Vehicle Color & Color Change
Guide to painting, full and partial wrap, registration license update, deadlines, MOT and the main penalties.
What does "color change" mean?
Greek legislation refers to a “change in the exterior colour” of the vehicle in relation to the colour recorded on its registration certificate.
In practice, the key question is whether, following the modification, the vehicle externally appears in a different colour from the one stated on its registration certificate.
Where the registered exterior colour has changed, the vehicle owner must notify the competent authority within 15 days of the change, so that the prescribed procedure can be completed and a new registration certificate can be issued.
Full repaint in a different colour
If the entire vehicle is repainted in a colour different from the one recorded on its registration certificate, this constitutes a change in the vehicle’s exterior colour.
The change must be declared to the competent authority and the registration certificate must be updated to show the new colour.
Full wrap in a different colour
If a full vehicle wrap completely changes the vehicle’s visible exterior colour, the vehicle will effectively appear in a different colour from the one stated on its registration certificate.
For example, if a vehicle recorded as black on its registration certificate is fully wrapped in white and externally appears white, it should not be assumed that no colour change has taken place simply because the vinyl wrap can later be removed.
Where the vehicle’s visible exterior colour has been fully changed, the prudent approach is to declare the colour change and update the registration certificate.
Transparent PPF / paint protection film
A transparent paint protection film (PPF) that does not alter the vehicle’s visible colour does not, by itself, change the exterior colour recorded on the registration certificate.
As long as the vehicle continues to appear externally in the same colour, transparent protective film is a different situation from a repaint or coloured wrap that changes the vehicle’s appearance.
Partial wrap, roof, stripes or graphics
A partial wrap, contrasting roof, stripes, graphics or similar modifications are less straightforward than a complete colour change.
The relevant provision does not specify a particular percentage of the vehicle’s exterior surface above which the colour is automatically considered to have changed.
If the vehicle’s main or predominant colour remains the same as the colour stated on the registration certificate, the situation is different from a full wrap or complete repaint in another colour.
However, if the modification is extensive enough that the colour stated on the registration certificate no longer accurately describes the vehicle’s exterior appearance, confirmation should be obtained from the competent Directorate of Transport and Communications.
Important information about vehicle wraps
The legislation focuses on the change in the vehicle’s exterior colour, rather than specifically on the method used to achieve that change.
In other words, the relevant issue is not simply whether the change was made using paint or vinyl, but whether the end result is an exterior colour that differs from the one stated on the registration certificate.
The fact that a vehicle wrap is reversible and can later be removed does not, by itself, mean that a complete change in the vehicle’s visible colour can be disregarded for registration purposes.
What this means in practice
Full repaint in another colour: the change must be declared and the registration certificate updated.
Full wrap that changes the vehicle’s colour: it should be treated as a change in the visible exterior colour, and the prudent approach is to update the registration certificate.
Transparent PPF: provided that it does not alter the visible colour, it does not by itself constitute a colour change.
Partial wraps or graphics: these should be considered on a case-by-case basis. If there is any doubt as to whether the registration certificate still accurately describes the vehicle’s predominant colour, confirmation should be obtained from the competent transport authority.
What the owner should do
When a vehicle’s exterior colour changes from the colour recorded on its registration certificate, the owner must declare the change to the competent Transport and Communications Authority.
What the vehicle owner needs to do
To update the vehicle’s registration details, the owner must:
Declare the vehicle’s new colour to the competent Transport and Communications Authority.
State the date on which the exterior colour change was carried out.
Submit the current registration certificate, together with the required identification documents and any other supporting documentation applicable to the procedure.
Once the application has been processed and the procedure completed, a new registration certificate is issued showing the vehicle’s updated colour.
Where the procedure can be completed
Depending on the circumstances and availability of the relevant service, the application may be handled through the competent Transport and Communications Authority, through a Citizen Service Centre (KEP), or through the relevant service on gov.gr, where online processing is supported by the competent Region.
The exact supporting documents and method of submission may vary depending on the competent authority and the category of vehicle.
Deadline: 15 days
A change to the vehicle’s registered exterior colour should not remain undeclared.
