Accurate modeling and simulation of electric field transients in HVDC cables is an important support to optimize insulation system design and to evaluate the influence of voltage transients and steadystate conditions on accelerated ageing mechanisms and insulation reliability. Traditionally, field models considering time-independent permittivity and conductivity are used, but this approach neglects polarization mechanisms and charge trapping-detrapping phenomena. This article includes polarization dynamics in the field model and shows that its impact on transient electric field simulations in HVDC paper-insulated cables can be significant. A method is presented to infer the model parameters from experimental polarization and depolarization current measurements. INDEX TERMS HVDC cables, electrical insulation, dielectric polarization, electric field transient.