KRALENDIJK - The government of Bonaire reminds vehicle owners that they must return their license plates before December 30 if their vehicle has been sold, has become defective, or is no longer in use. In early January, all registered vehicle owners will receive their motor vehicle tax assessment notice for 2026.
The tax applies to all vehicles: passenger cars, motorcycles, scooters, trucks, and other vehicles. Those who fail to return their license plates will consequently have to pay tax for 2026.
Automatic taxation for late returns
License plates that are not returned before December 30 will automatically be taxed for 2026. This also applies when the vehicle is no longer owned by the registered owner, for example because they have left the island. Vehicle owners remain personally responsible for returning their license plates.
Return to Finance Department
License plates can be returned to the Finance Department at Kaya Industria Pariba 28. There, vehicle owners complete the return form. This also applies when the plates are lost or stolen.
For the return, vehicle owners must bring: a valid identification document, for businesses an extract from the Chamber of Commerce (no older than six months), if applicable a deregistration certificate, when returned by someone else a power of attorney and copy of the owner’s ID, and in case of loss or theft a police report.
For questions about motor vehicle tax, residents can contact belasting-olb@bonairegov.com or 717 5330 – extension 5326.
