Introduction: why and when to transfer numbers
Transferring license plates from one vehicle to another is a process that can save time and money, especially if your plates have special meaning or you have an emotional attachment to them. In 2026, the rules for transferring license plates in Russia remain relevant, but there are important nuances that should be taken into account before starting the process.
The most common reasons for transferring license plates are: buying a new car, selling an old one while keeping the license plates, inheriting a car or donating it as a gift. It is important to understand that the procedure is regulated By Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 605 and requires compliance with strict rules. For example, you cannot transfer license plates to a car of a different category (from a passenger car to a truck) or with an expired registration.
In this article we will analyze the entire process step by step: from preparing documents to receiving new STS and PTS. You will also learn about the cost of the procedure, completion times and typical mistakes that can lead to a refusal by the traffic police.
What documents are needed to port numbers?
To successfully transfer license plates to another car, you will need a standard package of documents. Without it, you shouldn’t even contact the traffic police - they simply won’t accept you. Here's the full list:
- 📄 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (original + copy). If you are acting through a representative, you will need a notarized power of attorney.
- 🚗 PTS (vehicle passport) for a new car. It must be issued in your name or in the name of the person who agrees to port the numbers.
- 📋 STS (registration certificate) an old car from which the license plates are removed. If the STS is lost, you will have to restore it first.
- 💰 Receipt for payment of state duty. In 2026, the fee for number porting is 2,000 rubles (for issuing new STS and making changes to PTS).
- 📝 Application for deregistration/registration. It can be filled out directly at the traffic police department or through the portal Public services.
If the car was purchased under a sales contract, the original of this contract will also be required. For legal entities, the list of documents expands: you need to provide an extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities, a power of attorney for the representative (if the procedure is not carried out by the manager) and the seal of the organization.
Particular attention should be paid OSAGO insurance policy. If you transfer plates to a new car, the policy must be reissued or a new one taken out. Without valid insurance, the traffic police will refuse registration actions.
⚠️ Attention: If transit numbers were installed on your old car, they cannot be transferred permanently. First you need to get permanent signs, and only then deal with their transfer.
Step-by-step instructions: how to transfer numbers through the traffic police
The number porting process can be divided into several key steps. If you do everything correctly, the procedure will take no more than 1–2 hours. Let's look at each step in detail.
1. Preparing the car for inspection
Before visiting the traffic police, make sure that the new car meets all registration requirements:
- 🔧 It must be installed license plates (even if they are temporary or transit).
- 🚨 The car must not have malfunctionsthat prohibit operation (for example, non-working headlights or chips on the windshield).
- 🔑 The salon must have first aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle.
2. Make an appointment with the traffic police
Starting from 2026, you can sign up for number porting in several ways:
- 💻 Through the portal Public services (the fastest and most convenient option).
- 📞 By calling the single contact center of the traffic police.
- 🏛 In person at the traffic police department (may take longer due to queues).
When recording via Public services you will get a discount 30% to pay the state fee. You can also fill out an application in advance on the portal, which will save time at the department.
3. Inspection and submission of documents
On the appointed day you need:
- Arrive at the traffic police station in a new car (with license plates).
- Pass vehicle inspection on a special site.
- Submit the package of documents to the reception window.
- Pay the state fee (if you have not done so in advance).
After checking the documents, the inspector will issue you a new STS and make changes to the PTS. Old license plates will be deregistered from the old vehicle and attached to the new one.
Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation
PTS for a new car
STS old car
Receipt for payment of state duty
Sales and Purchase Agreement (if applicable)
OSAGO insurance policy
First aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle -->
How much does it cost to port numbers in 2026?
The cost of transferring license plates to another car consists of several mandatory payments. The table below shows the current price list for 2026:
| Service | Cost (RUB) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| State duty for issuing a new STS | 500 | 30% discount when paying via Public services |
| State duty for making changes to the PTS | 350 | Paid once for any changes |
| State duty for storing license plates | 2 000 | Basic payment for number porting |
| Making a duplicate of the STS (if lost) | 800 | Additional service if required |
| Re-registration of OSAGO | From 1,500 to 5,000 | Depends on insurance company rates |
In total, the minimum cost of number porting in 2026 will be 2,850 rubles (including discount on Public services). If you need to renew your insurance or restore lost documents, the amount may increase to 5,000–7,000 rubles.
Important: if you are transferring license plates to a car purchased on credit, the bank may require additional guarantees or make changes to the loan agreement. Check this point in advance to avoid problems.
⚠️ Attention: Some private companies offer “assistance” in porting numbers for an additional fee (from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles). In most cases, this is a scam - you can go through the entire procedure yourself without intermediaries.
Yes, everything went quickly
Yes, but there were difficulties
No, but I plan to
No and I don’t plan to-->
Is it possible to transfer license plates to another owner's car?
One of the most frequently asked questions is: is it possible to save license plates when selling a car and transfer them to the new owner’s car? Answer - no, if we are talking about a standard procedure. Numbers are linked to to a specific owner, and not to the car. Therefore, when selling a car, the old license plates are automatically deregistered and the buyer receives new ones.
