Since 2020, an electronic vehicle passport (EPTS) has been gradually replacing paper PTS, but many car owners still face difficulties in finding its details. The EPTS series and number are required to complete purchase and sale transactions, register with the traffic police, obtain a loan secured by a car, or even to check the history of the car through online services. The problem is that this data is not always on the surface - it is not printed on the windshield, like a VIN, and is not duplicated in the STS.
In this article we will analyze all legal ways, how to find out the series and number of the EPTS: from checking existing documents to making a request to the traffic police. We will pay special attention typical mistakes, due to which car owners are denied registration, and we will tell you what to do if the EPTS is lost or has not yet been issued. Information is current on 2026 taking into account the latest changes in the regulations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
1. Where to look for the series and number of the EPTS in the documents for the car
If your car was released after November 1, 2020 or you recently re-registered it through the traffic police, there is a high probability that the EPTS already exists. The first thing to do is double check all papersthat you have on hand. Most often, EPTS details are duplicated in the following documents:
- 📄 Vehicle Registration Certificate (CTC) - on the reverse side in the column “Special notes” the series and number of the EPTS can be indicated (format:
XX XX XXXXXX, where X are numbers/letters). - 📋 Sales and purchase agreement (PSA) — if the car was purchased with EPTS, the seller could enter the details in the “Additional information” section.
- 📑 OSAGO/CASCO policy — some insurance companies request the EPTS number when registering and indicate it in the policy (usually in the “Vehicle Data” section).
- 💳 Loan agreement — if the car is pledged, the bank must record the EPTS details in the appendices to the agreement.
If there is no mention of EPTS in these documents, this does not mean that it does not exist. It may have been issued, but the details were not duplicated. In this case, move on to the next method.
⚠️ Attention: Series and number of EPTS don't match with VIN or body number! This is a separate unique identifier that is assigned to an electronic document in the UAISTO (Unified Automated Information System for Technical Inspection) database.
2. How to check EPTS through State Services: step-by-step instructions
The most reliable way to find out the series and number of the EPTS is to request an extract via Portal of State Services. This method works even if you only have STS or information about the owner. Here's how to do it:
- Login to Public services (verified account required).
- Go to section
Transport and driving → Electronic PTS. - Select the option "Get information about EPTS».
- Enter
Vehicle VINorbody/chassis number(if VIN is missing). - Confirm your request with an electronic signature (if required).
The system will issue a statement indicating:
- Series and number of EPTS (example:
77 AA 123456). - Date of issue and expiration date.
- Information about the owner (if you are not the only owner, check that the data is up to date!).
If the system displays the error “EPTS not found", this means that the electronic passport has not yet been issued. In this case, you need to create it (more on this in section 5).
☑️ What to check before requesting State Services
3. Alternative online services for checking EPTS
In addition to State Services, the series and number of the EPTS can be found through third-party services that are integrated with the traffic police databases. Important: free and legal There are few alternatives, and most paid services simply resell data from state registers. We tested several options and selected the most reliable:
| Service | Cost | What is required | Response speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autocode | From 99 ₽ | VIN or license plate number | 1–5 minutes |
| CarVertical | From 199 ₽ | VIN + email | up to 1 hour |
| Traffic police check | Free | VIN + captcha | instantly |
| EAISTO | Free | Reg. owner details | 1–3 days |
⚠️ Warning: Beware of sites that offer "find out EPTS by owner's last name" or "buy a traffic police database" This is a scam! The only legal way to obtain data is through government resources or official partners (for example, Autocode works under an agreement with the Ministry of Internal Affairs).
If you are buying a used car, ask the seller to provide an extract from the EPTS through State Services before payment. This will protect you from buying a car with restrictions or a lien.
4. How to find out the EPTS through the traffic police: offline methods
If online methods do not help (for example, you do not have a confirmed account with State Services or the car is listed in the database with an error), you can contact directly traffic police department. To do this you will need:
- 📋 Owner's passport (or a power of attorney if you are acting through a representative).
- 🚗 STS or PTS (if any).
- 💰 State duty — 350 ₽ for issuing information (paid through the terminal at the traffic police department or in advance at Public services).
The procedure takes from 30 minutes to several days, depending on the workload of the department. They will give you extract from EPTS on paper with a stamp, where all details will be indicated, including series and number.
🔹 Where to submit a request?
- Any traffic police department at the place of registration of the vehicle.
- Multifunctional centers (MFC) - if your region has a program "Public services in the MFC».
