Cars with Ukrainian plates in Poland: when registration is required and how to sell a car

The duration of vehicle usage with Ukrainian plates in Poland depends on the customs procedure under which it was imported into the EU. If the car has already been released for free circulation in Poland, the owner generally has 30 days to submit a registration application, and the requirement for registration after one year of stay is specified in a separate legislative proposal. Rules for owners of cars with Ukrainian plates are discussed by inPoland.

How long can you drive with Ukrainian plates in Poland and what are the penalties

For a private vehicle imported into the EU under temporary importation, the standard customs period is six months in most cases. The possibility of using this regime depends, among other things, on the driver's usual place of residence and the conditions of import. The registration period is determined separately according to the rules of the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure.

Owners should check three things:

• Customs status. Determine under which procedure the vehicle was imported, when its period expires, and what restrictions apply to the use of the car.

• Registration. If the vehicle from outside the EU was released for free circulation by Polish customs, the 30 days to submit the application are counted from the date of this clearance. For missing the deadline, the owner, to whom the general rule applies, faces a fine of 500 zlotys, and if the application was not submitted within 180 days from the same date – 1000 zlotys. The amounts are defined by Polish traffic law.

• Insurance. For trips, a valid «Green Card» that is valid in Poland or a border civil liability policy is required. Check the expiration date of the coverage, even if the vehicle has remained in the country all this time.

How to sell a car with Ukrainian plates in Poland

If the vehicle is in the EU under temporary importation, before signing the contract and handing over the car to the buyer, contact Polish customs. You can clarify how to complete this procedure, whether the vehicle can be released for free circulation, and what payments might arise. If the vehicle was brought in with relief, separately check whether its conditions permit sale on the planned date.

Before the agreement, it is advisable to:

1. Confirm the right to sell. Verify the VIN and owner details against the registration document, check for any liens and the authority of the representative if they are signing the contract.

2. Clarify the document package for the buyer. In the Polish transport registration department (wydział komunikacji), you can find out what customs documents, translations, and payment confirmations are needed for the vehicle registration.

3. Document the terms of the deal. In the written contract, specify the details of the parties, VIN, price, date of vehicle transfer, and documents that the buyer will receive.

Before handing over the vehicle to the buyer, it is also advisable to clarify with the registration department whether a technical inspection in Poland is required for this vehicle. If an inspection is needed for registration, agree in advance who will organize and pay for it.