How to get a COC for your car
Updated 2026-07-20 · 5 min read
To get a Certificate of Conformity (COC), you request the original document from your vehicle's manufacturer using its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can order directly from the manufacturer or through an independent intermediary such as Coceu, which handles the request on your behalf and delivers the COC digitally and on paper.
What you need before you start
Getting a COC is straightforward if you have the right details ready. The single most important item is your VIN.
- Your 17-character VIN, found on the registration document, windscreen or driver-side door pillar
- The vehicle make and, if known, the exact model variant
- A delivery address for the paper original
- The country of first registration, which can affect availability and price
Step by step: ordering a COC
The process is the same whether your car is a Volkswagen, a BMW or a Mercedes-Benz; only the price and processing time change by make.
- Enter your VIN so availability and the exact price can be confirmed.
- Review the total, including VAT, with no hidden fees.
- Pay securely online.
- Receive the digital PDF first, then the paper original by UPS.
How long does it take?
Timing depends mainly on the manufacturer. For common makes the digital PDF often arrives within one to three business days; some brands take longer because they process COC requests in batches.
At Coceu, availability is checked before you pay. If your COC cannot be sourced, you are refunded in full, so you never pay for a document that cannot be delivered.
Should you go direct or use an intermediary?
You can approach the manufacturer directly. In practice this can mean navigating a national importer, language barriers and paperwork that varies by country.
An intermediary like Coceu standardises the process across makes and languages, gives you a clear price up front, and delivers both the digital and original document. You pay for the convenience and the certainty, not for the certificate itself, which remains a genuine manufacturer document.
Key takeaways
- You need your 17-character VIN to request a COC.
- Order direct from the manufacturer or through an intermediary such as Coceu.
- The digital PDF typically arrives within 1-3 business days for common makes; the paper original follows by UPS.
- With Coceu, availability is checked before payment and you get a full refund if it cannot be sourced.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my VIN?
The 17-character VIN is on your registration certificate, stamped on the chassis, visible through the windscreen on the driver's side, and usually on the driver-side door pillar.
Can I get a COC without the VIN?
No. The VIN identifies your exact vehicle configuration, and the manufacturer needs it to issue the correct COC.
How will I receive my COC?
You receive a digital PDF first so you can start your paperwork, followed by the paper original delivered by UPS.
What if my COC is not available?
If the manufacturer cannot supply your COC, Coceu refunds you in full. Availability is checked before you are charged.