Ethiopia Vehicle Registration Process

The Vehicle Registration Process For Ethiopia

Moving to a new nation is an adventure. And it would be wise to bring a reliable resource with you for the ride, such as a car. Here are the steps for registering your vehicle in Ethiopia for those willing to jump through the hurdles.

Steps To Register A Car

The nation’s vehicles are governed by the land Transportation of Ethiopia, where owners looking to register their cars must stop. Before stopping by the office, have the following items checked off:

• Valid proof of identity
• Citizenship to the nation of Ethiopia
• Proof of current residence
• The customs value information
• The make and model of the car
• The size of the engine

The country generally makes registering a car easy once the import procedure is cleared. An agent will start the process through an online portal, sending updates and information via email or mobile device to the vehicle’s owner. After a car is successfully registered, a registration book and unique number are issued.

Obtaining a license and registration differs for various organizations and individuals, with each organization's documents being changed. Generally, you need an application form, a letter from the affiliated organization, and a letter from an Ethiopian authority granting permission.

If you’d like more information about vehicle shipping to Ethiopia, visit our vehicle shipping page. If you’re curious about the cost of shipping a car to Ethiopia, we always offer 100% FREE estimates with no obligation.

Taxes

Motor vehicles imported into Ethiopia are subject to many taxes. Five separate taxes. Here they are:

• A customs duty tax
• An excise tax
• A value-added tax
• A surtax
• A withholding tax

There are exceptions to some taxes, depending on the vehicles. Passenger vehicles with more than 15 people are exempt from the excise tax. Those who carry more than ten but less than 15 are exempt from the excise tax. That exception comes from extra duty taxes imposed on the vehicles upon entering the country.

Rules of the Road

Road conditions are poor at best. Road signs are not maintained well, and road conditions are not stellar. Traveling outside of well-populated areas is not advised because of the danger of bandits. If you travel outside of populated cities, you should travel in large caravans because of the high possibility of robberies on the roadside.

If an accident occurs, it’s advised that you stay in the vehicle and wait for the police. Public transportation is not an alternative to driving yourself. It’s poorly regulated or monitored, and buses are often in poor condition. Instead, a private transport company is recommended.

Regarding what to expect from local drivers in the country, driving habits are erratic, and other drivers do little to obey the limits imposed. An Ethiopian driver’s license is required to drive a car. Pedestrians and stray animals crossing the road are expected to be adequately maintained, and other vehicles aren’t likely to be.

Traffic accidents are frequent and sometimes fatal, with public roadside assistance nonexistent in the country.

Resources For Drivers & Vehicles In Ethiopia

Ethiopian Road Transport Authority - A good general resource for drivers and vehicle procedures in Ethiopia, including licensing and registration, with links to the appropriate departments.

Embassy of Ethiopia - The Washington, D.C, embassy office for Ethiopia can help you with a broad range of issues, whether you’re staying temporarily or planning on moving to the country permanently.