Registering a car or making changes to documents is a procedure that every vehicle owner faces sooner or later. Two key documents here − vehicle registration certificate (VTC) and vehicle passport (PTS). Both require payment of a state fee, but their size, payment procedure and registration nuances often raise questions.

In 2026, the rules remained the same, but new methods of payment and clarification of benefits appeared. For example, state duty for issuing STS can now be reduced by 30% when paying via Public services, and making changes to PTS when the owner changes, it will cost more than adjusting the technical data. In this article we will analyze all the current tariffs, step-by-step instructions and typical errors that lead to registration refusal.

We will pay special attention to complex cases: when replacement is required PTS instead of making changes, how to pay duties when buying a car on credit, and what to do if errors are found in the documents. We will also provide a comparative table of the cost of services in different regions and discuss why in some cases the state duty may be refunded.

1. Amount of state duty for STS and changes in PTS in 2026

From January 1, 2026, the following tariffs for state duties established Tax Code of the Russian Federation (Article 333.33):

  • 📄 Issuance of STS (including duplicate): 800 rubles (560 rubles when paying via Public services with a 30% discount).
  • 🔄 Making changes to the PTS (change of owner, address, technical data): 350 rubles (245 rubles with discount).
  • 🆕 Issuance of a new PTS (in case of loss, damage or lack of space for records): 800 rubles (560 rubles with discount).
  • 🔍 Checking the car for restrictions (on request): 500 rubles (discount does not apply).

Important: if you simultaneously submit documents for vehicle registration and making changes to the PTS, state fees are summed up. For example, when buying a used car you will have to pay 800 + 350 = 1150 rubles (or 795 rubles with a discount).

Service Cost (RUB) Price with 30% discount* Discount validity period
Issuance of STS (primary/duplicate) 800 560 Until 12/31/2026
Making changes to the PTS 350 245 Until 12/31/2026
Issuance of a new PTS 800 560 Until 12/31/2026
License plates (metal) 2000 1400 Until 12/31/2026
⚠️ Attention: The 30% discount is valid only for non-cash payment via Public services before submitting documents to the traffic police. If you pay the fee at a terminal on site or through a bank, the discount does not apply.

In some regions (for example, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Republic of Tatarstan) Additional fees may apply. accelerated registration (up to 1000 rubles). Check current rates on the official website traffic police or through Public services.

📊 How do you usually pay state fees?
Through State Services at a discount
At the traffic police terminal
Through bank without discount
I don't know how to do this

2. When is payment of state duty for STS required?

Vehicle Registration Certificate (CTC) issued or replaced in the following cases:

  • 🚗 Initial registration new or used car.
  • 🔄 Change of owner (purchase/sale, donation, inheritance).
  • 📝 Changing registration details (full name, address of owner).
  • 🚨 Loss or damage old STS.
  • 🔧 Change in vehicle design (tuning, engine replacement).

If you buy a car second-hand, the previous owner must deregister him (or you will do it yourself when re-registering). In this case you will have to pay 800 rubles for a new STS + 350 rubles for making changes to the PTS.

Exception: if the car has already been deregistered by the previous owner, you only need register it — in this case, the state duty for the vehicle registration certificate remains the same (800 rubles), but there is no need to pay for changes in the vehicle registration certificate (if the data in it is current).

What happens if you drive without STS?

Driving without a registration certificate is equivalent to driving an unregistered vehicle (Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). The fine is 500–800 rubles at the first stop. If the inspector discovers that the car has not been registered within the prescribed period (10 days after purchase), the fine will increase to 1500–2000 rubles. In extreme cases they may rent rooms or prohibit exploitation until the violation is eliminated.

3. Making changes to the PTS: when do you need to pay?

Vehicle Passport (PVC) is the main document of the car, which records all the key data: from technical characteristics to the history of owners. The state fee for making changes is charged in the following cases:

  • 🔑 Change of owner (purchase and sale, donation, inheritance).
  • 🏠 Change of owner's registered address (if this affects the data in the PTS).
  • 🔧 Changes in technical specifications (replacement of engine, body, color).
  • 📛 Replacing state numbers (optional or at the request of the traffic police).

If in PTS space for records has run out (for example, with frequent changes of owners), instead of making changes you will need issuance of a new PTS - it will cost 800 rubles instead of 350.

Example: you bought 2018 Toyota Camry with mileage, and in its PTS 5 previous owners have already been recorded. If you become the sixth, the inspector may require the issuance of a new document, since there is no more space for recording.

Owner's passport|Purchase and sale agreement (or other document confirming the basis for changes)|STS (if any)|Receipt for payment of state duty|Application for amendments (filled out on the spot)

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⚠️ Attention: If you change engine or body, you will need not only to make changes to the PTS, but also to go through examination by the traffic police (cost from 1500 rubles). Without this, registration of changes will be impossible.

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

There are several ways to pay the state fee. The most profitable is through Public services, since it gives a 30% discount. Let's consider all the options:

Method 1: Through State Services (30% discount)

  1. Login to Public services (verified account required).
  2. Go to section Transport and driving → Vehicle registration.
  3. Select the desired service (for example, “Receive STS”).
  4. Fill in the car and owner details.
  5. On the payment page, select the method (bank card, SBP, Qiwi etc.).
  6. Pay and save the receipt (it will be sent by mail).

Method 2: In the traffic police terminal

Most traffic police departments have terminals Sberbank or VTB. Instructions:

  1. Enter the menu “Public Services → Traffic Police”.
  2. Select the required service (for example, “Making changes to PTS”).
  3. Enter vehicle details (VIN, license plate number).
  4. Pay by cash or card.
  5. Print out the receipt (it will be required when submitting documents).

