Complete Guide to Vehicle Registration in Uganda

Whether you’re buying a car locally or importing one, understanding vehicle registration in Uganda is essential. It ensures your car is legally recognized and allowed on public roads. This guide walks you through every step—from documentation and taxes to number plates and URA procedures.

Why Vehicle Registration Matters

Vehicle registration in Uganda is a legal requirement enforced by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). It verifies car ownership, ensures tax compliance, and links your vehicle to national databases for safety, insurance, and traffic management.

Driving an unregistered vehicle in Uganda can lead to:

Fines or imprisonment
Vehicle impoundment
Inability to acquire insurance

Step-by-Step Process for Vehicle Registration in Uganda

Step 1: Obtain an Import Clearance Certificate (For Imported Vehicles)

If you’re importing a vehicle:

Work with a licensed clearing agent.
Pay import duties, including:
- Import duty (25% CIF value)
- VAT (18%)
- Withholding tax (6%)
- Environmental levy (0–50%)
URA will issue an Import Clearance Certificate (ICC) after payment.

CIF: Cost, Insurance, and Freight

Step 2: Get a Motor Vehicle Inspection Certificate

All vehicles—imported or locally bought—must undergo inspection by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) or SGS Uganda.

Inspection checks:

Roadworthiness
Engine and chassis numbers
Emissions compliance

You’ll receive an inspection certificate valid for one year.

Step 3: Create a TIN and Register Online with URA

If you don’t already have a Tax Identification Number (TIN):

Visit the URA portal
Click e-Services > TIN Registration
Complete and submit the form online

TINs are required for all vehicle owners.

Step 4: Initiate Online Vehicle Registration on URA Portal

With a valid TIN and inspection certificate:

Go to the URA e-Services platform
Choose Motor Vehicle Registration
Fill out Form A (New Vehicle Registration)
Upload supporting documents:
- Sales agreement or invoice
- National ID or passport
- Inspection certificate
- Customs declaration forms
- ICC (for imports)

Submit the application and print the acknowledgment form.

Step 5: Pay Registration Fees

URA will generate a Payment Registration Number (PRN) for:

Registration fees (approx. UGX 1,000,000+ depending on vehicle class)
Number plate issuance
Logbook processing

Make the payment at any partner bank or via mobile money.

Step 6: Collect Your Number Plates and Logbook

Once URA verifies your payment and documents:

Visit your nearest URA licensing office
Collect your number plates
Receive your logbook with official ownership documentation

New number plates (digital) include security features and a QR code linked to the URA database.

Special Notes for Transfer of Ownership

If buying a used car:

The seller must initiate a transfer request via the URA portal.
The buyer approves the request online and pays a transfer fee.
Both parties submit:
- Valid IDs
- Logbook copy
- Sale agreement
URA updates the logbook with new ownership details.

Temporary and Personalized Plates

Temporary plates are issued for vehicles in transit.
Personalized plates can be requested during registration at a premium cost.

Vehicle Registration Timeline

The process typically takes:

1–2 weeks for inspection and TIN
3–7 working days after submission to receive plates and logbook

Delays may occur if documents are missing or payments are incomplete.

Penalties for Unregistered Vehicles

Driving an unregistered vehicle in Uganda may result in:

Fines up to UGX 2 million
Vehicle impoundment
Jail time (in serious cases)

Owning a vehicle means more than just fueling up and hitting the road. Completing vehicle registration in Uganda ensures legal compliance, road safety, and peace of mind. With URA digitizing the process, registration is now faster and more transparent—provided you follow the correct steps and submit the required documents.