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Guides · Curaçao

Vehicle registration renewal in Curaçao

How to renew vehicle registration — how it works anywhere

Written from published rules on 4 September 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Ministerie van Financiën (Ministry of Finance).

Renewing a vehicle registration in Curaçao involves paying the annual road tax, commonly known as 'motorrijtuigenbelasting'. Once the payment is processed, owners receive a validation sticker or receipt to be kept with the vehicle documents.

Your timing

It is standard practice to pay the annual tax as soon as the yearly notice is received. Payment is typically due by the end of the first quarter of the year, though specific deadlines are set annually by the tax authority.

Start 30 days ahead

Processing times vary depending on the payment method chosen, with online payments often clearing faster than manual bank transfers.

The process

  1. 1Verify the amount due for the current calendar year via the official tax portal or tax office.
  2. 2Obtain the necessary payment reference number or vehicle identification details.
  3. 3Submit payment via the official tax website, authorized banking portals, or at the physical tax office (Ontvanger).
  4. 4Retain the payment confirmation or official receipt as proof of valid registration.
  5. 5Ensure the receipt is kept inside the vehicle for presentation during traffic inspections if requested.

What to bring

  • Vehicle registration certificate (keuringskaart)
  • Proof of identity
  • Payment reference or tax assessment notice

Who handles it

Ministerie van Financiën (Ministry of Finance)

https://www.belastingdienst.cw/

Fees vary based on vehicle weight and fuel type; consult the annual tariff schedule published by the Ministerie van Financiën.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Failing to pay the road tax before the designated annual deadline can result in additional surcharges or fines.
  • Ensuring vehicle inspection (keuring) is up to date, as road tax payment may be contingent on a valid inspection certificate.
  • Verifying that payment details reflect the current tax year to avoid discrepancies in the records.

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.

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Other documents in Curaçao

Vehicle registration renewal in other countries

Often renewed together