The state registration number of the vehicle (GRN, also known as the state number) is a unique identifier of the vehicle, which is assigned when registering with the traffic police. Without it, it is impossible to issue an MTPL policy, sell a car or undergo a technical inspection. But what to do if the number is lost, erased from the plate, or you urgently need to find it out to check the car?
In this article we will look at all legal ways, how to find the license plate number of a vehicle - from checking documents to online services. You will learn where to look for the license plate number on the car itself, what papers contain this information, and how to check the relevance of the data through official databases. Also, what to do if the number does not match the documents or is not there at all.
Important: the information is relevant for 2026 and takes into account the latest changes in traffic police regulations. If you are looking for a number for buying a used car or paperwork, carefully check all sources - discrepancies may indicate problems with the machine.
1. Where to look for the license plate number on the car itself
The most obvious way is to look at the number directly on the car. But even here there are nuances that many are not aware of.
The main places where the registration number is duplicated:
- 🚗 Front and rear number plates - standard place. But if they are damaged or missing, look for backup options.
- 🔧 Car body — on most models, the number is stamped on non-separable elements (usually on the front pillar or under the hood). For example, on VAZ - this is the left body pillar, on Toyota — engine compartment plate.
- 🔑 Spare wheel or trunk — some manufacturers duplicate the number on the spare tire niche (usually on premium foreign cars).
- 📄 VIN code — do not confuse it with the license plate number!
VIN(vehicle identification number) contains a unique combination, but it not a registration plate. However, according toVINYou can restore the license plate through the traffic police.
⚠️ Attention: If the number on the body is painted over, erased or unreadable, this may be a sign interruptions (illegal number change). It is better to check such a car through official traffic police service before purchasing.
If the number on the plate is difficult to see due to dirt or scratches, wipe it with a damp cloth and soapy water. For stubborn stains, use WD-40 — it removes even old road chemicals.
2. Documents showing the vehicle’s license plate number
If a physical inspection of the car is not possible (for example, the car is parked or in another city), check the documents. The registration number is indicated in 5 main papers:
| Document | Where to look for the number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Registration Certificate (CTC) | Field "Registration plate" (usually top right) |
Valid only if you have a traffic police stamp. If the STS is laminated, check the authenticity. |
| Vehicle Passport (PVC) | Section "Registration Information» (page with traffic police marks) |
If there are several entries in the PTS, the current number is in the last line. |
| OSAGO policy | Field "Vehicle registration plate" (usually on the first page) |
The number must match the STS. Discrepancies are a reason to check the car for theft. |
| Sales and purchase agreement (PSA) | In the description of the car (section “Subject of the contract”) | If the number in the DCT and STS is different, the transaction may be declared invalid. |
| Diagnostic card (technical inspection) | At the top of the document next to VIN |
Relevant only if the technical inspection took place in the current year. |
🔍 Important point: If you are buying a car, always check the number STS and PTS. If the vehicle title contains records of previous license plates (for example, after theft or disposal), request the history via Autocode.
3. How to find out the license plate number by VIN or owner data
If you have VIN-car code or owner data (full name, passport), you can restore the registration number through official and commercial services.
Method 1. Through the traffic police website (free)
- Go to car check service.
- Enter
VIN, body or chassis number. - The system will show the current registration number (if the car is in the database).
Method 2. Through State Services (authorization required)
- 📱 Go to the application or website State services.
- In the section "
Transport and driving» select «Vehicle check». - Enter
VINor license plate number (if partially known). - The system will show the registration history, including the current number.
Method 3. Commercial services (paid reports)
If free methods do not help, use paid databases:
- 🔎 Autocode — shows license plate history, mileage, accidents.
- 📊 Vinformer — provides data from the traffic police, customs and insurance companies.
- 🚨 Carfax — relevant for foreign cars (checking against American and European databases).
What to do if VIN is not readable?
If VIN erased or damaged, it can be restored through examination in an accredited laboratory. It costs ~3–5 thousand rubles, but without the correct VIN It is impossible to register the car.
⚠️ Attention: If, when checking by VIN the system displays the message “No data available"or the number does not match the documents, this may mean:
- car not registered at the traffic police (for example, after customs clearance).
