Registering an electric car is an easy process that is no different from officially declaring the purchase of an internal combustion car. We provide an overview of the documents needed, the costs of registration and the benefits of green plates.
Electric car registration - what's worth knowing?
The registration of an electric or hybrid vehicle is a procedure that is exactly the same as that for a combustion car. In both cases, the user of the car must report to the official communications department of his/her place of residence (in the case of a company car in the city where the company is located).
Every owner of a car - irrespective of its type of propulsion - must also present the same documents to the authorities. The only difference that occurs during the entire process of registering an electric car lies with the authorities. It concerns the issuing of the corresponding green number plates.
It is worth knowing that e-registration of a car is also possible. Instead of going to the office, the new car owner can register the car via the website of the relevant city unit. When registering an electric car online, all necessary documents must be attached to the application as scans. Detailed instructions on how to go through the entire car registration process can be found in the Public Information Bulletin of the city, district or district office of your choice. 
What documents will be needed to register an electric car?
No extraordinary documents are needed to register an electric car. The zero-emission nature of the vehicle is emphasised on the proof of purchase (for a new vehicle) or the registration certificate (for a used car). It is worth remembering that the documentation needed to register a car with the authorities differs slightly between a showroom and a second-hand electric car.
To register both types of car, you will need a registration application, proof of purchase, vehicle card, confirmation of the technical inspection and payment of the third-party insurance policy. If you wish to register a used vehicle, you will additionally need to submit the old registration certificate and plates as well.
However, when declaring a new car, its country of origin must be included in the documentation. A car bought in Poland must have an extract from the certificate of approval. Vehicles from abroad should have a document confirming payment of excise duty. If a car is imported from outside the European Union, the owner must present proof of customs import clearance.
How much does it cost to register an electric car?
Registering an electric car, as with a combustion car, is not free. For the registration plates of an electric car, or rather their issue, you have to pay 93 PLN. A significant part of this expense is generated by the so-called plates themselves, which are the most expensive element costing 80 zł (for the front and rear plates).
The cost of a legalisation sticker (in the case of an electrician, it is red) is also added to the plates. Its price is PLN 12.50. A legalisation fee of 50 cents is also added to the full ninety-three zloty.
Other expenses related to the registration of a new electric vehicle are generated:
- vehicle card - £75,
- registration certificate - PLN 54,
- Control sticker for the vehicle windscreen - £18.50,
- temporary permit - PLN 13.50,
- registration fees - PLN 2.50.
From 4 September 2022, the new provisions of the deregulation package will come into force. On the basis of these, the authorities will dispense with the issuing of the vehicle card and the inspection sticker, which will no longer be compulsory elements of the car. 
What are green boards used for and how do you get them?
You already know how to register an electric car, so it is time to find out the reasons for the original appearance of the green plates. The primary reason determining the different marking of electrics is to enable them to be easily distinguished. However, it is not so that owners of zero-emission cars can shine before other road users with their environmental performance.
Electric car plates help police or municipal police representatives to recognise green vehicles. Why do these authorities need to know which cars are electric or hydrogen (they too are entitled to green plates)? Zero-emission vehicles must stand out because their drivers have special privileges. Owners of green cars can drive in bus lanes and enter clean transport zones in some European cities. In addition, driving an electric car also entitles you to free parking in a paid parking zone.
For all these activities, the driver of an internal combustion car should receive a fine. Green licence plates for electric vehicles mean that service representatives know who is due a fine and who is entitled to use the busway or not to buy a parking ticket.
Registration of a car converted to electric
It is worth knowing that today's technology makes it possible to convert combustion cars into electric cars. The registration plates of the converted vehicle can be obtained upon presentation of additional documents proving the conformity of the electrical installation with Regulation No. 100 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
The owner of a converted car must obtain confirmation from an authorised electrician and a certificate from a motor vehicle expert, which specifies the changes made. This documentation must be submitted to the diagnostic station and then to the authority.
