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Buying or bringing a car to Moldova: registration and plates

After you buy or import a car in Moldova, you record the new owner or register the vehicle, and you get a registration certificate and number plates. A foreign-registered car needs a road vignette. Each step below links to the full guide.

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Good to know

  • Who this is for: people who bought a car in Moldova or brought one in.
  • The vehicle must first be inspected by an identification expert before it is registered.
  • You get a registration certificate and number plates. Plates cost extra.
  • A different situation? Ask us about your case.

Steps, in order

  1. Practical tip · not from an official source

    Before you pay, check the papers

    Ask the seller for the registration certificate and check that the details match the car and the person selling.

  2. You do this

    Bought it from a seller in Moldova? Record the new owner

    You can do it online when all the conditions in the guide are met. Otherwise go to a counter of the Public Services Agency (ASP). The buyer ends up with a registration certificate in their name.

    Full guide: Buy or sell a car in Moldova: transfer the ownership →checked 19 October 2026
  3. You do this

    Imported it? Register it and get plates

    First, an identification expert must inspect the vehicle. Then you register it at an ASP counter and get a registration certificate and number plates.

    Full guide: Register a car or trailer in Moldova →checked 19 October 2026
  4. You do this

    Driving a foreign-registered car? Pay the road vignette

    It is compulsory for foreign-registered vehicles that drive in or through Moldova, and you buy it online.

    Full guide: Road vignette for foreign-registered vehicles in Moldova →checked 19 October 2026
  5. You do this

    Check your driving licence

    A Moldovan licence can be exchanged or restored without an exam. A foreign licence is exchanged by taking the driving exam, unless your country has an exchange agreement with Moldova. If you drive abroad, you can ask for an international permit.

    Full guide: Moldovan driving licence: issue, exchange or restore →checked 19 October 2026Full guide: International driving permit from Moldova →checked 19 October 2026
  6. You do this

    Selling or exporting later? Deregister the vehicle

    Hand in the registration certificate and the number plates, with the documents that prove the situation.

    Full guide: Deregister a vehicle in Moldova →checked 19 October 2026
  7. Not covered here

    Car insurance, technical inspection and fines

    These are not covered on this page.

    Ask about your case →

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Guides on this page

Source. This page is written by us from our guides to public services, which are based on the official pages on evo.gov.md. Practical tips are not from an official source.

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