Kyrgyzstan begins final campaign to legalize foreign-plated cars

Kyrgyzstan has launched a final, one-time campaign to legalize vehicles bearing foreign license plates. The initiative runs from July 10 to September 1, 2026, and authorities emphasize that it will not be extended beyond this period.

The program targets vehicles that were imported into Kyrgyzstan on or before December 31, 2024, and have not yet completed state registration. Specific vehicle categories, including M1, M1G, M2, M2G, N1, N1G, and N2, are eligible if they meet legal requirements. However, vehicles imported after the specified date, those in international transit, or those registered under temporary import or other customs regimes are excluded.

Additionally, vehicles with altered designs not conforming to factory specifications, those with right-hand drive converted to left-hand drive, or those failing to meet other regulatory standards are ineligible. To qualify, vehicles must be identifiable by VIN or factory numbers, not be on a wanted list, and show no signs of altered or forged identification numbers. Proof of import before the deadline and the absence of registration restrictions are also required.

Under the new regulations, each Kyrgyz citizen is permitted to legalize only one vehicle. The process involves presenting identification, the vehicle for inspection, import documents, and foreign license plates. A vehicle safety assessment and proof of payment for fees are also necessary. The legalization fee varies based on engine displacement: 50,000 Kyrgyz som for engines up to 2,000 cubic centimeters, 100,000 som for engines over 2,000 cubic centimeters, and 50,000 som for electric vehicles. Upon successful legalization, vehicles will be issued Kyrgyz license plates with the regional code '10.' These vehicles will be subject to restrictions, including prohibitions on sale, export, and transfer of driving rights to third parties, except as permitted by law.