Registering An Imported Vehicle In Tanzania | Process & Required Documents

The two main components of Tanzania vehicle registration are the roadworthiness inspection and the registration application. Vehicle inspection is a part of the overall registration process, which also involves submitting several documents to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (see section below).

Import taxes are high for any type of vehicle brought into the country, with larger vehicles and those with higher engine displacement being the most heavily taxed. To give you an indication, most cars are assessed an import tax of 25%, a value added tax of 18% and an additional excise tax that ranges from 5-10%. For vehicles more than eight years old, the excise tax is 20%.

Tanzania Vehicle Registration Documents

The documents needed to register a vehicle in Tanzania are not as excessive as they are in some other countries, but it should be mentioned that the requirements do change from time to time. It’s always good to check with the appropriate authority to make sure you have the most current information. As of this writing, you will need the following documents to register a vehicle:

• Passport & Visa
• S. (or foreign) driver’s license
• Registration application form
• Customs declaration form
• TIN certificate
• Vehicle insurance

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Tanzania Roadworthiness Inspection & Getting A Driver’s License

Two things you’ll need to do shortly after importing your car are getting it inspected for safety and mechanical issues and then getting a local driver’s license. This section will briefly go over both topics and then offer some resources for further reading.

Roadworthiness Test

Information is scarce regarding the vehicle inspection process in Tanzania, but it is similar to that of other countries in the region. The basic roadworthiness test with make sure that all the safety features including mirrors, lights, signals, and brakes are in good working order. Some countries have a more thorough inspection than others and may also look at things like the steering column, chassis, and wheel alignment.

In Tanzania, it’s recommended that you get an approved vehicle inspection before shipping a vehicle. While it is an option to have the inspection done in Tanzania after shipping, you will have to pay a fine for not doing it beforehand.

Getting a License In Tanzania

Getting a license in Tanzania requires two primary steps: the application for the license and the road test. If you’re not a resident, you will need to first submit your passport, Visa, and driver’s license to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and apply for the license. The road test is done at a local police station and the final paperwork is again submitted to the TRA.

Tanzania Vehicle Registration Resources

Tanzania Vehicle Registration – There’s no better place to get information than straight from the source. This page from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) explains the registration process as well and includes information regarding the official forms required.

TRA Contact Information – Find locations and contact information for local TRA offices in Tanzania. Regional offices are also included and there’s a phone number listed for each location.

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