Vehicle registration certificate and mObywatel – why doesn't the application work abroad?

The Polish mObywatel system is a national solution. Although the European Union is working on the European Digital Identity Wallet project, at this moment (year 2026), uniformed services in Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, or Slovakia do not have the authorization or technical capabilities to verify your entitlements in the Polish CEPiK database.

The basis for international traffic is the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. According to its provisions, the driver of a motor vehicle is obliged to carry a physical document confirming the vehicle's admission to traffic. The absence of a plastic document during a check in Austria or Switzerland can result not only in a high fine but even in the vehicle being towed to a police car park.

Documents required for traveling abroad – checklist

Before you hit the road, make sure you have the following in your glove compartment:

• Original registration certificate: A photocopy or a photo on your phone are not legal documents.
• Physical driving license: Similar to the registration certificate, a digital version is not honored by foreign police.
• Third-party liability insurance policy: In EU countries, a Polish policy is sufficient, but outside the EU (e.g., in Montenegro or Turkey), a Green Card is necessary.
• Electronic vignettes: Many countries have moved away from windshield stickers. When buying vignettes for the Czech Republic or vignettes for Slovakia, you will receive a PDF confirmation, which is worth having saved on your phone (although camera systems automatically read license plates).

Leased or borrowed car – beware of additional requirements

If you are not the vehicle owner listed in the registration certificate (e.g., the car is leased, on long-term rental, or borrowed from a friend), you may need authorization from the owner abroad.

The authorization should be prepared in English or in the language of the country you are visiting. In some non-EU countries, notarization is required. Without this document, the police may suspect vehicle theft, leading to hours of explanations at the police station.

Where is the vehicle registration certificate checked most often?

Document checks are particularly stringent in countries with extensive road toll systems. For example, when buying vignettes for Austria, you must ensure that the vehicle category and gross vehicle weight (GVW) match the entries in the registration certificate. Austrian police (ASFINAG) often verify the weight of trailers and delivery vans based on the physical document.