Method 3: Through a bank (no discount)

You can pay via cash register or online banking (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff etc.). To do this:

  1. Check the details of the traffic police in your region (can be found on the website GIBDD.RF).
  2. In the payment order please indicate:
    • Recipient: UFK for [your region] (Inspectorate of the Federal Tax Service of Russia for [city])
    • KBK: 18811601011011000110 (for STS) or 18811601011012000110 (for PTS)
    • OKTMO: check for your region
  • Save the payment order or check.
    • 💡

    If you pay through a bank, be sure to indicate in the purpose of payment: “State duty for [name of service] for [make and license plate of car].” This will speed up the processing of documents at the traffic police.

    5. Benefits and cases of state duty refund

    In some cases, the state duty may be reduced or returned. Let's look at the main options:

    Who is eligible for benefits?

    • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Large families (3 or more children) - 50% discount on vehicle registration.
    • 🦽 Disabled people of groups 1 and 2 — exemption from payment when registering a car equipped for driving by a disabled person.
    • 🎖️ Veterans of the Great Patriotic War and military operations — complete exemption from state duty.
    • 🚜 Farmers and agricultural producers — benefits when registering special equipment.

    To receive the benefit, you must provide the traffic police with documents confirming your right (ID card of a disabled person, veteran, etc.).

    When can I return the state duty?

    The state duty is refundable in the following cases:

    • 🔙 Refusal of registration due to the fault of the traffic police (for example, due to a technical error).
    • 💸 Double payment (if you accidentally paid twice).
    • 🚫 Cancellation of service before it is provided (for example, if you change your mind about registering a car).

    To return, you need to write an application to the traffic police and provide:

    • Passport.
    • Payment receipt.
    • Account details for return.
    ⚠️ Attention: Refund of the state duty takes up to 30 days. If the money has not been received, contact the tax office with a complaint.
    💡

    Benefits cannot be combined with the 30% discount on State Services. For example, a large family can choose either a 50% discount or a 30% discount, but not both at the same time.

    6. Common mistakes when paying and how to avoid them

    Errors in paying state fees are one of the main reasons for refusal of registration. Let's look at the most common ones:

    • 💳 Incorrect KBK — if you enter the wrong code, the money will “get stuck” in the tax office. Check the current KBK on the website Nalog.ru.
    • 📝 Typos in car data — if the receipt contains an incorrect VIN or license plate number, the inspector will not accept the payment.
    • ⏳ Expired receipt - payment is valid 1 year. If you paid the fee but did not have time to submit the documents, you will have to pay again.
    • 🔄 Payment without discount — many people forget that the 30% discount is valid only when paying through Public services before submitting documents.

    Case Study: Owner Kia Rio I paid the state duty for STS through the terminal at the traffic police, but forgot to print out the receipt. When submitting the documents, the inspector could not find the payment in the database, and he had to pay again. Always keep your receipt!

    To avoid problems:

    1. Check the details on the website GIBDD.RF or Nalog.ru.
    2. Check the vehicle data (VIN, license plate number) with the documents.
    3. Pay 1-2 days before your visit to the traffic police - this way the payment will definitely go through.
    4. If you pay through a bank, take a receipt from bank seal.

    7. Difficult cases: loan, errors in documents, loss of title

    Some situations require a special approach. Let's look at the three most problematic scenarios:

    Case 1: Buying a car on credit

    If the car is purchased on credit, PTS two owners will be indicated: you and the bank (mortgagee). In this case:

    • State duty for STS paid in the usual manner (800 rubles).
    • Making changes to PTS (350 rubles) requires bank consent (a certificate of permission to register is required).
    • If the bank does not agree, the registration will be suspended.

    Case 2: Error in PTS or STS

    If an error is found in the documents (for example, incorrect VIN or engine power), you need to:

    1. Contact the traffic police with a request to correct the error.
    2. Provide documents confirming correct data (for example, registration certificate or purchase and sale agreement).
    3. Pay the state fee for issuance of a new document (800 rubles for PTS or STS).

    Important: if the mistake was made due to the fault of the traffic police, no state duty will be charged!

    Case 3: Loss of PTS

    If lost PTS you will need:

    1. Write an application to the traffic police to issue a duplicate.
    2. Pay the state fee 800 rubles.
    3. Provide:
      • Passport.
      • STS (if any).
      • Sales contract or other document for the car.
  • Pass a theft check (if the car is older than 3 years).
    • ⚠️ Attention: If lost STS, and not PTS, the state duty for a duplicate will be the same 800 rubles. But in this case, a theft check is not required.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the state duty for STS and PTS

    Is it possible to pay the state fee for another person?

    Yes, but the receipt must indicate the details of the person to whom the service is issued (full name, car details). The main thing is to save the receipt, as you will need to present it to the traffic police.

    What should I do if I paid the state fee, but did not have time to submit the documents?

    Paid state duty is valid 1 year. If the period has expired, you will have to pay again. If the deadline is still valid, but you change your mind about registering the car, you can return the money (see the “Benefits and Refunds” section).

    Do I need to pay state duty when selling a car?

    No, the seller only pays for deregistration (if he does it himself) - 350 rubles. Buyer pays registration (800 + 350 rubles).

    Is it possible to pay the state fee through Sberbank Online?

    Yes, but the 30% discount is only valid when paying via Public services. In Sberbank Online, you need to manually enter your traffic police details (KBK, OKTMO).

    What to do if there is no space in the PTS for a new entry?

    In this case you will need issuance of a new PTS (800 rubles). The old document will be canceled and all data will be transferred to the new one.