- The Vehicle Registration Process In Austria
- Registration Checklist
- Member Of The Club
- General Checklist For Newer Drivers
- Resources For Shipping A Vehicle To Austria

The Vehicle Registration Process In Austria
An important note for drivers new to the streets of Austria, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. It can be confusing as some European countries drive on the left-hand side. For those shipping a vehicle to the area from the U.S., th
Importing a vehicle also includes additional fees beyond shipping costs, including a 10% duty on the value of the car and a standard consumption tax.
Regardless of which side you sit on, here’s a few tips for how to register a vehicle in Austria.
Registration Checklist
Car dealers typically handle the used or new cars in Austria. Though here is a general checklist of things to have handy when shipping a vehicle:
- Vehicle title
- Safety check certificate
- Proof of identity
- Proof of insurance
After getting past the initial importing process and paperwork, you will have to contact the Austrian tax authorities to pay additional taxes. That will net you a tax confirmation that you’ll need to take to the registration office.
From there you can bring them to the local political municipality to register your car. The cost is € 188 (or $199 USD). There, you will receive a license plate and safety check sticker (which goes on the vehicle’s windshield).
Shipping a vehicle to Austria? Visit our shipping page for the country to learn more about the process, what’s involved, and what steps you’ll need to take.
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Member Of The Club
One important perk of Austria being a member of the European Union is the minimum requirements for vehicles out of other EU states. There is no documentation or customs process required, though the tax is still applicable.
General Checklist For Newer Drivers
An international driver’s license is a must for driving a car in Austria. Local auto organizations can help you through the process though it’s recommended that you have yours before you start driving.
Drivers are also required to have a reflective vest in the car. It’s a relatively easy to find one and drivers who don’t have them are subject to heavy fines.
The minimum driving age in the country is 18 and third-party insurance is mandated by law.
There are also toll roads throughout the country and each vehicle is required to have toll stickers (colloquially referred to as a vignette). Stickers can be bought from the Austrian Automobile Club, post offices, border entry points and petrol stations. It’s very important to note the sticker has to go in the upper or middle left of the windshield.
Winter is a very real phenomenon in Austria and drivers are cautioned to pay attention to conditions. Weather conditions that crop up include snow, slush, ice and frost. More than pay attention, it’s recommended that drivers have winter tires to avoid fines and for maximum safety.

Resources For Shipping A Vehicle To Austria
International Driving Permit - A helpful resource when shipping any vehicle to another country, this resource details the specifics of the IDP and how to apply for the permit.
Driving In Austria - From the Austrian National Tourist Office, a helpful guide to driving and navigating the roads in Austria.