Importing a US car to Moldova
Shipping a car from the USA to Moldova? Here is how the import and registration work — and the checks to run before you pay, because a US auction car's history is exactly what you cannot see in the photos.
Check the car before you ship it
Most cheap US cars are salvage-auction cars. Before you send money, decode the VIN and look for a salvage title or odometer rollback — it is free.
How to import a US car to Moldova
- 1
Check the VIN first. Salvage, flood and odometer rollback are common on US auction cars — decode the VIN and read the history before you buy.
- 2
Clear customs and pay import taxes. On arrival the car is cleared through the Customs Service of Moldova (Serviciul Vamal), where Moldova's import duty, excise and VAT apply (see the note below).
- 3
Pass inspection and approval. Moldova has no EU-style type-approval, but it accepts US left-hand-drive cars: the car passes the periodic technical inspection (inspecția tehnică periodică) and ASP vehicle identification.
- 4
Register it. Register the car with the Public Services Agency — ASP (Agenția Servicii Publice) to get local plates and documents.
Duty, VAT and taxes
As a non-EU country, Moldova sets its own import duty, excise and VAT on cars. Check the current rate with the national authority linked below before you budget.
Moldova has no one-time registration or CO2 tax on imported cars — only the recurring annual road tax every owner pays.
Documents you will need
- The US Certificate of Title (the original vehicle title)
- The bill of sale or purchase invoice
- Customs clearance proof (that duty and VAT were paid)
- The individual-approval certificate from the inspection
- Motor insurance for the car
- Your ID and proof of residence
Official sources
- Public Services Agency (asp.gov.md) — vehicle registration
- Customs Service (customs.gov.md) — importing vehicles
- ANTA (anta.gov.md) — periodic technical inspection
Sources last checked: 2026-07-08
This is a general guide, not legal or customs advice. Rules, taxes and rates change — always confirm the current requirements with the official authorities linked above before you buy or ship.
Importing a US car to Moldova — FAQ
- Can I import a salvage or rebuilt US car to Moldova?
- Usually yes — Moldova does not ban salvage-title cars outright, but an imported car must pass the local inspection or approval, and a poorly repaired salvage car often fails it. Check the VIN for a salvage, rebuilt or flood brand before you buy: the US title brand follows the car even when the paperwork looks clean.
- How much does it cost to import a car from the USA to Moldova?
- On top of the purchase price and shipping, budget for Moldova's import duty, VAT and any registration tax. The exact rates change and depend on the car, so confirm them with the official customs authority linked below before you commit — a wrong guess can cost thousands.
- What documents do I need to import a US car to Moldova?
- At a minimum: the US Certificate of Title, the bill of sale, the shipping and customs-clearance papers, and proof of identity. Moldova's registration authority may ask for more, so check the official links below for the current requirements.
- Should I check the VIN before importing a US car?
- Yes, always — and do it before you pay. Salvage, flood damage and odometer rollback are common on US auction cars and are invisible in the listing photos. Decoding the VIN and reading the history is free and takes seconds.