Filenews 8 January 2026
The process of renewing the registration certificates began yesterday, while several vehicles remain in a recall regime, mainly due to the Takata airbags. It is estimated that around 750,000 vehicles will go through the renewal process for 2026.
The officer of the Department of Road Transport, Konstantinos Kouppis, was hosted at Alpha and gave important instructions regarding the process of renewing traffic permits.
As he mentioned, the process will be completed on March 11, at 12:00 midnight. "No extension will be given, as this is not provided for by law," he stressed.
He clarified that the renewal is carried out exclusively online through the website of the Department of Road Transport.
He added that it is possible to renew the registration certificate for a period of three, six, nine or twelve months, with the basic condition that the vehicle has a certificate of suitability and valid insurance coverage.
What applies to Takata airbags
He then referred to the drivers affected by the recalls, mainly due to the Takata airbags.
As he underlined, if a period of eight months has not elapsed from the date of notification of the recall due to Takata airbags, owners can proceed with the renewal of the registration certificate. On the other hand, for those who have passed the eight-month time limit, renewal is not possible, as the vehicle does not have an active certificate of suitability.
In these cases, as he explained, the defective airbag should first be replaced, followed by a re-inspection at a technical control center and then proceed with the renewal of the registration certificate.
Mr. Kouppis said that the vehicles pending airbag replacement amount according to the data at the end of 2025, to 11.000, out of a total of 100.500 that were announced last year.
Non-renewal by the deadline penalty
Finally, he clarified that a grace period of 70 days is provided after the expiration of the marketing authorization. "If the license is not renewed within this period, a financial charge of €10 is imposed, as well as a 10% surcharge on the amount due," he said.
