Number 063 on a car: what region is it, history and how to check authenticity

You saw a car with a license plate on the road 063 and wondered what these numbers mean? Or are you planning to buy a used car with this code and want to make sure the license plates are legal? This article will help you understand all the nuances.

Code 063 - this is not just a random set of numbers, but an official designation of a region of Russia, assigned to a specific territory. However, since 2020, the rules for issuing numbers have changed, and now the same code can be found in different regions of the Russian Federation. We'll tell you how it works, why it happened, and what risks do numbers with an “alien” area code pose?.

In addition, you will learn how to independently check the history of a car by license plate number, what services to use for this, and what to do if the code on the plate does not match the PTS data. At the end of the article there are answers to frequently asked questions and useful tips for those who are planning to buy or sell a car with the number 063.

What does code 063 mean on a license plate?

Code 063 on the state registration plate (GRP) of the car indicates Saratov region. This is the official designation assigned to the region by Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia No. 399 of June 26, 2013. However, there are important nuances here that many are not aware of.

Before August 4, 2020 the codes on the license plates were strictly tied to the place of registration of the vehicle. That is, a car with a number 063 could have been registered only in the Saratov region. But after changes in legislation, the rules were relaxed: now a car owner can get plates with any free region code, regardless of their actual place of residence.

This means that today on the roads you can see a car with the number 063, which has never been registered in the Saratov region! Why this happens and what consequences it has - read on.

The history of code 063: why Saratov?

The region coding system on car license plates in Russia was introduced back in 1993. Then each subject of the Federation was assigned a unique digital code - from 001 (reserve) up to 999. The Saratov region received the code 063, and it has been used exclusively for this region for over 25 years.

Interesting fact: it was originally planned that the codes would be distributed alphabetically. However, in practice this rule was not always observed. For example, Moscow got the codes 77, 97, 99, 177, 197, 199, 777, 797 and 799, and St. Petersburg — 78, 98, 178 and 198. The Saratov region received 063 - without visible logic, but with a clear connection to the region.

Until 2020 code 063 was unique identifier of the Saratov region, and any car with such a number could be uniquely associated with this region. However, after the territorial reference was cancelled, the situation changed. Now the code 063 can be found on cars registered in any corner of Russia - from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok.

• 📅 1993 — introduction of a regional coding system for numbers.
• 🚗 063 - code assigned to the Saratov region.
• 🔄 2020 — canceling the strict binding of codes to regions.
• 🌍 Today's code 063 can be used in any subject of the Russian Federation.

Why are numbers with code 063 now issued in other regions?

Changes have been made to the rules for issuing license plates By Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia No. 507 of July 2, 2020. Now the car owner can choose any free region code, regardless of the place of registration of the vehicle. This was done for:

• 🔢 Simplification of the procedure for obtaining numbers (no need to wait until “native” codes become available).
• 🚘 Reducing queues at the traffic police by distributing the load.
• 💰 Reduced prices for “beautiful” rooms (previously you had to overpay for them due to limited choice).

However, this innovation also created new problems. For example, it is now impossible to determine by the number in which region the car is actually registered. This makes it difficult to check the history of a car when purchasing and increases the risk of running into scammers.

In addition, some car owners specifically choose other region codes in order to:

• 🔍 Hide the real place of residence (for example, if insurance rates are high in their region).
• 💎 Get a “beautiful” number that is already occupied in their area.
• 🚔 Avoid the attention of local road services (for example, if their region has strict control over certain types of vehicles).

How to check the authenticity of a number with code 063?

If you doubt the authenticity of a license plate number with a code 063, there are several ways to check this. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Visual inspection. The original numbers have clear contours, uniform coloring and protective elements (holograms, microtext). Counterfeits often produce blurry letters, jagged edges, or mismatched fonts.
2. Check through the traffic police. On the official website traffic police you can check whether the number is in the database. To do this, go to the section Services → Vehicle check.
3. Use of third party services. Platforms like Autocode, CarVertical or Public services allow you to get the complete history of the car by VIN or license plate number.

Print quality (no blurring, no chipping)

Availability of holograms and protective elements

Compliance of font and character size with GOST R 50577-2018 standard

Match the region code in the PTS and on the license plate -->

Pay special attention to hologram — it should be three-dimensional, with a changing pattern at different lighting angles. Also present on original numbers microtext (small letters that are difficult to see with the naked eye), and the paint does not wear off under mechanical stress.

If the number is suspicious, it is better to refuse the transaction or ask the seller for additional documents confirming the legality of the registration plates.

What to do if number 063 turns out to be fake?

If you have already bought a car and later find out that the license plate is fake, you must immediately contact the traffic police. The use of false registration plates is punishable under Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Forgery of documents”) and may result in a fine of up to 80,000 rubles or even imprisonment of up to 2 years. In addition, the car will be confiscated and sent to an impound lot until the circumstances are clarified.

Legal nuances: what does the law say about code 063?

