Lost your COC? How to get a replacement
Updated 2026-07-20 · 5 min read
If you have lost your Certificate of Conformity (COC), you cannot reprint it yourself, but you can order a replacement original from the vehicle's manufacturer using the VIN. An independent intermediary such as Coceu can request the duplicate on your behalf and deliver it digitally and on paper.
Can you get a duplicate COC?
Yes. Because a COC describes the vehicle as built, the manufacturer can issue a fresh original at any time from the same type-approval data. A replacement is not a copy; it is a newly issued genuine document with the same security features.
You do not need the old certificate to request a new one. The VIN is enough to identify your exact vehicle and its configuration.
How to replace a lost COC
The replacement process mirrors a first-time order.
- Find your VIN on the registration certificate or the car itself.
- Confirm availability for your make and model.
- Order the replacement and pay a clear, VAT-inclusive total.
- Receive the digital PDF, then the paper original by UPS.
How long does a replacement take?
A duplicate takes the same time as any COC: often one to three business days for the digital PDF with common makes, longer for premium or low-volume brands.
If you are working to a registration deadline, order as early as possible and choose a digital-first option so you can begin the paperwork before the original arrives.
How to avoid losing it again
Once your replacement arrives, store the paper original safely and keep a scanned copy for your records. You may need the COC again if you move the car to another country or sell it across a border.
The scan is useful for reference, but keep the original; most authorities require the genuine document with security features at registration.
Key takeaways
- A lost COC can be replaced with a newly issued original from the manufacturer.
- You only need the VIN, not the old certificate, to request a duplicate.
- Timing matches a normal order: often 1-3 business days for the digital PDF on common makes.
- Keep the original safe and a scan for reference once your replacement arrives.
Frequently asked questions
Is a replacement COC an original?
Yes. The manufacturer issues a new original from the same type-approval data, with full security features, not a photocopy.
Do I need the old COC to get a new one?
No. Your VIN is enough for the manufacturer to identify the vehicle and issue a replacement.
How much does a replacement COC cost?
The same as a first order: typically €130-€330 including VAT depending on the make. Coceu shows the full price before you pay.
Can I just use a scan of my old COC?
For registration, most authorities require the original document. A scan is useful for reference but usually not accepted on its own.