Documents

Documents for vehicle import.

Which documents do you need? The complete document checklist for importing a vehicle to Austria.

Several documents are required to import a vehicle to Austria: purchase contract, original vehicle papers, COC certificate, insurance confirmation and Austrian approval document. Missing or incomplete documents are one of the most common reasons for delays.

At a glance

Key points

You usually need purchase contract, original vehicle papers, COC certificate, insurance confirmation and inspection proof.
The Austrian approval document must be arranged before registration.
Missing documents are a common reason for delays.
The COC certificate can be reordered from the manufacturer, but this may take several weeks.
If a service provider handles the import, a power of attorney is required.

Which documents do I need?

Several documents are required when importing a vehicle from an EU country to Austria. Some are provided by the dealer, others must be arranged in Austria.

Document checklist for vehicle import

Original vehicle registration certificate part II
COC certificate
Valid technical inspection proof
Purchase contract or dealer invoice
Austrian approval document or individual approval
Insurance confirmation
Power of attorney if using an import service
ID card or passport
Current residence registration confirmation

Vehicle papers

The vehicle registration certificate part II is the central ownership document. It must be handed over in original form and is required for registration in Austria.

It contains technical data, VIN, holder details and first registration.

A copy is not sufficient for the authorities.

COC certificate

The Certificate of Conformity confirms that the vehicle complies with an EU type approval. It includes technical specifications and the official CO2 value.

If the dealer does not have the COC, it can usually be reordered from the manufacturer.

The COC is also important for calculating NoVA because it shows the official CO2 value.

Technical inspection

A valid technical inspection confirms roadworthiness and operating safety.

If no valid proof is available, the inspection must be completed before registration.

Purchase contract

The purchase contract documents the transfer of ownership and is required for registration and NoVA calculation.

For dealer purchases, the invoice often replaces the purchase contract.

Buyer and seller with address
Make, model, year and VIN
Purchase price, ideally net and gross
Date, mileage and signatures

Austrian approval document and individual approval

The Austrian approval document confirms technical approval for the Austrian market.

If it is not available, individual approval may be required. This is more complex, more expensive and takes longer.

Check availability before purchase wherever possible.

Insurance confirmation

Liability insurance confirmation is required for registration in Austria.

Your insurer usually provides a confirmation that is presented at the registration office.

Power of attorney

If an import service handles official steps for you, a power of attorney is required.

Autohaus Zwer provides a prepared form for this purpose.

When are which documents needed?

Not all documents are needed at the same time. This overview shows which documents matter in each phase.

When buying the vehicle

Purchase contract or invoice
Original vehicle papers
COC certificate
Inspection proof

Before registration

NoVA calculation and payment
Approval document or individual approval
Insurance confirmation
Power of attorney if using a service

At registration

Original vehicle papers
Approval document or individual approval
Insurance confirmation
ID
Residence confirmation
NoVA payment confirmation

Short answers

Which documents do I need for import?

You need purchase contract, original vehicle papers, COC certificate, insurance confirmation and Austrian approval document or individual approval.

What is the COC certificate?

The COC confirms EU type approval and contains technical data as well as the CO2 value.

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need the COC certificate?

Usually yes. Without it, registration can become more difficult, slower and more expensive.

Can I use a copy of the vehicle papers?

No. The original is generally required for registration.

What is the difference between approval document and individual approval?

The approval document is the standard Austrian approval record. Individual approval is needed if no standard approval is available.

Do I need a power of attorney?

Yes, if a service provider such as Autohaus Zwer should handle official steps for you.