Changing state registration plates is a procedure that many car owners face when buying a used vehicle, losing license plates or wanting to keep a "flawed" number. In 2026, the process of processing documents and obtaining new hardware in the traffic police underwent a number of changes, affecting not only digital services, but also the cost of services. State duty is a mandatory payment, without which the staff of the registration and examination unit will not accept your application.
The amount of payment depends on whether you change only metal plates or receive a completely new vehicle registration certificate (CVD). Errors in calculations or attempts to save money can lead to refusal to accept documents and loss of time. In this article, we will discuss in detail how much the state duty costs for changing the number of the car, how to pay it correctly and what nuances should be taken into account when visiting the auto inspection.
It is worth noting that the rates established by the Tax Code can be adjusted, so the relevance of the information at the time of filing an application is critical. From January 1, 2026, the basic tariffs for the issuance of license plates remained at the level of 2000 rubles, but the cost of a paper CTS increased to 1500 rubles. Understanding the structure of these costs will help you avoid unpleasant surprises in the traffic police department.
What depends on the cost of state duty at registration
Many drivers mistakenly believe that the price of the service is fixed and always the same. In fact, the total amount consists of several components. The cost of the state duty It depends on the type of actions performed: whether you change only license plates, make changes to the PTS (if it is paper) or get a new certificate of registration. If you bought a car with the numbers of the previous owner and want to keep them for yourself, you do not need to pay for new signs, but you will have to issue new documents in your name.
The situation is complicated when it comes to transit numbers or the restoration of lost signs. In the first case, the tariffs may differ, and in the second case, you will need to pay for the full set. It is also important to consider where you plan to pay: through a bank, terminal or public services portal. Although discounts on the state duty through the State Services have been canceled, the process of filing an application in electronic form often helps to avoid queues and errors in filling out the details.
Do not forget about the technical condition of the license plates themselves. If you are depositing old numbers for storage or changing them due to dilapidation, the inspector must make sure that they comply with the GOST. If the old plates are not readable or damaged, their replacement will become mandatory, which will entail additional costs. Credit institutions And banks can charge a fee for the transfer, so the total amount may be higher than the nominal value.
⚠️ Attention: When paying the state duty, carefully check the KBC (budget classification code) and the recipient's details. A single-digit error will cause the payment to go wrong and you will have to refund or make a repayment, wasting time.
Current tariffs and payment amounts in 2026
The amount of state duties is regulated by Article 333.33 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation. In 2026, the following tariffs apply for individuals who register or re-register vehicles. These amounts are fixed for the entire territory of the country, but in some regions with special status, coefficients can be applied, although this is rare for a standard procedure for changing numbers.
Below is a table with the main types of payments that may be required when changing license plates. Please note that prices are for a full set (two characters front and back) or for one unit of the document.
| Type of service | Description | The amount of duty (ruble) |
|---|---|---|
| Issuance of registration plates | Type 1 metal signs (standard cars) | 2 000 |
| Issuance of registration plates | Type 1A (motorcycles) or type 4 (trailers) signs | 1 500 |
| Issuance of the ITS | New certificate of registration of the vehicle | 1 500 |
| Amendments to the PCA | Only for a paper passport of the TC | 350 |
| Issuance of license plates "Transit" | Metal signs | 1 600 |
As can be seen from the table, the minimum package of documents when changing numbers (if you leave the old numbers, but change the owner) will cost 1500 rubles for a new CTC. If you change the numbers and the certificate, the amount will increase to 3,500 rubles (2000 + 1500). If you have a paper PTS and there is no room left for a new entry, you will have to pay another 350 rubles or issue a new PTS, which costs 800 rubles.
Keep the original receipt of payment of the state duty in paper or electronic form until the documents are received. In case of a failure in the database of traffic police, it will be the only proof of payment.
How to properly pay the state duty
Pay for it. duty It can be done in several ways, each of which has its own characteristics. The simplest and most modern option is to use the portal of public services. After submitting an application in electronic form, the system will automatically generate a receipt that can be paid by bank card directly on the site. This eliminates the risk of error in the details, as the data is pulled up automatically.
If you prefer traditional methods, payment can be made through the bank cashier, ATM or payment terminal. In this case, you will need the exact details of the traffic police unit, where you plan to register. These data can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or on the information stand in the office itself. When paying through the terminal, be sure to save a check with a mark of execution.
☑️ Checklist before payment
Payment through mobile applications of banks deserves special attention. Many banking services have a section "Public services" or "Fines and fees", where you can find the necessary service by TIN or car number. However, with this payment method, it is important to manually double-check all the data entered. Sberbank Online, Tinkoff. Other large banks usually offer current templates, but the responsibility for the correctness of the details lies with the payer.
