Buy or sell a car in Ukraine

Despite the military actions, the car market of Ukraine continues to function, citizens are still interested in buying or selling cars. Each of these processes has its own characteristics, advantages and pitfalls, so it's important to understand the basic steps and nuances that can help you make a good deal. When buying a car, the first thing to do is decide on a budget. Do not forget to take into account the costs of insurance, car registration, possible repairs and maintenance. In addition, you need to decide whether you will buy a new car or a used one.

Buying a new car

When you buy a new car in the showroom, you are given a contract with the seal of the seller and a temporary red license plate (transit) that is valid for 10 days. After the car showroom, you go to the nearest MIA service center with the following documents:

• car sales contract with the seal of the seller (car dealership);
• passport and personal identification number;

It is advisable to register in advance in the electronic queue and choose a convenient time and day of the visit . You can pay the necessary tolls and fees directly at the service center, after which you will be issued a registration certificate (technical passport) and license plates. From the moment of state registration, you will have three days to apply for compulsory insurance.

Buying or selling a used car

As in the case of a new car, the re-registration of a used car takes place at the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Drawing up a sales contract at the service center is free of charge, for which the buyer and seller must provide:

• passport and personal identification number;
• vehicle registration certificate (technical passport);
• pay mandatory fees for re-registration;
• if the seller is married, the written consent of the other spouse to sell the car, certified by a notary, or his presence with a passport, is required.

In addition, with the help of online services, it is possible to check whether the car is: under credit obligations, under arrest, with restrictions on alienation. Employees of the service center will also check whether the car is stolen. If you wish, you can additionally contact experts to check identification numbers.

The car does not have to be deregistered when the owner changes, but it may be necessary, for example, to change license plates.

With regard to insurance (OSCPV), if the owner changes, the policy continues to be valid, but in the event of an insured event, the funds will be paid to the previous owner, so we recommend that you take out new insurance in your name as soon as possible.

What if one of the parties cannot come to the service center?
- The seller or the buyer can make a power of attorney , certified by a notary , for his representative, who will sign the sales contract on his behalf at the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

- The seller can make a contract for the purchase and sale of a vehicle in a trading (commission) organization and transfer it to the other party . Thanks to this contract, the buyer can unilaterally reregister the car at the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Also, please note that if you sell a passenger car (motorcycle, moped) not for the first time this year, then additional income tax is paid - 5% of the car's value. In addition, you will have to pay for the services of an appraiser.

Buying, selling or exchanging a car in Ukraine is a responsible process that requires attention to detail and caution. Follow the legal rules, carry out a detailed inspection of the car, this will help make the process as safe and profitable as possible for you. If you are unsure, order legal support of the agreement to avoid negative consequences in the future.