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Guides · Cape Verde

Vehicle registration renewal in Cape Verde

How to renew vehicle registration — how it works anywhere

Written from published rules on 2 September 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Direção Nacional de Economia Marítima e Transportes / Direção Geral de Transportes Rodoviários (DGTR). Rules here vary, so check carefully.

Renewing a vehicle registration in Cape Verde involves updating the vehicle's fiscal and technical status with the national transport authority. The process typically requires verifying vehicle ownership and confirming that the necessary circulation taxes have been paid.

Your timing

Most vehicle owners initiate the renewal process at least 30 days before the current registration validity period ends to account for potential administrative processing times or office queues.

Start 30 days ahead

Early application helps avoid gaps in legal circulation if there are administrative delays.

The process

  1. 1Ensure all outstanding vehicle circulation taxes (Imposto Único sobre Circulação - IUC) are paid and up to date.
  2. 2Visit the local office of the Direção Geral de Transportes Rodoviários (DGTR) or authorized administrative service center.
  3. 3Submit the required identification documents and vehicle ownership records.
  4. 4Pay the relevant renewal fees at the designated government payment office or through authorized electronic payment channels.
  5. 5Collect the updated registration documentation once processing is complete.

What to bring

  • Current vehicle registration document (Título de Propriedade/Matrícula)
  • Proof of payment of the IUC (Imposto Único sobre Circulação)
  • Valid personal identification document (e.g., Cartão Nacional de Identidade or Passport)
  • Vehicle inspection certificate, if applicable for the vehicle's age and type

Who handles it

Direção Nacional de Economia Marítima e Transportes / Direção Geral de Transportes Rodoviários (DGTR)

https://www.governo.cv/

Renewal fees and tax rates are determined by the annual budget law and the specific characteristics of the vehicle; confirm the current amount with the DGTR office.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Failure to pay the annual IUC in previous years can result in penalties and a hold on the renewal process.
  • Ensure all documentation matches the details currently held in the national vehicle database.
  • Verify whether the vehicle requires a mandatory technical inspection prior to the registration renewal.

Sources

This guide is based on one official source.

Don't rely on remembering

Renewals here take about 30 days to start. Add this document and Duratum will tell you when that window opens.

Track my Vehicle registration

Other documents in Cape Verde

Vehicle registration renewal in other countries

Often renewed together