Transferring license plates from one car to another is a procedure that often raises questions among car owners. Especially if we are talking about a situation where both cars belong to the same person. In 2026, the rules remain relevant, but many nuances remain unknown to most drivers.
In this article we will look in detail at how to legally and without unnecessary hassle transfer license plates from one vehicle to another if you are the sole owner of both cars. You will learn about the necessary documents, deadlines, cost of the procedure, as well as pitfalls that may arise in the traffic police or when registering online through Public services.
It is important to understand that you cannot simply “transfer” numbers - this is a full-fledged administrative procedure with clear requirements. We will tell you which cases allow you to keep old numbers, and when you have to get new ones. You will also find up-to-date tips to speed up the process and avoid common mistakes.
In what cases can you re-register license plates for another car?
The legislation of the Russian Federation allows the preservation of state registration plates when changing a car, but only if a number of conditions are met. The main requirement is both vehicles must belong to the same individual or legal entity. This rule is enshrined in Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 605 from 2020.
Let's consider the main scenarios when re-registration of numbers is possible:
- 🔄 Buying a new car instead of the old one (provided that you are selling or recycling the old car)
- 🚗 Replacing a car with a similar model (for example, with Toyota Camry 2018 on Toyota Camry 2023)
- 🔧 Repair or restoration after an accidentwhen a car receives a new body or frame
- 📉 Deregistration of an old car with subsequent transfer of numbers to a new one
Important: if you just want to change the numbers between two of your cars without deregistering one of them, this impossible under current law. In this case, you will have to issue new registration plates for one of the cars.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to sell your old car and keep the plates, the new owner will not be able to use the same plates - they will be tied to your new car. This rule has been in effect since 2019.
What documents will be required for renewal?
To successfully transfer state numbers, you will need a standard package of documents, but with some features. The main difference from regular registration is the need to confirm ownership of both vehicles.
List of required documents:
- 📄 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (original and photocopy of the main page + registration)
- 📋 PTS for both cars (originals, without corrections)
- 📑 Certificates of registration (STS) for both vehicles
- 💰 Receipt for payment of state duty (see next section for size)
- 📝 Application for preservation of registration plates (a sample will be issued to the traffic police)
- 🔑 Sales and purchase agreement for a new car (if applicable)
- 🚘 Inspection coupon for a new vehicle (if required)
Additionally you may need:
- 🔧 Power of attorney, if the procedure is not carried out by the owner
- 📊 Certificate of deregistration old car (if applicable)
- 🔍 Conclusion of forensic examination (in rare cases, if forgery of documents is suspected)
☑️ Documents for re-registration of numbers
Pay special attention to the PTS: if there is little space left for new entries, the document may need to be replaced. This is an additional procedure that will take extra time and require payment of a separate state fee.
How much does it cost to reissue license plates in 2026?
The cost of the procedure consists of several state fees. The following tariffs apply for 2026:
| Service type | Cost (RUB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saving registration plates | 2 000 | Paid when transferring numbers to a new vehicle |
| Issuance of a new STS | 500 | Required for any registration |
| Making changes to the PTS | 350 | If a new owner record is required |
| Deregistration of an old car | 350 | If the car is scrapped or sold |
| Discount when paying through State Services | 30% | Valid for non-cash payments |
Thus, the minimum cost of the procedure when paying through Public services will be about 1,900 rubles (including discount). Without a discount, the amount will increase to 2,850 rubles. If you need to replace the PTS, add more 800 rubles.
Please note: if you simultaneously deregister an old car and register a new one while keeping the license plates, the total cost can reach 3,500 rubles. The traffic police will calculate the exact amount for you after checking your documents.
Before paying the state duty, check the details on the official website of the traffic police in your region - they may differ in different regions of the Russian Federation.
Step-by-step instructions: how to re-register license plates through the traffic police
The re-registration process can be divided into several stages. Let's consider the classic option through the traffic police department:
Step 1. Preparing documents
Collect all necessary papers (see section above). Pay special attention to the PTS - it should have free lines for new entries. If there is no space, arrange a duplicate in advance.
Step 2. Make an appointment
You can register:
- 🌐 Through the portal Public services (recommended method)
- 📞 By calling the local traffic police department
- 🏛 In person at the registration window (longest option)
Step 3. Submission of documents
At the appointed time, arrive at the traffic police department with a full package of documents. You need:
- Get an electronic queue coupon (if you have a terminal)
- Submit documents to inspector for verification
- Sign an application to preserve registration plates
- Pay the state fee (if you haven’t done so in advance)
Step 4. Vehicle inspection
A new vehicle must be inspected at the traffic police site. The inspector checks:
- 🔢 Correspondence of VIN number and unit numbers to documents
- 🔍 No unauthorized changes to the design
- 💡 Performance of basic systems (light, signals)
Step 5. Receiving documents
After successful verification you will be given:
- 📄 New STS for a car
- 📋 PTS with a new entry
- 🔑 Old license plates (if they were in good condition)
The whole process at the traffic police takes from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the workload of the department. If you registered via Public services, waiting time is reduced by 30-50%.
How to re-register numbers through State Services: step-by-step algorithm
Online application submission via the portal Public services greatly simplifies the procedure. Here are the detailed instructions:
Step 1. Authorization on the portal
Login to the site Public services under your account. Make sure your profile is verified (there is a checkmark next to your full name).
