80337
- Email address:
- aed.lgu@en.etat.lu
- Website:
- https://pfi.public.lu
Closed ⋅ Opens à 8h30
- Wednesday:
- 8h30 à 12h00, 14h00 à 16h00
- Thursday:
- 8h30 à 12h00, 14h00 à 16h00
- Friday:
- 8h30 à 12h00, 14h00 à 16h00
- Saturday:
- Closed
- Sunday:
- Closed
- Monday:
- 8h30 à 12h00, 14h00 à 16h00
- Tuesday:
- 8h30 à 12h00, 14h00 à 16h00
From 08.30 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 16.00 -
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority Registration, Inheritance, Mortgages
- Address:
- 308, route d’Esch L-1471 Luxembourg
- Website:
- https://pfi.public.lu
-
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority VAT department
- Address:
-
308, route d’Esch
L-1471
Luxembourg
BP 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
- Website:
- https://pfi.public.lu
-
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority Department for office management and operation
- Address:
-
1-3, avenue Guillaume
L-1651
Luxembourg
BP 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 247 80800
- Email address:
- remboursement.transport@en.etat.lu
- Website:
- https://pfi.public.lu
-
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority Reporting
- Address:
-
1-3, avenue Guillaume
L-1651
Luxembourg
BP 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 247 80385
- Email address:
- AED.Alerte@en.etat.lu
- Website:
- https://pfi.public.lu
-
Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority
- Address:
-
1-3, avenue Guillaume
L-1651
Luxembourg
BP 31, L-2010 Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 247 80800
- Fax:
- (+352) 247 90400
- Email address:
- info@pfi.public.lu
- Website:
- https://pfi.public.lu
2 of 14 bodies shown
Customs and Excise Agency
-
Customs and Excise Agency (ADA)
- Address:
-
22, rue de Bitbourg
L-1273
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
B.P. 1605, L-1016 Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 28 18 28 18
- Fax:
- (+352) 28 18 92 00
- Email address:
- douanes@do.etat.lu
- Website:
- https://douanes.public.lu/fr.html
-
Customs and Excise Agency (ADA) Customs Office – Diekirch North
- Address:
-
2, rue Clairefontaine
L-9290
Diekirch
B.P. 77, L-9201 Diekirch
- Phone:
- (+352) 81 70 45 1
- Fax:
- (+352) 81 70 45 71
- Email address:
- CentreDouanierNord@do.etat.lu
-
Customs and Excise Agency (ADA) Customs Office - Luxembourg-Howald
- Address:
-
1, rue in Bouler (Croix de Gasperich)
L-1350
Luxembourg
B.P. 1122, L-1011 Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 28 18 44 99
- Fax:
- (+352) 28 18 41 00
- Email address:
- BRLuxembourg@do.etat.lu
Closed ⋅ Opens à 8h00
- Wednesday:
- 8h00 à 17h00
- Thursday:
- 8h00 à 17h00
- Friday:
- 8h00 à 17h00
- Saturday:
- Closed
- Sunday:
- Closed
- Monday:
- 8h00 à 17h00
- Tuesday:
- 8h00 à 17h00
-
Customs and Excise Agency (ADA) Central Office
- Address:
-
3, rue des Prés
L-7561
Mersch
B.P. 182, L-7502 Mersch
- Phone:
- (+352) 27 48 84 88
- Fax:
- (+352) 27 48 83 00
- Email address:
- caisse.centrale@do.etat.lu
Closed ⋅ Opens à 8h00
- Wednesday:
- 8h00 à 17h00
- Thursday:
- 8h00 à 17h00
- Friday:
- 8h00 à 17h00
- Saturday:
- Closed
- Sunday:
- Closed
- Monday:
- 8h00 à 17h00
- Tuesday:
- 8h00 à 17h00
-
Customs and Excise Agency (ADA) Customs and Excise Directorate – Disputes and Cooperation Department
- Address:
-
22, rue de Bitbourg
L-1273
Luxembourg
B.P. 1605, L-1016 Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 28 18 28 18
- Fax:
- (+352) 28 18 92 00
- Email address:
- cashcontrol@do.etat.lu
-
Customs and Excise Agency (ADA) The eDouane (eCustoms) Helpdesk
- Address:
- Phone:
- (+352) 28 18 20 00
- Fax:
- (+352) 28 18 92 01
- Email address:
- servicedesk@do.etat.lu
-
Customs and Excise Agency (ADA) Licensed Premises Service
- Address:
-
Centre douanier Luxembourg-Howald Croix de Gasperich - 1, rue in Bouler
L-1350
Luxembourg
B.P. 1122, L-1011 Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 28 18 44 88
- Fax:
- (+352) 28 18 41 50
- Website:
- https://douanes.public.lu/fr.html
-
Customs and Excise Agency (ADA) Service Vignette 705
- Address:
- Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 28 18 44 99
- Email address:
- vehicules@do.etat.lu
-
Customs and Excise Agency (ADA) Revenue Office Bettembourg
- Address:
-
Terminal Intermodal - Z.A.E. Wolser E, 100
L-3434
Dudelange
B.P. 39, L-3201 Bettembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 28 18 55 99
- Email address:
- BRBettembourg@do.etat.lu
-
Customs and Excise Agency (ADA) Customs and Excise Directorate - National and International Cooperation Department
- Address:
-
22, rue de Bitbourg
L-1273
Luxembourg
B.P. 1605
- Phone:
- (+352) 28 18 22 21
- Fax:
- (+352) 28 18 22 84
- Email address:
- cashinfo@do.etat.lu
2 of 10 bodies shown
Automobile Club du Luxembourg
-
Automobile Club of Luxembourg
- Address:
- 54, route de Longwy L-8080 Bertrange Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 45 00 45 – 1
- Fax:
- (+352) 45 04 55
- Email address:
- acl@acl.lu
- Website:
- http://www.acl.lu/
-
Automobile Club of Luxembourg Ingeldorf Agency of the Automobile Club
- Address:
- 34, route d'Ettelbruck L-9160 Ingeldorf
- Phone:
- (+352) 450045 2
National Society of Automotive Traffic
-
National Society of Automotive Traffic (SNCA)
- Address:
-
11, rue de Luxembourg
L-5230
Sandweiler
Luxembourg
B.P. 23, L-5201 Sandweiler
- Phone:
- (+352) 26 62 64 00
- Fax:
- (+352) 35 72 14 210
- Email address:
- info@snca.lu
- Website:
- https://snca.public.lu/en.html
-
National Society of Automotive Traffic (SNCA) Assignment of vehicle registration numbers
- Address:
- 11, route de Luxembourg L-5230 Sandweiler
- Phone:
- (+352) 26 62 64 00
- Email address:
- nplaques@snca.lu
-
National Society of Automotive Traffic (SNCA) Driving Licence Office
- Address:
-
11, rue de Luxembourg
L-5230
Sandweiler
B.P. 23, L-5201 Sandweiler
- Phone:
- (+352) 26 62 64 00
- Fax:
- (+352) 80 02 36 66
- Email address:
- pdc@snca.lu
- Website:
- http://www.snca.lu
-
National Society of Automotive Traffic (SNCA) Esch-sur-Alzette station
- Address:
- 22, rue Jos Kieffer L-4149 Esch-sur-Alzette
- Phone:
- (+352) 26 62 64 00
- Email address:
- info@snca.lu
-
National Society of Automotive Traffic (SNCA) Sandweiler station
- Address:
-
11, rue de Luxembourg
L-5230
Sandweiler
B.P. 23, L-5201 Sandweiler
- Phone:
- (+352) 26 62 64 00
- Email address:
- info@snca.lu
-
National Society of Automotive Traffic (SNCA) Fridhaff station
- Address:
- 8, rue Fridhaff L-9379 Diekirch
- Phone:
- (+352) 26 62 64 00
- Email address:
- info@snca.lu
Closed ⋅ Opens à 7h30
- Wednesday:
- 7h30 à 16h30
- Thursday:
- 7h30 à 16h30
- Friday:
- 7h30 à 16h30
- Saturday:
- Closed
- Sunday:
- Closed
- Monday:
- 7h30 à 16h30
- Tuesday:
- 7h30 à 16h30
2 of 6 bodies shown
SNCT
-
Transport SNCT - national technical inspection centre
- Address:
- Luxembourg
-
SNCT - national technical inspection centre SNCT Esch-sur-Alzette
- Address:
-
22-28, rue Jos Kieffer
L-4176
Esch-sur-Alzette
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 Sandweiler
- Address:
-
11, rue de Luxembourg
L-5230
Sandweiler
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 Bissen
- Address:
-
4, Z.A.C Klengbousbierg
L-7795
Bissen
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 Livange
- Address:
-
251, route de Luxembourg
L-3378
Livange
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
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/
2 of 6 bodies shown
Related procedures and links
Procedures
Links
Further information
-
Portail de la fiscalité indirecte
de l'Administration de l'enregistrement, des domaines et de la TVA
-
Timbres fiscaux
sur le Portail de la fiscalité indirecte
-
Compétence des bureaux
sur le Portail de la fiscalité indirecte
-
Buying and leasing a car
on the Your Europe portal
-
Car registration in another EU country
on the Your Europe portal
-
Car registration documents and formalities
on the Your Europe portal
-
Portail des douanes et accises
Site web de l'Administration des douanes et accises
-
National Society of Automotive Traffic (SNCA)
Website
-
Société nationale de contrôle technique (SNCT)
Site web
-
Automobile Club Luxembourg (ACL)
Website