How to deregister a car with KAT

The procedure for terminating a car’s registration with KAT is usually required before selling it abroad. There are other grounds for going through this procedure as well: for example, the car was destroyed, damaged in a road accident, or confiscated by the authorities. Note that only after the car has been deregistered are you released from the obligation to pay tax on it.

In Bulgarian, the procedure is called «прекратяване на регистрация». It involves deregistering the car and returning the plates to KAT.

Order of actions

To terminate the registration, the owner must submit a written application and attach an identity document, as well as the vehicle registration certificate (the so-called «голям талон», or large certificate). It is advisable to make several copies of the documents in advance.

If the owner of the car has died, the heir must provide a document of inheritance. It is more complicated if there are several heirs: in that case they must all appear at KAT or issue powers of attorney.

If the car is registered to a legal entity (a common situation among foreigners who set up companies specifically to buy cars), deregistering it requires providing the EIK (unified identification code) or a document on the company’s incorporation and its BULSTAT code. In addition, you will need to present a power of attorney certifying that you are the legal representative of the legal entity that owns the vehicle.

Depending on the purpose of deregistering the car, other documents will also be required:

• Total loss. In this situation, a written notification from a licensed insurer is required, addressed to the relevant Traffic Police unit, on the decision taken to pay out for total loss. The small certificate is attached to the application, while the registration certificate (large certificate) is perforated and returned to the owner with a note on the reason for deregistration («прекратена регистрация – тотална щета»).
• Dismantling. Documents on the vehicle’s acceptance for dismantling will be required. The small certificate is attached to the application, while the registration certificate is returned to the owner perforated and with a note on the reason for deregistration.
• Are you planning to keep the car as private property? Then you need to complete a declaration in the prescribed form. Copies of the large and small certificates are attached to the application, and then both certificates are perforated and returned to the owner with the note «Прекратена регистрация – частен имот».
• If the vehicle was destroyed by fire or a natural disaster, the small certificate is attached to the application, while the large one is perforated and returned to the owner with a note on the termination of registration due to the destruction of the vehicle.
• Confiscation of the car. A document certifying the confiscation of the car or its seizure in favour of the state will be required.
• Registration in another country. In this case, a copy of the registration document from the other state is required (with a legalised translation).
• Termination of the registration of a vehicle with number plates that do not comply with Bulgarian standards (for example, old black or yellow plates). The application may be submitted by one of the owners. When the registration is terminated, the number plates are handed over with the plastic mountings removed.

Non-standard situations

Owners often — especially those who inherited a car from relatives — do not have such necessary documents as the large or small certificates. In such a situation, the owner or the heirs must go to KAT and complete the relevant declaration.

Serious problems are faced by those who sold a car without a notarised contract. Such transactions are not reflected in the system, and as a result taxes continue to be charged to the official owner, even if he has not seen his car for many years and has forgotten all about it. And when the owner decides to visit KAT and deregister the vehicle, an unpleasant surprise awaits him: the plates must be returned. This is usually impossible, especially if a long time has passed since the transaction. In such a situation, it is recommended to file a statement with the police about the transfer of the car to the new owner (it is advisable to provide his details), and to explain that he did not appear before the notary to complete the transaction, and that this person therefore needs to be found. On the basis of this complaint, police officers will impound the car if they find it. It is useful for those who prefer to buy cars without proper paperwork to know about this practice too.

If the vehicle has been dismantled for parts, you need to complete a declaration at the Traffic Police and state that neither the number plates nor the dismantling documents are available.

After the registration has been terminated, the owner of the car may apply for its restoration. This applies only to vehicles that were deregistered under Art. 18, para. 1 of the ЗДвП on the grounds of export abroad, retention as private property, being placed on a wanted list, confiscation and seizure in favour of the state, non-compliance of the registration plates with current Bulgarian standards, and in certain other cases. To restore the registration, a valid third-party liability insurance policy must be provided.