The EU is switching to digital vehicle registration: paper certificates are being phased out

The EU is switching to digital vehicle registration certificates and is gradually phasing out paper documents. Find out when the new rules will take effect, whether paper versions will remain, and what will change for drivers

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The European Union is gradually phasing out paper vehicle registration certificates. The European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism adopted the relevant decision on April 8, 2026. The new rules provide for a transition to a digital format for these documents, which will become the standard across EU countries.

When will paper vehicle registration certificates be phased out?

According to the adopted proposal, EU member states will have three years to implement the new rules following the official publication of the regulations by the European Parliament. After this transition period ends:

● Issuing paper vehicle registration certificates will no longer be mandatory;

● the primary document will be a digital registration certificate;

● all government agencies must switch to the new format.

At the same time, the paper format will not be completely abolished. It will remain available upon request. This decision was made with consideration for people who do not have constant access to digital technologies, do not use electronic services, and require a physical document for convenience. However, the new-style paper certificates will change—they will require QR codes for quick verification of information.

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What will the digital document look like?

The digital vehicle registration certificate will become a single standard for all EU countries. It is envisaged that:

● all documents will contain the same set of data;

● information will be standardized across all member states;

● vehicle verification will become faster, particularly when crossing borders.

Once approved at the committee level, the proposal will be forwarded to EU member states for agreement on the final text. The next important step is the European Parliament’s plenary session, scheduled for late April 2026. That is where the final version of the changes may be approved.

Keep in mind: for trips abroad, in addition to registration documents, insurance remains mandatory. For example, to leave Ukraine by car, you need a “Green Card”—you can apply for it in advance online via Visit Ukraine to avoid problems when crossing the border.

We remind you! European police are stepping up checks on vehicles with Ukrainian license plates, and an expired insurance certificate could cost a driver hundreds or even thousands of euros. In some countries, violators face not only a fine but also temporary impoundment of the vehicle. Read more about fine amounts in different countries and how to protect yourself from trouble with the Green Card in 2026.

Photo: user8531954 / Freepik

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