Car registration in Cyprus: new & used — the essential steps

car registration Cyprus

Registering a car in Cyprus is straightforward if you bring the right documents. This guide shows the exact steps for car registration in Cyprus for both new and used vehicles, with links to the official forms.

Good to Know Before You Buy

  • Cars in Cyprus are often more expensive due to limited availability and high demand.
  • Most cars are Japanese imports. UK imports are less common post-Brexit.
  • Resale value varies: SUVs and convertibles hold value well.
  • Diesel fuel is more expensive than petrol.

How to Register a New or Used Car in Cyprus

This section covers how to register a car already located in Cyprus, whether it’s new or used. It applies to locally purchased cars only.

Registering a New Car

If you buy a car from a dealership in Cyprus, the dealer usually handles the paperwork.

  • Logbook (Kotsáni / Κοτσάνι)
  • Registration confirmation and insurance paperwork

Registering a Used Car

The ownership transfer is done at a Citizen Service Center (CSC) — not at the Road Transport Department.

Required Documents

  • Form TOM 9B (signed by buyer & seller) – fill it out here
  • Original registration document (Kotsáni / Κοτσάνι)
  • Valid insurance for both current owner and buyer
  • Passports or residence cards
  • Sales contract certified by a Mukhtar
  • Recall Exemption Certificate (required as of 11 February 2025)
  • Proof of address (rental agreement & utility bill)
  • Appointment slip if your Yellow Slip is still pending
  • €8.54 fee (plus minor certification fee if needed)

No Yellow Slip required yet for EU citizens — it’s fine to register the car beforehand.

Change of Ownership by Proxy

If the owner can’t be present, someone else may handle the process using a certified Power of Attorney.

  • Owner in Cyprus: Sign and stamp by Certifying Officer
  • Owner abroad: Notarized, then certified by Cypriot Embassy or Consulate

For example, in the UK, you’ll need to send the notarized document to the Cyprus Embassy for certification.

Can the Seller handle the car registration in Cyprus?

Yes — some garages or experienced sellers handle the full process for you. They may:

  • Pre-certify all documents
  • Submit them to the DoRT or CSC
  • Hand over the car once the transfer is complete (often next day)

What Is the Kotsáni (Κοτσάνι)?

The logbook is called the Kotsáni (or Kotchani), meaning “stub” — it tracks the full ownership history of the vehicle.

Key Differences in Cyprus

  • License plates stay with the vehicle, even after sale
  • Insurance is prepaid for a start date — not activated post-registration

Tip: Providers like Abbeygate offer cover even without a Yellow Slip

Roadworthiness Test (MOT)

  • New cars: Tested after 4 years
  • Used cars: Tested every 2 years

No new MOT is needed if the current test is valid at the time of ownership transfer.

Road tax (Τέλη Κυκλοφορίας)

You renew road tax online here:
Road Tax Renewal (DoRT).
For the general service page, see
Gov.cy — Renewal of road tax.

Need Help with your car registration in Cyprus?

Contact your local Citizen Service Center. Staff usually speak English and can assist with forms, documents, and appointments.

Source: Department of Road Transport