Step 2. Search for a service
In the search bar, enter "registration of a vehicle with storage of license plates"or follow the path:
Services → Transport and driving → Vehicle registration → Changing registration data
Step 3. Filling out the application
Please indicate in the form:
- 📌 Passport details
- 🚗 Information about the old and new car
- 🔢 Registration plate numbers you want to save
- 📍 Address of the traffic police department for visiting
Step 4. Payment of state duty
The system will automatically calculate the amount taking into account the 30% discount. You can pay:
- 💳 By bank card
- 🏦 Via Sberbank Online
- 📱 Mobile payment
Step 5. Choosing a time to visit
After payment, select a convenient date and time for your visit to the traffic police. The system will show available slots for the next 2 weeks.
Step 6. Visit the traffic police
Arrive at the appointed time with original documents. The whole procedure will take no more than 30 minutes, since your application will already be in the system.
Payment of the state duty through State Services gives a 30% discount and guarantees priority service at the traffic police.
Important: after submitting an electronic application, you have 30 daysto visit the traffic police department. If you do not have time, the application will be canceled and the procedure will have to start again.
Re-registration deadlines and possible delays
The standard procedure times are:
- 📅 1 day - upon a personal visit to the traffic police with a full package of documents
- 📅 3-5 days - if additional verification of documents is required
- 📅 Up to 30 days — when submitted through State Services (validity period of the electronic application)
However, in practice, the time frame may increase for the following reasons:
| Reason for delay | Max. deadline | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of available seats in PTS | +7 days | Prepare a duplicate in advance |
| Discrepancies between PTS and STS data | +14 days | Check documents before your visit |
| Unpaid traffic fines | Until elimination | Check on the traffic police website |
| Suspicion of forgery of documents | +30 days | Use only originals |
If you are denied re-registration without explanation, request a written refusal indicating specific violations. This right is enshrined in Administrative Regulations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 950.
⚠️ Attention: If you are selling an old car while keeping the license plates, the new owner must deregister the car within 10 days. Otherwise, you may be fined for late deregistration.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with the apparent simplicity of the procedure, many car owners make mistakes that lead to refusal or delays. Let's look at the most common ones:
Error 1. Late payment of fines
If you have unpaid traffic fines, the inspector has the right to refuse re-issuance. Check your debt on the website traffic police or through Public services in advance.
Error 2. Using damaged numbers
If the old license plates have:
- 🔨 Cracks or chips
- 🎨 Changed color or font
- 🔥 Traces of counterfeiting or repainting
they will not be accepted for transfer. In this case, you will have to order new signs.
Error 3. Data inconsistency in documents
A common problem is discrepancies in:
- 📝 Full name of the owner (for example, after changing the last name)
- 📍 Registration address
- 🚗 Vehicle specifications
All documents must be current at the time of application.
Error 4. Missing the validity period of the electronic application
When applying via Public services you have exactly 30 days to visit the traffic police. If you do not have time, the application will be canceled and the state fee will have to be paid again.
Error 5. Attempting to port numbers between different subjects of the Russian Federation
If the old and new cars are registered in different regions, difficulties may arise. In this case, it is better to clarify the possibility of the procedure in advance at the local traffic police department.
What to do if your re-registration is denied?
If you are refused without explanation, request a written refusal indicating specific violations (this is your right according to Administrative Regulations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 950). With this document you can:
1. Contact a higher traffic police department
2. Write a complaint through the State Services portal
3. Go to court (as a last resort)
In most cases, a refusal can be appealed if you are confident that your actions were correct.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Can I transfer license plates from an old car to a new one if both belong to me but are registered in different regions?
Yes, it is possible, but the procedure may take longer. You will need to submit documents to the traffic police at the place where the new car is registered. In some cases, you may need to first deregister your old car in your region.
We advise you to clarify the details in advance with your local traffic police department, as regional rules may differ.
How long is an electronic application through State Services valid?
The electronic application works smoothly 30 calendar days from the moment of submission. If you do not visit the traffic police within this period, the application will be canceled and the procedure will have to start again, including re-payment of the state fee.
Please note: the countdown begins from the moment of payment, and not from the date of the appointment.
Is it possible to keep the license plates if the old car has not yet been sold?
No, that's impossible. To transfer registration plates, the old vehicle must either be sold (deregistered by the previous owner) or scrapped. Otherwise, the numbers will remain tied to the old car.
The exception is when you temporarily deregister a car for repair or restoration, but this also has its own nuances.
What to do if there is no space in the PTS for new entries?
If your PTS runs out of free lines, you need to issue a duplicate document. This can be done:
- At any traffic police department (state duty 800 rubles)
- Through the State Services portal (with a 30% discount)
Without free space in the PTS, you will not be allowed to re-register your license plates.
Is it possible to transfer license plates from a car to a motorcycle or other vehicle?
No, registration plates can only be transferred between vehicles one category. That is:
- 🚗 Passenger cars (category B) → passenger cars (category B)
- 🚛 Trucks (category C) → trucks (category C)
Transferring license plates from a car to a motorcycle, trailer or other vehicle of a different category prohibited by current legislation.