How to register and license foreign cars in Türkiye

A detailed report in which we show you the way to register and license foreign cars in Türkiye, and those who are entitled to register cars, and the documents required for that.

When a car comes to Türkiye from another country, the car owner must complete the vehicle registration and licensing procedures in accordance with Turkish laws.

These procedures differ slightly from the procedures for registration of local cars, especially if the car is imported from outside Türkiye, or if the owner is foreign.

 Who is entitled to register a car in Türkiye?
Foreigners residing in Türkiye: The residents of Türkiye (those who hold a valid residence for at least 6 months) are entitled to register their cars imported from abroad.
Tourists and visitors: Foreigners who visit Türkiye can register their cars for a specific period (often for one year), provided they have a temporary stay or a tourist visa.

. The documents required to register a car from the outside:
A. For resident foreigners:

A valid passport.
A valid residence (for a period of no less than 6 months).
Proof of the place of residence (İkametGAH BELGESI): A certificate from the municipality or the Immigration Administration shows the location of the car owner's residence in Türkiye.
Gümrük Belgesi: If the car is imported, a customs document must be presented that shows that customs duties have been paid.
Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası: The car must be secured by accident insurance.
Technical examination (Muayne): The car must have a valid technical examination from the examination plant (if the car is old).
Tescil Harcı Recipe: The required fees for registration of the car must be paid in Türkiye.
Customs documents: In the event that the car is imported, all customs documents related to entering the car must be submitted to Türkiye.

for. Tourists or visitors:
Passport.
Tourist visa or temporary accommodation (in the case of visitors).
Certificate proof of car: such as a purchase certificate or a car sale contract.
Proof of payment of customs duties.
Compulsory insurance: The car must be secure against accidents.
Technical examination: If the car is old, you must pass the technical examination in Türkiye.

. Steps to register a car in Türkiye for foreigners:

A. Going to the local traffic office (Trafik şube Müdürlüğü):
After collecting all the required documents, you should visit the local traffic office in the city where you reside or that you want to register the car.
An electronic appointment can be reserved through the official website of the Turkish government institution competent to register vehicles.
for. Car technical examination:
If the car is used, it must be subject to a technical examination at the technical examination station (MUAYENE IGASYONU) to ensure its suitability for use on public roads.
The examination includes engine examination, exhaust system, guidance, lighting, and safety systems.
C. Paying customs and tax fees:
When importing the car from the outside, the customs duties that differ depending on the type of car and its engine capacity must be paid. Customs fees can be paid or through the country's website.
The registration fees that depend on the type of car and the governorate must also be paid.
D. Providing documents for approval:
Once the technical examination is completed and the fees are paid, all documents must be submitted to the competent traffic office.
The documents will be verified and the registration is approved.
E. Receive the car papers:
After the procedures are completed, the driver's license and car license plates are issued.
You will also be given a car ownership guide (which contains all the technical details of the vehicle).
and. Car insurance:
Ensure that the car is covered with accident insurance before completing the registration process.
Mint insurance should be valid when registering.

 Important notes:
Car registration for foreigners: Foreigners can register a car in Türkiye if they have a valid stay for more than 6 months. In the case of visitors or tourists, they can register the car for a limited period not exceeding one year.
Importing procedures: When importing the car, the owner must pay customs duties and taxes prescribed in Türkiye, which depends on the type of car and the size of its engine.
Registration period: The registration process can take from several days to two weeks based on the condition of the car and the documents submitted.

 Special cases:
Temporary import: In the event of temporary import, foreigners can enter the car into Turkey for a specific period (usually one year), and at the end of this period the car must be removed from Turkey or taken the necessary measures to register it permanently.
Old cars: The owner of the car may be required to pay additional fees or meet special conditions if the car is very old or does not adhere to Turkish environmental standards.