Belgium Vehicle Registration Process

A-1 Auto Transport | Process of Belgium Vehicle Registration

Moving your vehicle into another country can be troublesome with all the paperwork and processes necessary. Luckily in Belgium, the country makes it easy for drivers to transition, register and get on the road. With more than three ways to register a vehicle plus an exceptionally long grace period for a developed nation, people looking to register their car can easily find resources.

Here’s a quick rundown of the processes.

Registration

Vehicle registration is managed by the Vehicle Registration Service, which keeps a national database for police, insurance companies and other entities. The country makes all sorts of exceptions for drivers and vehicles that are temporarily in the country but it also has a straightforward process for registering vehicles.

Conveniently, vehicles can be registered online, through insurers, by mail or in person.

New vehicles imported into the country must:

• Clear customs
• Have a certificate of conformity
• Evidence of insurance from a Belgian insurance company

Used vehicles have a similar process but feature additional steps:

• Clear customs
• Proof of a certificate of conformity
• A certificate of road worthiness for the vehicle
• Evidence of insurance from a Belgian insurance company

Side note for those coming from other European Union nations, your registration from the previous country is good for up to six months after you move to Belgium. After which you must register the vehicle in Belgium. There are exceptions for students who move to Belgium to study

• The vehicle does not have to be registered so long as you are a student
• No Belgian taxes or fees need to be paid
• No Belgian insurance need to insure the vehicle

We encourage readers who are considering shipping a vehicle to Belgium to also read our shipping page for the country. There, you will find more in-depth information about the process, what’s involved, and the best approach to take for your situation.

Testing For Road Worthiness

Cars are tested for sturdiness in Belgium, but only if they’re older than four years. Following its first check, cars must be checked every year for road worthiness within one year of the previous check. That test must be checked each time a car changes owners as well.

Here are general things inspectors look out for during the test:

• Effectiveness and efficiency of the windshield wipers
• Proof that all lights (turn signals, head lights, brake lights, reverse lights, fog lights, license plate lights) are functioning
• Tire tread depth
• The cleanliness and clarity of rearview and side view mirrors
• Functioning seat belts

Places you can contact for road worthiness tests are regional administrations in Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia.

General Driving Tips

While it’s easy to get around in the country, there are a few things to keep in mind when driving in the country. The country adheres to driving on the right-hand side of the road, mandates seat belts and has several penalties.

For example, law enforcement officials can confiscate vehicles that are not insured.

Resources For Belgium Vehicle Registration

Belgium Vehicle Registration Service - A good resource that explains the ins and outs of registering a vehicle in Belgium, as well as contact information and locations for the appropriate office.

Importing, Registration, & Insurance - A thorough explanation of the process of importing, insuring and registering a vehicle in Belgium.