Under Article 87(1) of Law 5209/2025, when the exterior colour recorded on the registration certificate changes, the vehicle owner must notify the competent authority within fifteen (15) days from the date of the change.
For eKTEO purposes, the 15-day deadline should therefore be treated as the main rule that vehicle owners need to be aware of.
What this means in practice
If you change your vehicle’s colour and its new exterior colour is different from the one shown on the registration certificate, completing the repaint or wrap itself is not enough.
You must declare the change within the applicable deadline and complete the registration update procedure so that the new registration certificate reflects the vehicle’s correct colour.
What happens at the MOT?
A change to a vehicle’s exterior colour primarily concerns the accuracy of the information recorded on the registration certificate. It should not be treated in the same way as a mechanical or technical defect involving components such as the brakes, tyres or suspension.
During the periodic roadworthiness inspection, the vehicle is identified and checked against its registration details. However, vehicle colour is treated separately under the applicable regulatory framework.
Periodic KTEO roadworthiness inspection
A simple change in exterior colour should not be presented as automatically constituting a “major defect” during the periodic KTEO inspection.
Where the vehicle’s actual exterior colour has changed, the main issue is that the registration details must be updated so that the registration certificate accurately reflects the vehicle.
This is different from technical defects affecting systems such as the brakes, tyres, steering or suspension, which are assessed and classified as part of the periodic roadworthiness inspection.
Vehicle identification
For the purposes of vehicle identification, the comparative information is taken from the vehicle registration certificate or from the official public document that is legally permitted to replace it for the purposes of the inspection.
The purpose is to confirm that the vehicle presented for inspection corresponds to its official registration details.
A difference between the vehicle’s actual exterior colour and the colour stated on its registration certificate is therefore primarily an issue concerning the accuracy and updating of the vehicle’s administrative records.
Registration inspection – Code 1401 “Colour”
Ministerial Decision οικ. 19111/192/2019 (Government Gazette 1003/B/26.03.2019), as amended and in force, includes the following inspection code:
1401 – Colour
For vehicles that are subject to an inspection as part of the registration procedure, the decision specifies that “Colour”, together with certain other listed items, is not inspected as a roadworthiness inspection item at a KTEO centre, but during the inspection carried out for vehicle registration purposes.
It is therefore important to distinguish between a periodic KTEO roadworthiness inspection and an inspection associated with the registration of a vehicle.
Colour changed but registration certificate not updated
If the vehicle’s exterior colour has changed but the registration certificate still shows the previous colour, the owner must regularise the administrative change.
The new colour must be declared to the competent Transport and Communications Authority and the procedure for issuing a new registration certificate showing the vehicle’s actual colour must be completed.
Myth: “If the wrap can be removed, it does not need to be declared”
The fact that a vehicle wrap can later be removed and the vehicle returned to its original colour does not by itself mean that the change can be disregarded.
While the wrap remains installed, it may substantially change the vehicle’s actual visible exterior colour.
For example, if a vehicle recorded as black on its registration certificate is completely wrapped in white and externally appears white, the fact that the vinyl is removable does not change the fact that, while installed, the vehicle’s exterior appearance differs from its registered details.
What this means in practice
During the periodic KTEO inspection: a colour change should not, by itself, be presented as an automatic major technical defect.
During vehicle identification: the vehicle’s details are compared with those recorded on the registration certificate or the relevant official replacement document.
During an inspection for registration purposes: vehicle colour is specifically listed under code 1401.
If the colour has changed but the registration certificate has not been updated: the owner must complete the procedure for declaring the change and obtaining an updated registration certificate.
What applies to a partial change or two colors?
The applicable legislation does not specify a particular percentage of vehicle coverage, such as “more than 50% of the bodywork”, for determining when a vehicle’s exterior colour is considered to have changed.
For this reason, an arbitrary percentage should not be presented in the Help Center as a general rule.
Small stripes or decorative graphics
Small decorative stripes, decals or graphics do not necessarily mean that the vehicle’s main exterior colour has changed.
Provided that the vehicle’s primary or predominant colour remains the same as the one recorded on the registration certificate, a limited decorative modification is substantially different from a complete colour change.
Contrasting roof or selected body panels
Cases involving a roof in a different colour, selected wrapped body panels or a more extensive partial wrap should be assessed according to the vehicle’s overall exterior appearance.
