Why cars with personalized license plates are not allowed to leave the country: explanation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Personalized license plates are popular in Ukraine, but they cause problems when traveling abroad. Find out why cars with personalized license plates are not allowed to leave the country and how to properly prepare for your trip

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Cars with personalized license plates (PLPs) have long been popular among Ukrainian drivers. A personalized number is a way to distinguish a car and emphasize the owner's individuality. However, when traveling abroad, such numbers can become a serious problem. The Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasizes that cars with personalized license plates are not actually allowed on international roads.

Why personalized license plates are not recognized abroad

A personalized license plate is not a replacement for a state license plate, but an additional personalized plate. It is used in conjunction with standard license plates issued during the initial registration of a vehicle.

To participate in international road traffic, a vehicle must be equipped with license plates that meet the requirements of international agreements. These standards determine the uniform format, size, color, and structure of license plates. Personalized license plates do not meet these requirements, so they are not recognized as official outside Ukraine.

What will happen at the border with a car with a personalized license plate

If a driver attempts to cross the border in a car with personalized license plates, there is a high risk of being denied exit. Border guards and law enforcement agencies in other countries are guided by international rules, not national exceptions. The absence of standard license plates may be considered a violation of vehicle identification requirements.

How to prepare your car for a trip abroad

The Ministry of Internal Affairs advises to take care of replacing the license plates in advance. If your car has personalized license plates, you must return the standard state license plates issued during the initial registration before leaving Ukraine. These are recognized abroad and comply with international standards.

This step will help you avoid unpleasant situations at the border, delays on the road, and possible fines while traveling in other countries.

Remember: when planning a trip abroad in your own car, it is important to check not only the license plates but also other mandatory conditions. In particular, for international travel, you must have a valid Green Card — compulsory civil liability insurance for cars. Ukrainians can apply for a Green Card for travel abroad online through Visit Ukraine, which allows you to prepare for your trip in advance and without unnecessary queues.

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Which vehicles are allowed to have INZ installed for travel within Ukraine

According to Order No. 174 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, individual license plates are allowed to be manufactured and installed on the following vehicles:

● passenger cars;

● trucks;

● buses;

● motorcycles, including scooters and mopeds.

At the same time, trailers, semi-trailers, caravans, and other trailer vehicles are not eligible for individual license plates.

How to obtain an individual license plate

You can order an individual license plate online through the Driver's Cabinet or in person by contacting the territorial service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. When ordering, it is important to take into account the requirements for the inscription:

● for passenger cars — from 3 to 8 letters or from 3 to 7 letters and numbers;

● for motorcycles — from 3 to 6 characters or from 2 to 5 letters and numbers.

After the individual number plate has been manufactured, the owner is required to re-register the vehicle at the MIA service center. The documents must contain a corresponding note on the use of the individual number plate.

We remind you! Entry into Poland for foreigners requires confirmation of financial solvency. Read about which Ukrainians will be exempt from the obligation to show money at the border in 2026 and what amounts must be had by those to whom the exceptions do not apply.

Photo: e-driver.mvs.gov.ua

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