Obtaining new license plates for a car is a mandatory step when purchasing a car, changing ownership or losing old license plates. In 2026, the procedure remained the same, but state duty rates and some nuances changed. This article will help you figure out how much it costs to issue new license plates, how to pay the state fee correctly, where to do it faster, and how to avoid common mistakes.

We analyzed current regulations (including Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1765 from 2023), traffic police data and reviews from car owners in order to collect all the necessary information in one place. Here you will find not only dry numbers, but also practical advice - for example, how to save on state duty when buying a car second-hand or what to do if the license plates are lost in another region.

Pay special attention to the sections about electronic payment (with discounts up to 30%) and regional features - these nuances are often missed even by experienced drivers. And at the end of the article you will find an FAQ with answers to the most frequently asked questions, including controversial situations with the traffic police.

How much is the state duty for new license plates in 2026?

On January 1, 2026, new tariffs for state fees for registration actions with vehicles came into force. The fee depends on the type of license plate and the reason for replacing it. Official prices set Article 333.33 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and have not changed since 2023, but there are important clarifications on benefits and payment methods.

Basic tariffs in 2026:

  • 🔢 Standard metal numbers (for cars, motorcycles, trailers) — 2,000 rubles per set (front + rear sign).
  • 🚛 License plates for trucks (weighing over 3.5 tons) - 2,800 rubles per set.
  • 🏍️ Motorcycle license plates — 1,500 rubles (one character).
  • 🚜 Numbers for tractors and self-propelled machines — 1,500 rubles (issued at Gostekhnadzor).
  • 🔄 Replacement of numbers in case of loss/damage — the same tariffs as for initial receipt.

Important: if you register a car at the same time (for example, after purchase) and receive new license plates, state duty for vehicle registration (850 rubles) is paid separately. There is also a separate fee for making changes to the PTS (350 rubles) and issue STS (500 rubles).

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If you buy a used car with plates from the previous owner, you can save on the stamp duty for new plates. It is enough to re-register the car in your name, leaving the old license plates (if they are in good condition and not tied to another region).

When do I need to pay state duty for new numbers?

The state duty for license plates is charged in the following cases:

  1. Initial car registration (after purchasing a new or used car without license plates).
  2. Replacement of numbers at the initiative of the owner (for example, if you want to change the series or design of signs).
  3. Lost or damaged numbers (if the signs have become unreadable or have been stolen).
  4. Change of registration region (when moving to another subject of the Russian Federation).
  5. Changing vehicle category (for example, converting a passenger car into a truck).

There are situations when state duty must be paid no need:

  • 🔄 Re-registration of the car while maintaining the old license plates (if they are not damaged and correspond to the current region).
  • 📄 Replacement of PTS or STS without changing license plates.
  • 🚗 Obtaining a duplicate number if it is stolen (if there is a police report).
📊 Have you ever changed the license plates on your car?
Yes, on your own initiative
Yes, due to loss/damage
Yes, when buying a car
No, never
I'm planning on it soon

Please note: if you change plates due to a change of region, then in addition to the state duty for new signs (2,000 rubles) will have to pay change of registration data (850 rubles) and new STS (500 rubles). Total - 3,350 rubles.

How to pay the state fee: step-by-step instructions

There are several ways to pay the state fee for new license plates. The most profitable is through Public serviceswhere the discount applies 30% for non-cash payments. Let's consider all the options in detail.

1. Payment through State Services (30% discount)

This is the most popular and economical method. To take advantage of the discount, follow the instructions:

Log in to the portal gosuslugi.ru (a verified account is required)

Select the service “Vehicle registration” → “Receiving registration plates”

Fill in the vehicle details (VIN, make, model)

Select the type of numbers (standard, transit, etc.)

Pay by card or via mobile banking (30% discount applies automatically)

Save the receipt (the traffic police will need it)

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When paying through State Services, the state duty for standard rooms will not be 2,000 rubles, and 1,400 rubles. The discount is valid only for individuals and for non-cash payments.

2. Payment at a bank or through a terminal

If you do not have access to State Services, you can pay the state fee:

  • 🏦 In branches Sberbank, VTB, Post Bank and other credit institutions.
  • 💳 Through ATMs or terminals (traffic police details are required).
  • 📱 In mobile banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online, Tinkoff).

Payment details can be obtained:

  • 📋 On the traffic police website in the “Details for paying state duty” section.
  • 📞 By calling the traffic police hotline: 8 (495) 623-70-70 (for Moscow).
  • 🏛️ Directly at the traffic police department when submitting documents.
What should I do if I paid the state fee, but did not have time to submit the documents?