The key question is whether the colour stated on the registration certificate still accurately describes the vehicle’s main or predominant exterior colour.
There is no single numerical threshold that can automatically be applied to every case.
If there is any doubt
If the modification is extensive and it is unclear whether the vehicle still corresponds to the colour stated on its registration certificate, the safest approach is to obtain confirmation from the competent Directorate of Transport and Communications.
This is particularly advisable before applying an extensive or nearly full vehicle wrap.
What this means in practice
There is no official “50% rule”. A specific percentage should therefore not be used as a threshold for declaring a colour change.
Small stripes and graphics: these do not necessarily constitute a change to the vehicle’s main colour.
Contrasting roof or partial wrap: these should be considered according to whether the registration certificate still accurately describes the predominant exterior colour.
Extensive or uncertain modifications: confirmation from the competent Transport Authority is recommended before carrying out the modification.
If the wrap is removed and the old color returns
If a colour change had previously been declared and a new registration certificate had been issued showing the colour of the wrap, removing the wrap at a later stage changes the vehicle’s visible exterior colour once again.
For example, if a vehicle was originally black, was registered as white after a full wrap was applied, and the wrap is later removed so that the vehicle returns to black, the registration details will once again no longer match the vehicle’s actual appearance.
What the owner needs to do
In this situation, the owner must declare the change in exterior colour again and follow the applicable procedure for updating the vehicle’s registration details.
Once the procedure has been completed, the registration certificate should show the colour that corresponds to the vehicle’s actual exterior appearance after the wrap has been removed.
What this means in practice
Removing a vehicle wrap does not automatically restore the registration details to the previous colour.
If the registration certificate had already been updated to show the colour of the wrap, returning the vehicle to its original colour constitutes another change in exterior colour, and the vehicle’s records must be updated again.
The basic rule is simple: the colour stated on the registration certificate should match the vehicle’s actual exterior colour.
Sanctions — what the new Code of Conduct says
The specific provision of the new Greek Road Traffic Code concerning a change in a vehicle’s exterior colour is found in Article 87 of Law 5209/2025.
Where the exterior colour recorded on the vehicle registration certificate changes, the vehicle owner must notify the competent authority within fifteen (15) days of the change.
Article 87 — Failure to notify a colour change
A violation of Article 87 is classified as an E1-A offence.
Under Article 108 of Law 5209/2025, an E1-A offence carries an administrative fine of €30.
For vehicle owners, the direct rule concerning an exterior colour change can therefore be summarised as follows:
Colour change → notification within 15 days.
Violation of Article 87 → E1-A offence → €30 fine.
Article 93 — Changes to registration certificate details
Separately from Article 87, Article 93 of Law 5209/2025 establishes the general rule governing changes to information recorded on a vehicle registration certificate.
Where principal characteristics recorded on the registration certificate are changed, provided that the modification is permitted, a new registration certificate must be issued after the new details have been verified by the competent authority.
If a competent authority establishes that this requirement has not been complied with within the applicable deadline, Article 93 also provides for the registration certificate and vehicle registration plates to be withdrawn until a new registration certificate is issued.
A violation of Article 93 is classified as an E3-B offence.
Under Article 108, an E3-B offence is associated with an administrative fine of €350, together with the administrative measures applicable to that offence category.
Why Articles 87 and 93 should be distinguished
The two provisions should not be presented as if they describe exactly the same offence.
Article 87 is the specific provision expressly dealing with a change in exterior vehicle colour and the requirement to notify that change within 15 days. The article itself classifies a violation as E1-A, corresponding to a €30 fine.
Article 93 is broader and concerns the requirement to obtain a new registration certificate when principal characteristics recorded on that certificate have changed.
For this reason, the Help Center should not state that “failing to declare a vehicle colour change automatically results in a €350 fine.”
The €350 amount relates to the E3-B classification under Article 93, where the requirements for establishing a violation of that article are met.
What this means in practice
For straightforward guidance to a vehicle owner regarding a colour change, the main rule is:
A change in exterior colour must be notified within 15 days. A violation of the specific requirement under Article 87 is classified as E1-A and carries a €30 fine.