From a legal point of view, the code 063 on the license plate today is not strictly linked to the Saratov region. However, there are several important legal aspects to consider:

1. Registration at place of residence. Despite the freedom to choose a region code, the car must still be registered at the place of residence or stay of the owner (Article 15 of Federal Law No. 283-FZ). That is, if you live in Moscow, but have chosen a number with a code 063, the PTS will still indicate your actual address.
2. Insurance risks. Some insurance companies may suspect fraud if the area code on the number does not match where the owner is registered. This may lead to refusal of payment under OSAGO or CASCO.
3. Problems when selling. Buyers are often wary of cars with "foreign" region codes, as this may be a sign of resale, theft, or other problems.

In addition, if the region code on the number does not match the data in the PTS, this may become the basis for additional verification by the traffic police. For example, when stopping at a traffic police post, the inspector has the right to request documents for the car and clarify the reason for the discrepancy.

Situation	Legal consequences	Recommendations
Code 063 on the license plate, but the car is registered in a different region	Legal if the number was issued after 2020. However, issues may arise when insuring or selling.	Keep the license plate documents to confirm their legality.
Code 063 in the PTS, but the number is in a different region	Violation of registration rules. May entail a fine of up to 2,000 rubles (Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).	Contact the traffic police to replace the numbers or correct the data in the PTS.
Number with code 063 fake	Criminal liability under Art. 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (up to 2 years of imprisonment).	Immediately hand over the number to the traffic police and receive new signs.

If you are planning to buy a car with license plate 063, be sure to check:

• 📄 Match the region code in the PTS and on the license plate.
• 🔍 History of registration actions (can be requested via Public services or Autocode).
• 🚨 Presence of restrictions or arrests (checked through the traffic police database).

Frequent fraudulent schemes with numbers 063

Numbers with code 063, like any other “foreign” region codes, are often used by scammers. Here are the most common deception schemes:

• 🔄 "Interruption" of numbers. Criminals buy damaged or stolen cars, change VINs and numbers on them, and then sell them as “clean”. Number with code 063 can be used to hide the real origin of the car.
• 💸 Sale of "beautiful" rooms. Fraudsters offer “unique” numbers with a code 063 at an inflated price, although in fact these numbers are fake or stolen.
• 📝 Substitution of documents. The PTS may indicate one region code, but the number may have another (for example, 063). This is done to make it more difficult to check the vehicle's history.

To avoid becoming a victim of scammers, follow these simple rules:

Check the car's VIN through official services (traffic police, Autocode)

Check the data on the PTS with the information on the license plate

Ask the seller for the original purchase and sale agreement and the acceptance certificate

Inspect the car for signs of interruption in VIN or numbers-->

You should be especially careful about cars that:

• 🚗 Sold significantly cheaper than the market price.
• 📉 They have a “clean” history, but at the same time a number with a code 063 does not match the region in the PTS.
• 🔧 Have been in an accident or have traces of body repairs (this may be a sign of a “broken” car).

How to change a number with code 063 to another?

If you don't like the code number 063 (for example, because it raises questions among insurance companies or buyers), you can change it to another one. To do this you need:

1. Contact any traffic police department (regardless of the place where the car is registered).
2. Write an application to replace registration plates.
3. Pay the state fee (2,000 rubles for new numbers).
4. Provide a passport, PTS and vehicle registration certificate.

When replacing numbers, you can choose:

• 🔢 Random number - free of charge (except for state fees).
• 💎 "Beautiful" room — for an additional fee (the price depends on the uniqueness of the combination).
• 📍 Other region code — if you want the number to correspond to your place of residence.

Important: when changing plates, you will be given new registration plates, and the old ones will be cancelled. If you want to keep the previous number (for example, if it was “beautiful”), this can only be done if it has not been lost or damaged.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about number 063

Is it possible to drive with number 063 if I do not live in the Saratov region?

Yes, with August 4, 2020 The region code on the license plate does not have to match the place where the car is registered. The main thing is that the car is registered at your actual place of residence, and the license plate is issued legally (through the traffic police).

How do you know that number 063 is original and not fake?

Original numbers have several degrees of protection:

• Hologram with changing pattern.
• Microtext (small letters that are difficult to fake).
• Clear, smooth edges of characters without blurring.
• Special paint that does not wear off due to mechanical stress.

In addition, the number must be registered in the traffic police database. You can check this on the official website of the department.

What to do if the code 063 on the number does not match the PTS?

If the region code on the license plate does not match the data in the vehicle title, this may be a sign of:

• Fake number.
• Errors when issuing documents.
• Re-registration of a car in another region without changing license plates.

In any case, it is recommended to contact the traffic police to clarify the information. If the number is fake, its use is punishable by law (Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

Can I order a number with code 063 if I live in another region?

Yes, from 2020 you can choose any free region code, regardless of place of residence. To do this, when registering a car with the traffic police, indicate the desired code (in this case - 063). However, be aware that this may raise questions from insurance companies or buyers when selling the car.

How much does it cost to change a number with code 063 to another?

The cost of replacing plates in the traffic police is fixed:

• 2,000 rubles is the state duty for new registration plates.
• Additional fee if you choose a “beautiful” number (the price depends on the uniqueness of the combination).

The procedure itself takes no more than an hour if there are no queues at the traffic police department.