If you paid the state fee, but did not have time to submit documents to the traffic police within 3 years, the money can be returned. To do this, you need to write an application to the tax office at your place of residence, attaching a payment receipt. The review period is up to 30 days. If the state fee was paid through State Services, the full amount is returned (including a 30% discount).

3. Payment at the traffic police (cash or card)

Some traffic police departments accept payment of state duty on site through a cash desk or terminal. Check this opportunity in advance by phone or on the website traffic police.rf. Usually this method is available in large cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, etc.).

⚠️ Attention: if you pay the state duty in cash at the traffic police, a 30% discount doesn't work. Also be careful with terminals in the branch - sometimes they charge up to 1-2%.

Documents for obtaining new numbers

To obtain new license plates, you need to prepare a package of documents. Its composition depends on the situation (initial registration, replacement due to loss, etc.), but there is a basic set that will be required in any case.

General list of documents:

  • 📄 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (original + copy).
  • 🚗 PTS (vehicle passport) - original.
  • 📋 STS (vehicle registration certificate), if it was issued previously.
  • 💰 Receipt for payment of state duty (if you paid not through State Services).
  • 📝 Application for vehicle registration (filled out on site or through State Services).
  • 🔑 Sales and purchase agreement (if you are registering a purchased car).
  • 🛡️ OSAGO policy (required for registration).

Additionally you may need:

Situation Additional documents
Lost numbers Report to the police about theft/loss (if numbers are stolen)
Change region A document confirming registration at the new place of residence (for example, an extract from the house register)
Car refurbishment Conclusion of preliminary technical examination
Buying a car on credit Loan agreement and certificate from the bank confirming the absence of a ban on registration

⚠️ Attention: If you're getting plates for a car you bought at a dealership, the dealer will usually help with the paperwork. But you will still have to pay the state fee for the license plates yourself (if this is not specified in the purchase and sale agreement).

Since 2023 in the traffic police do not require to present the car for inspection when replacing license plates due to loss or damage (if the database already contains data about the vehicle). However, the inspector may request photos of damaged signs or a police certificate.

Where and how quickly can I get new numbers?

The timing and location of obtaining new numbers depends on the method of submitting documents. There are three main options available in 2026:

1. Personal appeal to the traffic police

The most traditional way is to come to the traffic police department with a package of documents. Production time for numbers:

  • 📅 Standard rooms — 1 working day (if you submit documents before 12:00).
  • 🎨 Numbers with individual series - up to 15 working days (reservation required).

Where you can submit documents:

  • 🏢 Any traffic police department in the Russian Federation (regardless of registration).
  • 🏛️ MFC (“My Documents”) - in some regions (for example, Moscow, Tatarstan, Bashkortostan).

2. Through State Services (without visiting the traffic police)

Since 2023, the service has been operating in pilot regions (Moscow, Moscow region, Tatarstan, St. Petersburg) "Electronic numbers". It allows:

  • 📱 Submit documents online through State Services.
  • 🚚 Receive numbers by courier or at a special delivery point.
  • ⏱️ Save time (no need to stand in line).

However there are limitations:

  • 🚫 The service is available only for new cars (not older than 3 years).
  • 🚫 Cannot order individual numbers (standard series only).
  • 🚫 Courier delivery is paid (300-500 rubles depending on the region).

3. At a car dealership (when buying a new car)

Many dealers offer the service "turnkey registration"which includes:

  • 📋 Registration of all documents.
  • 💰 Payment of state duty (sometimes at a discount).
  • 🚗 Receiving numbers and STS.

The cost of such a service is from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles (depending on the salon and region). This is more expensive than registering yourself, but eliminates the paperwork.

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The fastest way to get license plates is to submit documents to the traffic police before 12:00. In this case, the signs will be made on the same day. If you are late, you will have to wait until the next working day.

Features of obtaining numbers in different regions

Although the state duty for new license plates is the same throughout Russia, some regions have their own nuances. Let's look at the most common ones.

Moscow and Moscow region

The following rules apply in the capital region:

  • 🚗 Electronic registration available for all types of vehicles (not only new ones).
  • 📍 Pre-registration the traffic police is obligatory (through State Services).
  • 💳 In some branches you can pay the state fee contactless card on the spot.
  • 🚫 Individual series are prohibited with combinations reminiscent of extremist symbols (for example, 88, 14).

St. Petersburg and Leningrad region

In the Northern capital:

  • 📋 Documents for registration can be submitted to MFC (service available from 2023).
  • 🕒 In some traffic police departments they work until 20:00 (for example, on Krasnoputilovskaya street, 31).
  • 🚛 Valid for trucks simplified procedure replacement of license plates (without vehicle inspection).

