Summary
The rule: 180 days per calendar year
If you reside abroad, your private car enters Morocco without paying duties, under the temporary admission scheme. It may stay there for 180 days per calendar year, in a single block or across several stays. This period cannot be extended, except in the case of December explained below.
At the border or aboard the ferry, present your residence card (or other proof of residence abroad) and the original car papers. Customs records the admission and gives you a card indicating the deadline. Keep it with the vehicle registration and insurance: it must be presented at every road check. You can check its status on the customs website.
The December rule
- If your admission expires on or after December 1st, it can be extended by 180 days, without leaving Morocco and without penalty. These days are deducted from the following year.
- If it expired before December 1st, extension remains possible from December 1st, but with a penalty.
- If you have already used your 180 days in the year, you can return with the car from December 1st, for 6 months counted towards the following year.
Who can drive your car?
- A person who also resides abroad can drive it, with the vehicle registration document, the valid admission card and their own proof of foreign residence.
- A person residing in Morocco can only drive it in the presence of the admission holder.
- Lending, renting, selling the car, or entrusting it via power of attorney without customs authorization is a customs offense.
Rental or borrowed car
A rental car can enter temporary admission if you present the rental agreement, vehicle papers and your proof of foreign residence. For a car that does not belong to you, provide a power of attorney from the owner.
Breakdown, accident, theft
- Breakdown: spare parts can be imported through an assistance company approved by customs. Replaced parts must leave with you or be cleared through customs.
- Serious accident: a car that can no longer be driven can be cleared through customs as a write-off, without prosecution if you report voluntarily. Bring the accident report, expert report and photos.
- Flight: duties remain payable. You can pay them, have them guaranteed by your insurer, or sign a commitment to regularize within one year.
Leaving the car in Morocco when you leave
If the temporary admission is still valid, you can leave the car in a garage of your choice for family, professional, or health reasons, but it must be regularized before the deadline. In any case, no one else must use it in your absence.
Fines in case of exceeding
| Exceeding the deadline | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 30 days or less | 1,000 DH |
| 31 to 60 days | 2,500 DH |
| 61 days to 6 months | 5,000 DH |
| More than 180 days | 10,000 DH |
An overstayed vehicle can no longer circulate without customs authorization. Report to the customs office yourself: it is the only way to regularize properly.
Frequently asked questions
Do my 180 days count per stay?
No, per calendar year: all your stays of the year add up, within the limit of 180 days.
Can my brother living in Morocco drive my car?
Only if you are present in the car. Only a person who also resides abroad can drive it without you.
I want to keep the car in Morocco for good: what should I do?
It must be cleared through customs. If you are 60 or older, or if you are returning permanently, benefits significantly reduce the duties.
Going further
Sources
- Customs Administration (ADII) — Guide for Moroccans of the World 2026 (PDF, pages 9 to 21)
- Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes — tracking temporary admission
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace the advice of the administration or a professional. An error? Write to contact@sinstalleraumaroc.org.