If you're buying a brand-new or second-hand car, you must register it as soon as possible.

However, if you have just moved to Luxembourg and your vehicle is still registered in your country of origin, you have a period of six months from the day you move here to complete the necessary steps for registration. In the meantime, you can of course drive your car here. You should know that a vehicle cannot be driven on Luxembourg's roads unless its registration is complete.

Nevertheless, when it comes to second-hand cars or brand-new cars purchased from a car dealership in Luxembourg, they will usually take care of all the steps for you.

The first step to registering your vehicle in Luxembourg is to apply for a registration number for your new yellow plates. You have two options:

• The current series number: made up of 2 letters and 4 numbers, which is the standard choice.
• The personalised number plate: you can opt for a specific number depending on availability.

How to make the application

Applying for a registration number is quick and easy. You can:

• Do it online on MyGuichet.lu or using the MyGuichet.lu mobile app.
• Send a form by email: download and fill out the Application for a registration number, then send it to nplaques@snca.lu.

Your application is usually processed within 1 or 2 working days.

If you choose a current series number, it is free. However, if you want a personalised plate then there is an additional cost.

Would you like personalised number plates? Like many Luxembourgers, you can choose a unique number as long as the registration number you want has not already been assigned to another vehicle. You have the choice between three options:

• Plates with 2 letters and four numbers
• Plates with 5 numbers
• Plates with 4 numbers. Note that 4 number plates are in extremely high demand, and it may take several years for one to become available.

To reserve a personalised number plate, you will need to pay a stamp tax of 200 euros.
 

Receive your registration number:

• Once you have submitted your request, you will receive your vehicle’s number plate sent to you by mail to your official address.
• This letter will ask you to pay a stamp tax called “Droit de chancellerie” for an amount of €50.
• This stamp is electronic; no physical document will be issued. All you need is to present proof of payment by bank transfer of the “Droit de chancellerie”.

Number plate manufacture:

• With the attributed number, you can have your plates manufactured by an approved manufacturer.
• Depending on the provider you choose, plates are normally ready within 12 to 48 hours.
• If you have bought a vehicle from a Luxembourg car dealership, they will take care of the registration plates. All you have to do is give them the number.

In Luxembourg, it is compulsory to have civil liability insurance for your vehicle covering bodily harm and material damage to third parties. Be careful though as this insurance does not cover damage to your vehicle nor to you...  For comprehensive protection, contact a LALUX agent and find out about the insurance solutions tailored to suit your personal needs.

What is the “green card”?

Don't be surprised if you hear people talking about a “green card”. In the past, insurance certificates had to be printed on a green background. Since January 2021, this international motor insurance card can be printed in black and white and remain valid. However, the term “green card” is still largely used in day-to-day language.

The importance of Casco insurance:

You will also hear people talking about Casco (All-Risk) insurance, which is called “omnium” in Belgium or “tout-risque” in France. This form covers damage to your vehicle, even damage you caused yourself.

Although Casco insurance is not mandatory in Luxembourg, it is strongly recommended, particularly if you want comprehensive insurance for your vehicle. Unlike some neighbouring countries, the application of excesses for material damage is fairly rare in Luxembourg. To make sure that you do not pay supplementary costs following an accident, check this important detail with your insurance company 

With the easyPROTECT Auto Performance formula offered by LALUX Assurances, you can get ultra comprehensive car insurance, plus your bonus-malus is protected:  your insurance premium will not increase in the case of material damage to your own vehicle.

Protect the driver too!

Did you know that the driver of a vehicle is the only person who is not protected by their own civil liability insurance? That’s where driver insurance comes in. This cover is an essential addition for all drivers as it covers bodily injuries to the driver, including medical costs, healthcare, loss of revenue in the event of inability to work, disability and even death.

Think about tagging on this cover to guarantee you are protected in the case of an accident.

Once you have your registration number and your insurance certificate (green card), it is time to prepare your application to register your car with the Société Nationale de Circulation Automobile (SNCA), the National Society of Automobile Traffic.

You will need the following documents:

• A valid ID document
• The completed and signed form called “Application for a vehicle registration certificate”
• Proof of payment of the “Droit de chancellerie” tax stamp
• The original invoice or original sales contract for the vehicle
• A valid insurance certificate (green card)
• The European Certificate of Conformity, issued by the manufacturer when the vehicle is first placed on the road (required if the vehicle was first registered after 1 February 2016)
• A photo of the manufacturer's plate, the position of which on your car is shown on the European Certificate of Conformity

Specific cases:

• First registration in Luxembourg (import)
  • The “vignette 705”: customs document which you will get from customs when you import your vehicle
  • Foreign registration document: in the name of the person registering the vehicle in Luxembourg
     
• Second hand vehicle purchase:
  • Valid technical inspection certificate: issued by an approved body in Luxembourg.
  • If the vehicle was purchased abroad, have the validity of the technical inspection checked at a Luxembourg body. For countries in the European Economic Area or Switzerland, a certificate can be accepted if its validity is in line with Luxembourg legislation.
  • Registration certificate: parts 1 and 2 (registration document (“grey card” and yellow duplicate) or acknowledgement of the previous owner's withdrawal from circulation.

Submission of the application:

All documents should be sent by post or deposited at the SNCA reception desk. To avoid waiting in line, book an appointment online on the SNCA website.

Once you have submitted the full application file and all the checks have been made, the SNCA will issue you with your registration certificate. This official document will allow you to drive legally on the Luxembourg roads. You will also receive your grey card. It contains all the essentials about your vehicle, such as the registration number, make, model and other technical information.