GUIDES · COC
COC guides
Clear, practical guides to the Certificate of Conformity: what it is, what it costs, and how to get one for your car.
What is a Certificate of Conformity (COC)?
A Certificate of Conformity (COC) is the manufacturer document proving your car meets EU type-approval. Learn what it contains, why you need it, and how to get one.
6 min read
How to get a COC for your car
Step-by-step guide to getting a Certificate of Conformity (COC) for your car: what you need, how long it takes, and how to order one online.
5 min read
How much does a COC cost? (2026)
How much does a Certificate of Conformity (COC) cost in 2026? A clear breakdown of COC prices by make, what affects the price, and how to avoid hidden fees.
5 min read
COC for imported cars: EU and non-EU
Importing a car? Learn when you need a Certificate of Conformity (COC), how it works for EU and non-EU imports, and how to register the vehicle.
6 min read
Lost your COC? How to get a replacement
Lost your Certificate of Conformity (COC)? Here is how to get a duplicate: what you need, how long it takes, and how to order a replacement online.
5 min read
Registering an imported car in Germany
How to register an imported car in Germany: the COC (Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung), required documents, the Zulassungsstelle process, and costs.
7 min read
What is EU type approval? (and how the COC proves it)
EU type approval is the process that certifies a vehicle model meets EU safety and environmental standards. Learn how it works and how your Certificate of Conformity (COC) proves it.
6 min read
COC number: meaning, format and where to find it
Your COC number is the EU type-approval reference in the format e1*2018/858*. See what each part means and exactly where it sits on the certificate and on the car.
5 min read
COC online: how to get the official PDF by VIN
No public database lets you download a COC for free. Here is the legitimate way to get the manufacturer PDF by VIN, usually within one to three business days.
5 min read
Registering an imported car in Spain: the full process
Importing a car from Germany or another EU country to Spain? Here is the matriculación process step by step, the taxes involved and why the COC saves you a homologación.
7 min read
Registering an imported car in Italy: immatricolazione step by step
Bought a car in Germany and want Italian plates? Here is the immatricolazione process, the documents the Motorizzazione asks for and the role of the certificato di conformità.
7 min read
COC for motorcycles and scooters: what applies to L-category vehicles
Motorcycles, scooters and mopeds have their own EU type approval. Learn how a COC works for L-category vehicles and how to order one for a Piaggio, Vespa or motorcycle.
5 min read
COC vs registration certificate, CE marking and data sheet
COC, Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung, type-approval certificate, CE marking, technical data sheet: what each document is, and which one a registration office actually accepts.
6 min read
How to read a COC: every field explained
A Certificate of Conformity is dense with codes and numbers. This guide explains each section of a COC, from the type-approval number to CO₂ figures and axle loads.
6 min read
How long does it take to get a COC?
COC delivery times explained: how long manufacturers take, why some brands are slower, what delays a request, and how to plan a registration around it.
5 min read
Registering an imported car in France: carte grise and COC
How to register an imported vehicle in France: the ANTS process, the carte grise, quitus fiscal, and why the certificat de conformité is required.
6 min read
Registering an imported car in the Netherlands: RDW and COC
Importing a car into the Netherlands: the RDW inspection, kenteken registration, BPM tax and the role of the Certificate of Conformity.
6 min read
Where to find your VIN number
The VIN is the 17-character code that identifies your car. Learn where to find it on the vehicle and in your documents, and how to read what it means.
5 min read
COC for electric cars: what is different for EVs
Electric vehicles need a Certificate of Conformity like any other car, but the document reports range, battery capacity and electric power instead of emissions.
5 min read
Importing a car from Germany: the complete process
Buying a car in Germany and importing it to Spain, France or Italy: export plates, VAT, the COC, and the steps to register it at home.
7 min read
The manufacturer will not issue a COC: what now?
What to do when a manufacturer refuses or cannot issue a Certificate of Conformity: the common reasons, what can be fixed, and the individual approval route.
6 min read
COC for classic and older cars: what exists and what does not
Do classic cars have a Certificate of Conformity? How EU type approval evolved, which older vehicles have a COC, and how to register one without it.
6 min read
COC for trailers, caravans and motorhomes
Trailers and caravans are O-category vehicles with their own EU type approval. How a COC works for them, and what applies to motorhomes built in two stages.
5 min read
Get your vehicle's COC
Enter your VIN for an instant price and a check before you pay. Digital and original delivery.