Vehicle Registration Lithuania 2026 — Cost from $9

Quick answer

According to WHEELSTREET data, vehicle registration in Lithuania costs €9-14 for the registration certificate and can be completed in 1-2 hours at Regitra. You need your ID, vehicle purchase contract, insurance (MTPL), and technical inspection (TA) — the full process from purchase to legal plates takes 1-3 business days.

Have you just purchased a vehicle and now need to register it? The process might seem complex, but with this guide you'll complete it without stress. Here you'll find all the information about registration, documents and fees.

What You'll Find in This Article

Illustration: What You'll Find in This Article

• Registration process step by step
• Required documents
• Fees and charges
• Vehicle technical inspection
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Registration Types

New Vehicle Registration

When: You purchase a new vehicle from a dealership in Lithuania.

Process: Usually the dealership handles everything for you.

Used Vehicle Re-registration

When: You purchase a used vehicle from another owner in Lithuania.

Deadline: Within 30 days of purchase.

Imported Vehicle Registration

When: You purchase a vehicle abroad and bring it to Lithuania.

Process: More complex – requires customs clearance, technical inspection, registration.

Learn more: Vehicle Import from Germany

Used Vehicle Re-registration

Required Documents

From the seller:

• Vehicle registration certificate (technical passport)
• Seller's identification document
• Purchase and sale agreement

From the buyer:

• Identification document
• Valid compulsory civil liability insurance (TPVCA)
• Valid vehicle technical inspection

Steps

1. Sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement

• You can use a standard form
• Include: price, VIN, both parties' details
• Keep a copy for yourself

2. Get Compulsory Civil Liability Insurance

• You can insure online
• Cost: €100-400/year (depends on vehicle and your experience)
• REQUIRED before registration

3. Visit the Registration Authority

• With all documents
• Best to go together with the seller (not required, but easier)

4. Pay the Registration Fees

• Can be paid on-site or in advance

5. Receive Your New Registration Certificate

• Issued immediately
• Registration numbers remain the same (if you wish)

Fees for Re-registration

Imported Vehicle Registration

Process

1. Transport to Lithuania

• You can drive with temporary registration plates
• Or transport by truck

2. Customs Procedures (if from non-EU)

• Customs duty: 10%
• VAT: 21%

3. Vehicle Technical Inspection in Lithuania

• MANDATORY for all imported vehicles
• Ensure the vehicle meets all requirements

4. Registration at the Registration Authority

• Documents + fees
• You receive Lithuanian registration plates

Documents for Imported Vehicle

Required:

• Foreign registration documents (original)
• Purchase documents (invoice)
• COC certificate (if EU) or conformity documents
• Customs declaration (if non-EU)
• Valid vehicle technical inspection (in Lithuania)
• TPVCA insurance

Fees for Imported Vehicle

Additional fees (if from non-EU):

• Customs duty: 10% of value
• VAT: 21% of (value + duty)

Vehicle Technical Inspection

When Is It Required?

Where to Get It Done?

• Registration authority stations
• Licensed private inspection centers

Cost

What Is Checked?

• Brakes
• Suspension
• Lighting
• Exhaust emissions
• Vehicle body condition
• VIN number matching

How to Prepare

• Check all lights
• Ensure brakes are working
• Check tire condition
• Clean the vehicle (yes, this helps!)
• Bring your documents

Registration Plates

Types

Can You Keep Old Plates?

Re-registering in Lithuania: Yes, plates remain the same (unless you want to change them).

When importing: No, you must obtain Lithuanian plates.

Temporary Registration Plates

Illustration: Temporary Registration Plates

When Are They Used?

• Transporting a vehicle from abroad
• Going for technical inspection (if not yet registered)
• Waiting for permanent plates

Where to Get Them?

• Registration authority
• Some insurance companies

Cost

Online Registration

What Can You Do Online?

• Book an appointment
• Check vehicle history
• Pay registration fees
• Order custom plates

Registration Authority e-Services

Benefits:

• No waiting in line
• Choose your time slot
• Faster document submission

How to:

1. Log in via e-banking
2. Select the service
3. Fill in your details
4. Come at your scheduled time

Common Mistakes

1. No Compulsory Civil Liability Insurance

Problem: Without insurance you cannot register.

Solution: Get insured before visiting the registration authority (can be done online in 5 minutes).

2. Expired Technical Inspection

Problem: If inspection has expired, you cannot re-register.

Solution: Get your inspection done first, then visit the registration authority.

3. Mismatched Document Details

Problem: VIN or other details don't match.

Solution: Check all documents BEFORE visiting the registration authority.

4. Seller Unavailable

Problem: Some procedures require both parties present.

Solution: You can authorize them, but it's easier to arrange a joint visit.

5. Delayed Registration

Problem: You have 30 days from purchase to register.

Consequences: Fine up to €300.

Checklist

Before Visiting the Registration Authority:

• Purchase and sale agreement signed
• TPVCA insurance is valid
• Technical inspection is valid
• Registration certificate (original)
• Identification document
• Registration fees paid (or you'll pay on-site)

After Registration:

• New registration certificate received
• Details are correct
• Insurance company notified of ownership change (if transferring insurance)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to register a purchased vehicle?

Within 30 days from the date of the purchase and sale agreement. Delays result in fines.

Do I need to come with the seller?

Not required, but the process is easier with the seller present, especially if any questions arise.

How long does registration take?

Usually 30-60 minutes. If documents are in order – even faster. There may be queues, so online registration is recommended.

Can I drive with the current registration plates after purchase?

Yes, for 30 days from purchase you can drive with existing plates (if technical inspection and insurance are valid).

Useful Links

• Registration Authority: www.regitra.lt
• e-Government Services: www.epaslaugos.lt
• TPVCA Insurance: www.cab.lt (comparison)
• Technical Inspection Stations: www.regitra.lt/stotys

Conclusions

Our Expert Recommendation

Vehicle registration is not complicated if you prepare:

Main Steps:

1. Agreement
2. Insurance (TPVCA)
3. Technical inspection (if needed)
4. Registration authority
5. Fees

Cost: ~€21-80 (depending on situation)

Time: 1-2 hours (including preparation)

Need help with vehicle registration? Contact WHEELSTREET – we'll help you sort out the documents.

Also Useful:

• 🚗 Looking for a vehicle? Browse WHEELSTREET listings – verified, well-maintained vehicles
• 🛡️ TPVCA and KASKO insurance in 5 minutes – we compare all insurance companies' prices
• 💰 Vehicle financing and leasing – up to 84 months, from 5% interest
• 🔍 Want experts to find the right vehicle for you? – WHEELSTREET vehicle sourcing service
• 📚 Emissions tax — glossary
• 📚 VIN code — glossary

Buy from Lithuania

Looking to buy a quality used car from Lithuania? WHEELSTREET offers professional car sourcing with full inspection, history check and cross-border delivery across Europe. Browse verified inventory at WHEELSTREET Used Cars or request a custom car search at Car Sourcing Service.

WHEELSTREET ☎ +370 610 33377 | wheelstreet.lt