Selling a car privately in Poland requires a written sale agreement and notification to the starosty (district office). The process is straightforward if all documents are prepared in advance.
Essential Documents
- Vehicle registration certificate (Dowód rejestracyjny): The primary vehicle document. Both parts (if applicable) must be handed to the buyer.
- Seller's PESEL and ID: Polish citizens use PESEL; non-citizens use passport number. Both parties' details are required in the sale agreement.
- Written sale agreement (Umowa kupna-sprzedaży): Legally required for all private car sales in Poland. Both parties sign. Records price, vehicle details, and condition.
- Current technical inspection (Przegląd techniczny): Must be valid. Shown by the stamp in the registration certificate or a separate certificate.
- Third-party liability insurance (OC — Ubezpieczenie komunikacyjne): Must be disclosed to the buyer; they must arrange their own OC immediately after purchase.
PCC Tax (Civil Law Tax)
The buyer is legally responsible for paying 2% PCC (podatek od czynności cywilnoprawnych) on the vehicle sale price within 14 days of signing the agreement. As seller, include the agreed price accurately in the sale agreement — this is the taxable base.
Notify the Starosty
As seller, you must notify the district office (starosty) within 30 days of the sale that you have sold the vehicle. This can be done online or in person.
Finance Settlement
If the vehicle is under a loan, confirm it is fully settled and any lien is removed from the registration before selling. The buyer will check this.
