Many Ukrainians who left the country with the beginning of the full-scale invasion found themselves in a situation where they did not have the opportunity to use their own car to cross the border. Some were forced to evacuate in the cars of relatives or acquaintances, others temporarily use vehicles registered to third parties. Now, in situations of repeated departure, many still have to face the same problem: leaving the borders of Ukraine in someone else’s car. The law does not prohibit this, but the procedure has a number of nuances that are important to know in advance in order not to face a refusal at the border or problems abroad.
The legality of driving someone else’s car and a list of basic documents
Traveling abroad on a vehicle registered to a non-driver is possible only if a complete package of documents is available. In addition to a driver’s license, it is necessary to have a valid international insurance policy (“Green Card”), a country identification mark (UA sticker or a corresponding mark on a license plate), as well as a document confirming the right to use transport. It can be either a certificate of registration for traveling abroad, or a notarized power of attorney with the appropriate mark.
Both options are recognized by Ukrainian legislation, however, they have different requirements, terms of validity and procedure for registration.
How to get a temporary car registration certificate for going abroad
Such a document is drawn up at the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. You need to apply together with the owner of the vehicle. You should submit:
– driver’s passport;
– identification code;
– vehicle registration certificate.
After submitting the documents, the owner of the car is issued a temporary certificate, which indicates the driver who is granted the right to travel outside Ukraine with this car. The document is valid during the period of stay abroad, but after returning to Ukraine, it must be returned to the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs no later than 10 days.
The advantage of this option is simplicity and formality. There is no need for translation or apostillation as required for notarial documents used in foreign jurisdictions.
Notarial power of attorney: when and how to issue it
If the car owner is abroad, or there is no possibility to personally appear at the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a notarial power of attorney with the right to travel outside of Ukraine is issued. This document must contain a direct indication of permission to cross the state border.
If the power of attorney is drawn up in another country, it must be certified in accordance with international requirements:
– apostille — in the case of countries participating in the Hague Convention;
– consular legalization — in countries that do not recognize an apostille.
In addition, the document must be translated into the language of the country where it is planned to be used, and the translation must be officially certified. Some states require the applicant to provide a legalized translation of not only the power of attorney, but also the main documents on the car.
Despite the wider use of notarial powers of attorney in international practice, this form is used less often in Ukraine. The reason lies in the more complicated registration procedure, the need for translation and legalization, as well as in frequent cases of refusals by border guards, when the power of attorney is issued without a specific indication of the right to leave the country.
Mandatory insurance — Green Card policy
Without a valid insurance policy of the “Green Card” type, it is impossible to travel outside of Ukraine by car, regardless of whose car it is. This policy is recognized in the countries of the European Economic Area and a number of other states. It must be issued for the entire period of the car’s stay abroad. If the stay is planned to be longer than specified in the policy, it can be extended or a new contract drawn up.
The policy must be valid from the moment of crossing the border until returning to the territory of Ukraine. Absence of a policy is a reason for refusal of border crossing.
If you traveled abroad with a temporary vehicle registration certificate, it must be returned to the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs within ten days after entering Ukraine. Failure to comply with this condition may cause problems during the next departure or during the inspection in Ukraine.
Additional nuances that should be known
Documents confirming the right to a car must be drawn up correctly, taking into account the requirements of the specific country where you are going. For example, in Italy or Spain, not only a notarized translation, but also a certified copy may be required.
Check the validity periods of accompanying documents. For example, a criminal record certificate is valid for only 90 days, and an extract from the register of property rights to real estate is even less. This is important if they are attached to an affidavit or other document attached to the package.
Specify the requirements for the country of destination. In some cases, advance approval of documents with consular institutions may be required.
Traveling abroad in someone else’s car is a legal and possible option, but only if you have all the necessary documents. The choice between a notarial power of attorney and a temporary registration certificate depends on the availability of the car owner, the urgency of the trip and the country of destination. For Ukrainians who are in the status of temporary protection or are preparing for new departures, it is important to take care of the legal “purity” of documents in advance, so as not to face bureaucratic obstacles at the most crucial moment.