At the same time, the owner must ensure that the registration certificate is updated so that it accurately reflects the vehicle’s actual details. Article 93 provides the broader legal framework for that obligation and provides for more serious consequences where a violation of its requirements is established.
Government Gazette
The procedure for changing a vehicle’s exterior colour and updating its registration certificate is governed by a combination of provisions in the current Greek Road Traffic Code and more specific regulatory acts.
Law 5209/2025 — Government Gazette 100/A/13.06.2025, as amended and in force
Law 5209/2025 is the current Greek Road Traffic Code and contains the principal provisions relating to changes in exterior vehicle colour and the updating of registration details.
Article 87 – “Exterior appearance of motor vehicles”
Where the exterior colour recorded on the registration certificate changes, the vehicle owner must notify the competent authority within fifteen (15) days of the change.
A violation of this article is classified as an E1-A offence.
Article 93 – Changes to registration certificate details
This article establishes the general framework applicable when principal characteristics recorded on the vehicle registration certificate are changed and a new registration certificate must be issued following verification of the new details.
Article 108 – Classification of offences
This article establishes the categories of offences and the corresponding administrative penalties. An E1-A offence carries an administrative fine of €30.
Joint Ministerial Decision ST/26322/1977 — Government Gazette 1099/B/04.11.1977, as amended and in force
Joint Ministerial Decision ST/26322/1977 determines the form, dimensions and content of the relevant vehicle ownership and registration documents.
Its provisions specifically address changes to a vehicle’s colour, including the recording of the new colour and the date from which the colour change took effect.
It therefore forms part of the regulatory framework connecting an actual change in a vehicle’s exterior colour with the updating of its registration details.
Decision ST/29886/9/1977 — Government Gazette 1288/B/13.12.1977
Decision ST/29886/9/1977 specifically concerns the procedure for notifying the competent authority when the exterior colour of a motor vehicle body is changed.
It serves as an additional regulatory reference for the administrative procedure followed when a vehicle’s registered colour changes.
Ministerial Decision οικ. 19111/192/2019 — Government Gazette 1003/B/26.03.2019, as amended and in force
This Ministerial Decision establishes the method and procedure for vehicle technical inspections carried out by public and private KTEO inspection centres.
Within the framework applicable to inspections for vehicle registration, it includes:
1401 – Colour
The decision clarifies that, in the cases covered by the relevant provisions, vehicle colour is not inspected as an item of the KTEO roadworthiness inspection, but during the inspection carried out for vehicle registration purposes.
Main legislative reference for this page
For the eKTEO page “Vehicle Colour & Colour Changes”, the primary legislative reference is:
Law 5209/2025 — Government Gazette 100/A/13.06.2025
Article 87 – “Exterior appearance of motor vehicles”
The following provisions are also relevant:
Article 93 – Changes to registration certificate details
Article 108 – Classification of offences and administrative penalties
Joint Ministerial Decision ST/26322/1977 – Government Gazette 1099/B/04.11.1977, as amended and in force
Decision ST/29886/9/1977 – Government Gazette 1288/B/13.12.1977
Ministerial Decision οικ. 19111/192/2019 – Government Gazette 1003/B/26.03.2019, as amended and in force
Update note – 15 days or one month?
There is currently an important discrepancy between the wording of the current Greek Road Traffic Code and the administrative information published in the National Registry of Administrative Procedures (MITOS).
The MITOS page, last updated on 29 July 2026, currently states that a change in exterior vehicle colour must be declared within one (1) month of the change.
However, Article 87(1) of Law 5209/2025 expressly requires the change to be notified within fifteen (15) days.
For eKTEO purposes, the 15-day deadline should be presented as the primary rule, as it is stated directly in the current legislation and is also the stricter of the two time limits.
This information should be reviewed whenever the legislation or the relevant administrative guidance is updated, until the discrepancy has been formally resolved.
Important notice
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes and does not replace the full text of the applicable legislation or a decision by the competent administrative authority.
For complex or borderline cases, such as partial wraps, two or more prominent exterior colours, extensive graphics, or special and commercial vehicles, the final administrative position should be confirmed with the competent Directorate of Transport and Communications.