Regions with benefits

In some regions of the Russian Federation local benefits apply:

  • 🏔️ Far East: discount 50% for state duty for residents of ASEZ (Territories of Advanced Development).
  • 🌾 Crimea and Sevastopol: until 2026, there is a benefit for owners of cars over 10 years old (state duty 1,000 rubles instead of 2,000).
  • ⛏️ Kuzbass: discount for large families 30% for all registration activities.

⚠️ Attention: if you register a car in one region, but are registered in another, you may need temporary registration at the place of stay. Without it, some traffic police departments refuse to issue license plates.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When applying for new license plates, car owners often encounter problems. Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

1. Paying the wrong state fee

Many people confuse the fee for:

  • 🚗 Vehicle registration (850 rubles) and numbers (2,000 rubles).
  • 📄 Making changes to the PTS (350 rubles) and issuance of STS (500 rubles).

🔹 How to avoid: Before paying, check with the State Services or the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate which state duties you need to pay in your situation. Save the receipt and check that the correct article of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation is indicated in it (333.33).

2. Incorrectly completed application

Errors in the application (for example, incorrect VIN or passport details) will result in denial of registration. The most common mistakes are:

  • 🔢 VIN code (letters are confused I, O, Q with numbers 1, 0).
  • 📅 Date of the purchase and sale agreement.
  • 🏛️ Registration address (must match the passport).

🔹 How to avoid: fill out an application through State Services - the system automatically checks the data. If you fill it out manually, check your PTS and passport.

3. Problems with MTPL

Without a valid MTPL policy you won't allow to registration. Frequent problems:

  • 📅 Expired policy.
  • 🚗 The policy contains the old numbers (if you change the signs, you need to reissue the OSAGO).
  • 🏢 The insurance company did not enter data into the RSA database.

🔹 How to avoid: Before going to the traffic police, check your policy on the website RSA. If you change numbers, contact your insurance company in advance and ask to update the data.

4. Lost payment receipt

If you have lost the receipt for payment of the state duty, the traffic police may refuse to accept documents. This is especially true for cash payments at a bank.

🔹 How to avoid:

  • Take a photo or save an electronic copy of the receipt.
  • If you paid through State Services, the receipt is stored in your personal account.
  • If a check is lost, you can request a bank statement (for a fee, 200-500 rubles).
What to do if the traffic police refuse to accept documents?

If an inspector unreasonably refuses to register a car or demands additional documents (not required by law), you have the right:

1. Request a written refusal with justification.

2. Contact the head of the traffic police department with a complaint.

3. Write a complaint on the site traffic police or through State Services.

4. If the problem cannot be solved, contact the prosecutor’s office or court.

The period for consideration of a complaint is up to 30 days. In most cases, the issue is resolved after contacting the department management.

Is it possible to get new license plates without visiting the traffic police?

Yes, in some regions (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tatarstan) you can order rooms through State Services with delivery by courier. Also, many car dealerships offer a turnkey registration service, when all documents are prepared by the dealer. However, in most cases, a personal visit to the traffic police is still required.

What to do if you lost your numbers?

If you lose your numbers, you need to:

  1. Write a statement to the police (if the numbers were stolen).
  2. Pay the state fee for new signs (2,000 rubles).
  3. Contact the traffic police with your passport, PTS, STS and payment receipt.

If the license plates have been stolen, provide a police certificate - this will speed up the process.

Is it possible to select a series of numbers?

Yes, you can order custom license plates with any free combination of letters and numbers (except forbidden ones, for example, 000, AAA). The cost of these rooms:

  • 🔢 Standard region (for example, A 123 BV 777) — 10,000 rubles.
  • 🌟 Premium Series (for example, A 001 AA 777) - from 50,000 to 500,000 rubles.

Ordering individual numbers takes up to 15 working days.

Do I need to change numbers when changing my last name?

No, it is not necessary to change license plates when changing your last name. Enough:

  1. Receive a new STS with current data (500 rubles).
  2. Update your MTPL policy (free of charge if there are no changes in the vehicle data).

The numbers remain the same if they are in good condition and are not tied to another owner.

Is it possible to get a refund if I change my mind about changing numbers?

Yes, if you paid the state fee, but did not submit documents to the traffic police, you can get your money back. To do this you need:

  1. Write an application to the tax office at your place of residence.
  2. Attach payment receipt.
  3. Wait for review (up to 30 days).

If the state fee was paid through State Services, the full amount is returned (including a 30% discount).