- Number interrupted (crime story).
- Error in the database (rarely, but it happens).
4. Checking the license plate through online services (by owner’s last name)
Find out the license plate number according to the owner (full name, passport) impossible legally - this violates Federal Law-152 “On Personal Data”. However there is 3 legal ways, how to find the number if you are the owner or have a notarized power of attorney:
1. Through your personal account on State Services
If the car is registered to you:
- Login to Public services.
- Go to the section "
My vehicles». - Select the desired car - the system will show the current license plate number.
2. Through the MFC or traffic police
If you have lost access to documents, please contact:
- 🏛️ MFC — provide a passport and an application for the issuance of a duplicate STS.
- 🚔 traffic police — if the car is yours, you can request an extract from the registry.
3. Through an insurance company
If you have an MTPL or CASCO policy, the policyholder can provide data upon request (a passport and a contract are required).
No legal service will issue a license plate based on the last name of the previous owner. If you are offered to “find a number by full name” for money, this is fraud or access to stolen databases.
5. What to do if the license plate number does not match the documents
Discrepancies between the number on the car and in the papers - a serious signal of possible problems. Here is the algorithm of actions:
Step 1: Check the vehicle's history
- 🔍 Order a report at traffic police website or through Autocode.
- 📅 Check if the number was changed after an accident, theft or disposal.
Step 2. Check the data with the PTS
- If the PTS contains the entry “
Disposal fee paid“, but the car is driving - this is suspicious. - If the last stamp on the PTS is older than 3 years, the number may have been changed illegally.
Step 3. Contact the traffic police
If you are the owner:
- Write a statement about the discrepancy in data.
- Give the car for inspection (they will check for damage).
- If the number has been changed illegally, you will be given a new one.
⚠️ Attention: If you buy a car with a discrepancy in the number, refuse the deal. Even if the seller assures that “everything is formalized,” such cars often turn out to be wanted or with a criminal record.
☑️ Checking the car before purchasing
6. Is it possible to drive without a license plate or with an unreadable license plate?
The absence or unreadability of a license plate is administrative violation according to Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Fines in 2026:
| Violation | Fine (rub.) | Additional measures |
|---|---|---|
| Missing numbers (intentional withdrawal) | 5,000 or deprivation of rights for 1–3 months | Evacuation to impound lot |
| Numbers are dirty or unreadable | 500 (warning or fine) | Requirement to eliminate the violation on the spot |
| The numbers are not set according to GOST (for example, a non-standard font) | 5 000 | Confiscation of numbers |
| Using fake numbers | Up to 80,000 or deprivation of rights for 6–12 months | Criminal liability (Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) |
🚨 Exceptions: Without license plates you can only travel to 3 cases:
- On a new car (up to 10 days from the date of purchase, if you have transit license plates).
- When moving a car on a tow truck.
- If the license plates are stolen (you need a statement to the police and a temporary sign from the traffic police).
If the number is erased or damaged, it definitely needs to be replaced. To do this:
- Contact the traffic police with your passport and STS.
- Write an application for a duplicate.
- Pay the state fee (RUB 2,000 for a pair of rooms in 2026).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about license plates
Is it possible to find out the license plate number by the engine number?
No, the engine number is not directly linked to the license plate number. But you can find it VIN (through the manufacturer’s database), and then the registration plate through the traffic police.
What to do if you bought a car without license plates?
Urgently contact the traffic police with a purchase and sale agreement. You will be given new license plates, but the car will be checked for theft. If the previous owner did not deregister it, you face a fine for late registration (up to 2,000 rubles).
Can the license plate number change after the car is sold?
Yes, if the new owner re-registered the car in another region or changed the plates on his own initiative. Old numbers are canceled and new ones are linked to VIN.
How to check if a car is wanted by its license plate number?
Enter the number on the website traffic police or through the service Autocode. If the car is wanted, the system will show the status “Wanted" or "Restrictions on registration actions».
Is it possible to duplicate a license plate through State Services?
No, a duplicate is issued only by the traffic police during a personal visit. But through State Services you can make an appointment and pay the state fee with a 30% discount.