Would you like to import a classic vehicle into Malta, but are unsure how to go about it? Maybe you have found an abandoned classic somewhere and would like to know how to re-register it. Or perhaps you need some other kind of assistance.

Concessions for Classic Vehicles in Malta

Any vehicle whose year-of-manufacture is 30 years and above and is in original and genuine condition is eligible for classic status. Classic status means that owners pay greatly reduced road license fees. Persons wishing to import classic vehicles from abroad pay only 50% of the applicable First Registration, fees for vehicles between 35 and 50 years old. If the vehicle is over 50 years old no first registration tax is payable.

(Please note that comprehensive Vintage Vehicle Certification Guidelines are available in the Downloads Section)

Procedures

1) Registering your vehicle as a classic (vehicles already registered in Malta)

If you own a vehicle that is over 30 years old and would like to register it as a classic, fill in the Transport Malta form number VEH 15 (available in the Downloads page) together with 8 photos (4 only for motorcycles) as per instructions. Submit the form and you will be contacted for an appointment for a physical inspection of your vehicle by the Vintage Vehicle Certification Committee(VVCC). At the time of writing, these inspections are being held at the Park & Ride parking area near the Transport Malta offices in Paola. You should receive a reply within around 10 days. It is therefore important that interested persons apply in good time well before their annual road license expires.

The fee for the above process is 250 euros, of which 200 euros are refunded upon successful certification of your vehicle. Applicants are advised that the standards are rigorous and failure to attain certification may result in the forfeiture of the whole 250 euros. Applicants are strongly advised to study the Guidelines carefully before submitting applications.

Certification is valid for 5 years after which you will be requested to carry out a new inspection for re-certification.

2) Importing a Classic Vehicle

EU countries (including the United Kingdom):

Persons wishing to import a classic vehicle need to complete forms VEH 01, VEH 02 and VEH 03. You will then be contacted for an appointment to examine your vehicle onsite at your premises. The purpose of this examination is to verify the make, model, engine and chassis numbers, and state of vehicle. Your application will then be assessed and you will be contacted to complete the registration process.

If the vehicle in question is in very good condition it will be classed as “Register with Plates”, meaning that you will be able to acquire the plates and use the vehicle.

If the vehicle is in a state that requires work or restoration it will be classed as “Register and Garage”, meaning that you will be assigned a registration number and logbook but will not be issued number plates and thus be unable to use the vehicle on the road. Upon completion of the restoration your vehicle will be re-inspected and can be de-garaged and given its number plates. There is no time limit for restoration of vehicles.

Non-EU countries

The process is exactly the same as above except that a FIVA certificate of originality (known as a passport) is required from the country of sale (not Malta). Application form VEH 05 is also required together with the abovementioned forms.

The full (non-classic) registration fees must be paid up front, which will be refunded upon successful certification, minus the difference in fees applicable to classic vehicles.

3) Other Assistance

Sometimes applicants encounter difficulties or require assistance or advice. The FMVA offers bona fide assistance in such cases. Just contact us by sending an email to [email protected] outlining what you require and give us your contact details. We will answer you as soon as possible.

i) Annual Circulation Tax for Vintage Vehicles:

As per the Budget 2013 concessions, the Annual Circulation Tax (Road License) for all certified classic vehicles is now ZERO. However, an 8 Euro administration fee is applicable with every license renewal. 

iv) The Insurance certificate must reflect the month according to the first letter. The first letter of the registration number shall indicate the month at the end of which the vehicle’s road licence expires, that is:

v) Use this website  http://www.licenzji-vetturi.gov.mt/ to check if your VRT is due (no VRT for vehicles 50 years of age and over)

vi) The fees for the plates are:

Ø  €70.00 for a pair of non personalised plates

Ø  €200.00 for a pair of personalised plates

Ø  €35.00 for an additional third plate

Ø  €35.00 for one non personalised motorcycle plate

Ø  €100.00 for a personalised motorcycle plate

Ø  €1,500 for customised plates (up to 9 digits)