⚠️ Attention: The receipt for payment of the state duty is valid for one year from the date of payment. However, if you change the recipient’s details (for example, changing the traffic police department), the payment may need to be reissued.
Procedure for replacing license plates
The procedure for changing the number of cars in 2026 became more streamlined, but still requires the personal presence of the owner of the vehicle (or his representative by notarial power of attorney) in the traffic police. First, you need to collect a package of documents: passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation, PTS (original), current CTS, CTP policy and old license plates (if they change due to loss or damage, available residues are provided).
Next, you should make an appointment through the State Services or the coupon system in the department. Upon arrival at the traffic police you hand over documents and the car for inspection. Inspection of the vehicle conducts the inspector, checking the compliance of VIN numbers, body and engine numbers with the data in the documents. The availability and legibility of old license plates, if they are surrendered, are also checked.
What if the inspector didn’t take the car the first time?
If there are inconsistencies during the inspection (for example, the VIN is not read due to dirt or damage), you will be given an act of need to eliminate the comments. After cleaning or repair, you need to re-register for inspection, but submit the entire package of documents again is no longer required, unless the initial application has expired.
After successful inspection and verification of documents, you will be issued new registration plates and a new certificate of registration. A record will be made in the PTS. The whole process, excluding waiting times in queues, usually takes 1 to 3 hours.
Duration and legal aspects
The term of the state duty as a financial obligation is not limited, but its application is tied to a specific administrative action. You must pay the fee before you apply for registration. If you have paid the fee for issuing numbers, but changed your mind to change them on the day of the application, the money can be returned by writing a statement to the Treasury, but this is a long process.
Legally, the change of numbers entails the obligation to update the data in the insurance policy of the CTP. Although the database of traffic police and RSA (Russian Union of motor insurers) is synchronized, it is recommended to notify the insurance company about the change of registration marks to avoid problems in the event of an insured event. This can be done through the personal account of the insurer or by contacting the office.
It is also worth mentioning registration The car after the purchase. By law, the new owner is obliged to register the car within 10 days. Violation of this period entails the imposition of a fine from 1500 to 2000 rubles for citizens. If you change the numbers not when buying, but at your own request, there are no time limits, but the procedure must be completed before the start of operation of the car with new signs.
Changing license plates without changing the owner (for example, in case of loss) does not require re-passing the inspection for cars under 4 years old, if the database has a valid diagnostic card.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
During the process of changing the number of cars, owners may face a number of technical and bureaucratic difficulties. One of the common problems is the refusal to accept old numbers due to their unsatisfactory condition. If the paint on the signs faded, erased or there are mechanical damage (dents, holes), the inspector has every right to demand the manufacture of duplicates. In this case, the state fee for the issuance of new signs will still have to pay.
Another problem is the discrepancy of the data in the database. Sometimes it happens that in the traffic police system, the car is listed as wanted or restrictions on registration actions are imposed on it (for example, due to the owner's debts). In such a situation, it will not be possible to change the numbers until the reason for the ban is eliminated. Therefore, before visiting the traffic police, it is recommended to check the history of the car and the presence of restrictions through online services.
It may also be difficult to pay the state fee if the treasury system is temporarily unavailable or technical updates are in place. In such cases, it is better to wait for the restoration of the service or contact the bank branch, where the operator can make the payment manually. Do not try to use old receipt forms found online, as the details may have changed.
⚠️ Attention: The use of fake or modified license plates, as well as the installation of signs that do not comply with the GOST (for example, non-standard size or font without the appropriate permission), entails administrative liability and confiscation of marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I pay a fee for changing numbers from someone else's card?
Yes, the legislation does not prohibit the payment of state duty by third parties. However, in the receipt in the column "Payer" it is better to specify the data of the owner of the car to avoid questions when checking documents. The main thing is that the purpose of payment and details are correct.
Do I have to take out old numbers when I get new ones?
Yes, when replacing numbers due to loss, theft or damage, old signs (or their remains) must be handed over to the traffic police. If the numbers change when selling the car, the buyer can keep the old numbers for himself (provided that the region code matches the residence permit), and then they do not need to be handed over.
What if I paid the fee but didn’t have time to submit my documents this year?
The receipt for payment of the state duty does not "burn" at the end of the calendar year. You can use it for 3 years (total limitation period) as long as the rates and details are up to date. If the rates change, you may have to pay the difference.
Can I return the state duty if I change my mind?
Yes, the state duty refund is possible if the service was not provided. To do this, you need to write an application to the traffic police department where the documents were planned to be submitted, and attach the original receipt. The return process can take up to 30 days.
Does the change of numbers affect the history of fines?
No, the history of fines is tied to the vehicle's VIN number, not the state registration plates. The number change does not nullify the history of ownership and does not hide past violations recorded by cameras or inspectors.