⚠️ Attention: If the car is pledged to the bank, only the mortgagee (bank) or the owner with the written consent of the bank. Without this, you will be refused to provide data.
5. What to do if the EPTS is not issued: instructions for creating
If the check shows that the EPTS for your car doesn't exist, it needs to be formalized. This is required for:
- 🚘 Cars produced after November 1, 2020 (for them, EPTS is issued automatically upon the first registration action).
- 🔄 Cars that pass re-registration (for example, when changing ownership or address).
- 📝 Vehicles that have lost paper PTS.
The procedure for obtaining an EPTS is free and takes up to 5 working days. Here is a step-by-step algorithm:
- Prepare documents:
- Owner's passport.
- STS (if any).
- Paper PTS (if not lost).
- Purchase and sale agreement (if the car was purchased recently).
- Via Public services (section "
Electronic PTS → Apply for EPTS»). - Or at any traffic police department (the application form will be issued on the spot).
- Please wait for processing. After approval, you will be sent a notification with the series and number of the EPTS by email (if submitted through State Services) or given on paper to the traffic police.
⚠️ Important: If in your arms old-style paper PTS (issued until 2020), his not confiscated when registering an EPTS. It remains valid, but all registration actions in the future will be recorded only electronically.
What happens if you don’t apply for an EPTS?
Without EPTS, you will not be able to sell your car, register it, or take out insurance after 2026. The traffic police is gradually abandoning paper PTS, and the absence of an electronic passport is equivalent to the lack of documents for the car.
6. Typical mistakes when searching for EPTS and how to avoid them
Many car owners encounter problems when trying to find out the series and number of the vehicle. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:
| Error | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| “EPTS not found” on State Services | The vehicle is not registered in the EAISTO database or the data is not synchronized. | Contact the traffic police to clarify the status. Re-registration may be required. |
| Owner details do not match | The EPTS contains old information (for example, after the car was sold). | Submit an application to update your data through the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (DCP will be required). |
| They demand payment for an “urgent check” | A fraudulent website that imitates government services. | Check the EPTS only on official resources (gosuslugi.ru, traffic police.rf). |
| No access to government services | The account is not verified or blocked. | Restore access via ESIA or contact the MFC. |
Another common problem is disagreements between paper PTS and EPTS. For example, the electronic passport may indicate a different engine power or body color. In this case, you must submit an application to the traffic police for bringing documents into compliance. Without this, you will not be able to sell the car or obtain insurance.
If you are buying a used car, be sure to check the data from the EPTS with the information in the paper PTS and STS. Discrepancies may indicate mixed numbers or fraud.
7. Is it possible to find out the EPTS by VIN for free?
Yes, but with reservations. Free check only possible through official sources:
- 🔍 Traffic police inspection service — shows the presence of an EPTS, but does not always give out its number.
- 📱 Mobile application "Public services Auto»—if you have a verified account, you can request an extract.
All the rest "free» services either provide limited information or are phishing sites. For example, previously popular resources like “Checking a car by VIN” often sell user data to third parties.
🔹 How to recognize scammers?
- 🚩 They ask you to enter
passport detailsorphone numberfor a “free check”. - 🚩 They promise "full car history for 0 ₽”(in fact they require payment after the “trial period”).
- 🚩 The site does not have an HTTPS protocol (the address begins with
http://, nothttps://).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the series and number of EPTS
Is it possible to sell a car without EPTS in 2026?
Technically yes, but in practice it is almost impossible. C January 1, 2026 The traffic police requires an EPTS for all registration actions, including re-registration to a new owner. If you only have a paper title, the new owner will not be able to register the car.
What to do if you have lost your EPTS data?
You can restore the series and number in two ways:
- Request an extract via Public services (free).
- Contact the traffic police with your passport and STS (you will need to pay a state fee of 350 ₽).
Can a bank block an EPTS if the car is pledged?
Yes. If the car is pledged, the bank has the right to impose restriction on registration actions via EPTS. This means that you will not be able to sell or re-register the car without the consent of the mortgagee. Check for restrictions via traffic police service.
How long does EPTS last?
Electronic PTS has no expiration date, but its data must be updated with each registration action (sale, change of owner, change in car design). If the information in the EPTS is outdated (for example, it does not match the current owner), it must be updated through the traffic police.
Is it possible to get an EPTS for a car older than 2020?
Yes, but only when performing registration steps. For example:
- When re-registration cars to the new owner.
- When loss of paper PTS.
- When data changes (for example, changing color or engine).
Apply for an EPTS on your own for an old car "just like that“It’s impossible - you need a reason to contact the traffic police.