Registering an imported car in Algeria: the steps
Short answer: you cannot register a car without the form 846 clearance certificate. After that you file with the registration authority, pay the carte d'immatriculation tax of 800 DA (2–4 CV), 1,000 DA (5–9 CV) or 2,000 DA (10 CV and above), plus stamp duty, then the annual vignette. Since 22 June 2025, the old "carte grise" is officially called carte d'immatriculation.
Rules verified on 11 September 2026 · 2026 Finance Law (loi de finances 2026)
What are the steps, in order?
- Complete customs clearance and obtain the clearance certificate (form 846). Nothing can start before this.
- Assemble the file: form 846, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, COC, bank domiciliation, insurance certificate, your identity documents and proof of residence.
- File the registration application with the competent registration authority for your address.
- Present a valid insurance certificate — compulsory third-party motor insurance is required before a plate is issued.
- Pay the carte d'immatriculation tax and the stamp duty.
- Receive the carte d'immatriculation and the plates, then pay the annual vignette each year.
Since 1 January 2026, proof of payment of the new-vehicle tax is no longer required at customs clearance (article 147 bis of the stamp duty code). If your declaration was registered before that date, the old requirement still applies.
How much does registration cost?
| Item | Amount | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Carte d'immatriculation tax — 2 to 4 CV | 800 DA | 2025 Finance Law, art. 43 |
| Carte d'immatriculation tax — 5 to 9 CV | 1,000 DA | 2025 Finance Law, art. 43 |
| Carte d'immatriculation tax — 10 CV and above | 2,000 DA | 2025 Finance Law, art. 43 |
| Stamp duty (droit de timbre) | Minimum 30 DA | Code du timbre |
| Annual vignette | 10,000 to 25,000 DA depending on category | 2025 Finance Law, art. 55 |
Most vehicles we import are 1.5L units generating around 5 to 9 fiscal horsepower, which places them in the 1,000 DA bracket. The fiscal horsepower printed on your registration document is not the same as the engine displacement.
What is the annual vignette, and how much is it?
The vignette automobile is an annual road tax paid by the owner, separate from registration. Under article 55 of the 2025 Finance Law, for vehicles of 10 CV and above the rates are:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| 10 CV and above — 1st category | 25,000 DA |
| 10 CV and above — 2nd category | 20,000 DA |
| 10 CV and above — 3rd category | 15,000 DA |
| 10 CV and above — 4th category | 10,000 DA |
Lower categories pay less, on a scale set by the same article. The vignette is payable annually and failure to pay it is checked during roadside controls.
What changed in 2025 and 2026?
- Decree 25-169 of 22 June 2025 renamed the "carte grise" to "carte d'immatriculation". It is the same document — only the terminology changed, so an older document is not invalid.
- Since the 2025 Finance Law, approved importers may again import fully built vehicles (CBU), closed since 2016. More imported vehicles means more registrations and, in practice, more familiarity with the file at local offices.
- Since 1 January 2026, the new-vehicle tax proof requirement at clearance was dropped, removing one document from the chain.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to register an imported car in Algeria?
The form 846 customs clearance certificate is the starting point — nothing can proceed without it. Then the commercial invoice, certificate of origin, COC, bank domiciliation, a valid insurance certificate, your identity documents and proof of residence, plus payment of the carte d'immatriculation tax and stamp duty.
How much is the registration tax on an imported car in Algeria?
The carte d'immatriculation tax is 800 DA for 2 to 4 CV, 1,000 DA for 5 to 9 CV and 2,000 DA for 10 CV and above, under article 43 of the 2025 Finance Law. Most 1.5L vehicles fall in the 1,000 DA bracket. Add stamp duty of at least 30 DA. The annual vignette is separate.
What is the carte d'immatriculation vs the carte grise?
They are the same document. Decree 25-169 of 22 June 2025 renamed the "carte grise" to "carte d'immatriculation". Only the name changed, so a document issued under the old terminology remains valid.
How much is the annual vignette for a vehicle of 10 CV or more?
Under article 55 of the 2025 Finance Law, the vignette for vehicles of 10 CV and above is 25,000 DA (1st category), 20,000 DA (2nd), 15,000 DA (3rd) or 10,000 DA (4th). Lower categories are on a reduced scale set by the same article.
References consulted
Continue the guide
- Importing a car from China to Algeria: the complete guideFrom order to registration plate: taxes, required documents, sea freight, customs clearance and real lead times. The entry point to all our guides.
- Customs duty and taxes on importing a vehicle15% up to 1,800 cc, 30% above, 19% VAT, TIC, 2% solidarity levy and 2% customs fee: the official 2026 rates and a detailed DZD calculation.
- The diesel import ban: what is coveredWhich diesel vehicles are genuinely targeted, since when, on what legal basis, and what remains allowed (petrol, hybrid, electric, LPG/CNG).
- The 50% reduction for engines up to 1,800 ccThe exact conditions of the regime: under 3 years old, one per individual every 3 years, own foreign currency — and the rates repayable on resale.
A question about your specific model?
We prepare a detailed, line-by-line quote: purchase price, FOB, sea freight, customs duty and VAT. Reply within 48 hours, in English or French.