WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Tax Office says tens of thousands of vehicle owners have already paid their annual vehicle tax for 2026, but a significant number still need to complete the process by collecting their official license plates.
According to the latest figures released by the Curaçao Tax Office, a total of 77,248 vehicle tax payments have been registered so far this year.
The numbers show strong compliance among motorists, although tax authorities note that the figures may continue to change as more payments are processed.
Of the total number of payments, 54,595 motorists chose to pay their vehicle tax for the full year, while 22,653 opted for the half-year payment option.
Despite the high number of payments, only 44,490 license plates have been collected up to now.
That means tens of thousands of vehicle owners who have already paid their tax have yet to pick up their new plates.
The Tax Office is reminding the public that collecting the license plate is not optional, but part of the legal obligation tied to vehicle registration.
This requirement applies to owners of cars, buses, trucks and motorcycles.
Authorities emphasized that paying the tax alone does not fully complete the legal process.
Motorists must also collect and properly display their updated number plates to remain fully compliant under Curaçao’s vehicle tax regulations.
To facilitate the collection process, the Tax Office says vehicle owners can collect their plates during the week at the Las Vegas Shopping Center on Gosieweg.
For those who prefer another option, requests can also be made by email to arrange an appointment at the tax office on Regentesselaan, where the plates can be picked up.
The government says the payment figures are encouraging and reflect growing tax compliance, but it is urging those who have already paid not to delay collecting their plates.
Officials warn that drivers without the proper updated registration plates may still face issues during inspections or traffic controls, even if payment has been made.
The Tax Office is therefore encouraging all motorists to complete the final step as soon as possible to ensure they are fully in order for the year.