Annual car tax in Albania: when you pay it

Updated: 8 October 2026

The annual circulation tax is an obligation of the vehicle’s owner. It doesn’t arrive as a bill at home, so it can easily catch you by surprise.

When you pay it

According to guidance from the General Directorate of Taxation, the annual circulation tax is usually collected at the time of the vehicle’s technical inspection (kolaudimi), and is valid until the same date the following year.

So the tax date usually follows the inspection date. Know one, and you know the other.

How much it costs

The amount depends on the type of vehicle and other criteria set by law, and it changes from time to time. You can find the exact amount for your vehicle on e-Albania or at a DPSHTRR (road transport services) counter before the inspection.

How to be ready

Keep the three dates together: the inspection, the annual tax and your TPL insurance. They often fall close to each other.
Split the amount across the months. If the tax and insurance together cost, for example, 18,000 lek, putting aside 1,500 lek a month means a year without surprises.
Keep the payment receipt with the car’s documents.