However, there are two legal ways to get around this limitation:
- Donating a car while keeping the license plates. If you are giving a car to a close relative (for example, a spouse or child), you can leave the license plates. To do this, the donation agreement must indicate a condition regarding the preservation of license plates.
- Re-registration of the car to the same owner. If the car is sold to a legal entity that you manage, or is registered in your name by power of attorney, the license plates can be transferred.
In all other cases, when changing the owner of the car, the license plates will have to be surrendered. An exception is if the new owner is ready to undergo the procedure of transferring numbers to his name, but this requires additional documents and approvals.
What happens if you don’t remove the license plates from your old car?
If you transfer the plates to a new car, but do not remove them from the old one, this will lead to problems with registration. The traffic police database will contain information that license plates are attached to two cars at the same time. In this case, the inspector may issue a fine for registration data mismatch (Part 1 of Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - warning or fine of 500 rubles). To avoid this, be sure to apply to remove the license plates from your old car on the same day you apply for them on the new one.
Number porting times: how long does it take?
Under ideal conditions, the number porting procedure takes from 1 to 3 hours. However, in practice, deadlines may increase due to queues, incomplete documents or technical problems. Let's take a closer look:
- ⏳ Make an appointment: from 1 day to 1 week (depending on the traffic police workload). Via Public services You can choose a convenient time without queuing.
- ⏱ Vehicle inspection: 15–30 minutes. The inspector checks the VIN number, body numbers and compliance of documents.
- 📝 Preparation of documents: 30–60 minutes. Includes document verification, payment of fees and issuance of a new STS.
- 🔄 Removing license plates from an old car: occurs automatically in the traffic police database, but sometimes requires a separate application.
If you contact the traffic police on Friday or before the holidays, the process may be delayed due to the large number of visitors. Delays are also possible if:
- In PTS or STS there is errors or inconsistencies (for example, the VIN number does not match).
- The car has unresolved restrictions (arrest, ban on registration actions).
- You did not provide valid MTPL policy.
The maximum period for porting numbers by law is 5 working days. If the procedure takes longer, you have the right to demand a written explanation from the traffic police management.
To speed up the process, make an appointment with the traffic police in the morning (from 9:00 to 11:00). At this time, the queues are usually smaller, and the inspectors are not yet tired of the flow of visitors.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with careful preparation, many car owners make mistakes that lead to a refusal to transfer license plates. Here are the most common of them:
- Inconsistency of data in documents. For example, one VIN number is indicated on the vehicle title, and another is indicated on the body. This may be the result of an error during registration or a number interruption (which is illegal).
- Expired MTPL policy. If the insurance has expired or is not valid for a new car, the traffic police will refuse registration.
- No license plates on the car. Even if you are transferring license plates, the vehicle must be installed during inspection. any signs (at least transit).
- Unpaid fines. If you have unpaid traffic fines, the inspector may refuse to transfer your license plates until they are paid.
- An attempt to transfer license plates to a car of a different category. For example, from a car to a motorcycle or vice versa.
To avoid problems, check in advance:
- 🔍 VIN number matching in the PTS and on the body.
- 📅 Validity period of OSAGO (must cover new car).
- 💳 No fines (check on the website Public services or through the service Traffic police fines).
- 📋 Correctness of filling out the application (especially full name, address and vehicle details).
If you doubt the correctness of the documents, you can contact the traffic police in advance for advice or use the services of a car lawyer (consultation costs from 1,000 rubles).
The most common reason for refusal to transfer license plates is a discrepancy between the VIN number in the documents and on the car. Always double-check this information before visiting the traffic police.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about number porting
Is it possible to transfer license plates to a car purchased in another region?
Yes, the regional affiliation of the car does not affect the ability to transfer license plates. The main thing is that the new car is registered in your name and meets all the requirements for registration. Number plates can be transferred even if the region code on them does not match the region code of registration of the new car (for example, plates with a code 77 for a car registered in the region with the code 50).
Do I need to remove the plates from my old car before transferring it?
No, you do not need to rent rooms in advance. The transfer procedure involves automatically removing them from the old car and attaching them to the new one. However, if the old car remains with the previous owner, it must receive new license plates or transit plates.
Is it possible to transfer license plates to a car that has not yet been registered?
No, transfer of license plates is only possible for a car that has already gone through the registration procedure (even with transit plates). If the car is completely new and has never been registered, you first need to obtain temporary plates, and only then deal with the transfer of permanent plates.
What to do if the traffic police refused to transfer license plates?
If you are refused, request a written justification indicating the reason. Most often, the refusal is due to the documents or vehicle not meeting the requirements. Correct any errors and resubmit your documents. If the refusal is unfounded, you can appeal it through the traffic police or the court.
Is it possible to transfer license plates to a car that is pledged to the bank?
Yes, but this will require the written consent of the bank. Typically, lenders do not object to the transfer of plates if the car remains collateral. However, some banks may require additional guarantees or make changes to the loan agreement.