Vehicle Registration Processes In Russia | A-1 Auto Transport
You can drive an imported vehicle in Russia, both on a temporary and permanent basis. For permanent driving rights in Russia, you’ll need to obtain a local driver’s license, which involves submitted required documents, undergoing a vehicle inspection, and paying registration and taxes.
You’ll find information about these topics on this page, as well as other pertinent topics. As always, we encourage our readers to call with any questions not answered here.
Temporary Driving Permit
If you plan to bring a vehicle to Russia on a temporary basis, you do not have to go through the full registration process as you would with a permanent import. Temporary permits are issued for up to three months and must be claimed upon entry into the country. The temporary permit can be extended up to a full year, but you’ll need to make sure you get the extension before expiration to keep it valid.
You are able to drive in Russia with your valid U.S. license, provided you also have an international driving permit with a Russian translation.
Required Registration Documents
Certain documents are required to register an imported vehicle in Russia, including all the following:
- Personal identification
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of insurance
- Customs paperwork
- PTS certificate (given with technical inspection; see below)
- Registration documents
Need more information about shipping a vehicle to Russia? Click here to visit our international shipping page and learn more about the process, find answers to common questions, and find out about cost expectations!
Vehicle Technical Inspection, Import Taxes & Resources
Technical Inspection
Any vehicle brought into Russia must go through a technical inspection to make sure that everything is in working order and the necessary safety components are in place. The inspection is similar in fashion to the roadworthiness tests used by countries throughout Europe and Asia.
These are the things that the inspection will cover:
- Brake lights & head lamps
- Windshield wipers and fluid
- Emissions & exhaust
- Medical kit
- Fire extinguisher & emergency triangle
Import Taxes & VAT (Value Added Tax)
The import tax for vehicles shipped to Russia generally falls around 25% of it value. However, this is not the only added fee you’ll have to pay for permanent import. There is also a value added tax, or VAT, that is assessed at 20% of the value. These costs are in addition to any registration or shipping costs so make sure you have a good understanding of these if you’re planning to import a vehicle permanently.
Russia Vehicle Resources
Driving In Russia - From the U.S. Embassy in Russia, information about driving in the country, getting a Russian driver’s license. You can also find contact information for local U.S. consulates.
Russian Driver License Authority - You’ll find information about traffic regulations, motor vehicle fines, information about vehicle inspections, licensing, registration, and road safety statistics.
Call us today at the number at the top of this page if you have questions about shipping a vehicle to Russia, or if you’re curious about the cost! We offer FREE cost estimates for all inquiries and our staff is on hand to answer your questions!
Written By:
Joe Webster
Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
