Transferring state registration plates (GRP) from one car to another is a procedure that saves time and money for owners of several cars. In 2026, the rules for number portability underwent changes: documentation for individuals was simplified, but the requirements for legal entities became more stringent. This article will analyze all the stages - from preparing documents to obtaining new STS, taking into account current amendments to the legislation.

Many car owners mistakenly believe that number transfer is only possible when selling an old car or buying a new one. In fact, the procedure is available in other cases: when donating, inheriting, exchanging or even temporarily using a second vehicle. The main thing is to comply with key conditions: both cars must be registered to the same owner (or re-registered to him as part of one transaction), and the license plates must not be wanted or under arrest.

In the material you will find step-by-step instructions for different scenarios (including those involving credit machines), a comparative table of the cost of the service in MREO and through Public services, and also list of documents, which will be required in 2026. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that result in registration being denied, and legal ways to speed up the process.

The transfer of state numbers is regulated By Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399 (as amended in 2023) and is only possible if strict conditions are met. Basic rule: both cars must belong to the same owner at the time of application. An exception is cases when Machines are re-registered as part of one transaction (for example, the sale of an old car and the purchase of a new one on the same day).

Legal grounds for porting numbers:

  • 🔄 Car replacement (sale of old + purchase of new within 10 days).
  • 🎁 Gift or inheritance (if the recipient already owns another car with the same numbers).
  • 🔄 Car exchange between individuals (with simultaneous re-registration).
  • 🚗 Temporary use a second car (for example, a company car or a rented one).
  • 💼 Re-registration as a legal entity (if both vehicles belong to the same organization).

Important: from 2026 It is prohibited to transfer license plates between cars of different categories (for example, from a car to a truck or a motorcycle). It is also impossible to save the numbers when changing the region of registration - in this case you will have to obtain new plates.

⚠️ Attention: If the car is pledged to the bank, the lender's written consent will be required to transfer the license plates. Without this document, the MREO will refuse the service.
📊 Have you already tried transferring numbers between machines?
Yes, everything went smoothly
Yes, there were problems with documents
No, but I plan to
No and I don't plan to

2. What documents are needed to port numbers in 2026

The list of documents depends on the status of the owner (individual or legal entity) and the type of transaction. For individuals, in the standard case you will need:

  • 📄 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (original + copy of the main page and registration).
  • 🚗 PTS for both cars (if new - with a note about the owner).
  • 📝 STS for the car from which the license plates are removed (if any).
  • 💰 Receipt for payment of state duty (see size table below).
  • 📋 Application for saving numbers (to be completed on site or via Public services).

For legal entities you will additionally need:

  • 🏢 Certificate of registration of the organization (OGRN).
  • 👔 Power of attorney for a representative (if the documents are not submitted by the director).
  • 📑 Extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities (not older than 30 days).

If the car was purchased on credit, add:

  • 🏦 Sales and purchase agreement with bank mark (or loan agreement).
  • 📄 Bank's consent to port numbers (in free form, with printing).
Owner type Cost of number porting (RUB) Deadlines (working days)
Individual (through State Services) 1 400 1–3 days
Individual (without registration in MREO) 2 000 3–5 days
Legal entity 2 800 5–7 days
Transfer to credit car 2,000 + 350 (for bank consent) 7–10 days
⚠️ Attention: If you are transferring license plates from a car you are selling, be sure to provide a sales contract with a date no later than 10 days from filing an application. Otherwise, the MREO will regard this as an attempt at fraud.

Owner's passport|PTS for both cars|STS of the old car|Receipt for payment of duty|Application (filled out on the spot)-->

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to transfer numbers through State Services

The fastest and cheapest way is to arrange the transfer through the portal Public services. The process takes 10–15 minutes, and the state duty is 30% cheaper. Follow the algorithm:

Step 1. Log in to the portal

Log in to your personal account at gosuslugi.ru under a verified account. If your account is not verified, go through identification through your bank or MFC.

Step 2: Find a service

Go to section Transport and driving → Vehicle registration → Preservation of registration plates when replacing a vehicle.

Step 3. Fill in the details

Please indicate:

  • 📌 Old car data (VIN, license plate number, STS).
  • 📌 New car data (VIN, PTS).
  • 📌 Payment details (bank card or phone account).

Step 4. Pay the state fee

The amount will be 1,400 rubles (with 30% discount). Save the receipt - you will need to show it to the MREO.

Step 5: Make an appointment

Select a convenient MREO branch and date of visit. On Public services you can see free slots for 2-3 weeks in advance.

Step 6. Visit MREO

On the appointed day, bring the original documents (see section 2) and receive new STS with saved numbers.

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If there are no free slots in the MREO for the coming days, check the schedule at 5–6 am - sometimes canceled appointments appear.

4. Transferring numbers to MREO without recording: nuances and pitfalls

If you don't want to wait for free windows on Public services, you can try to transfer numbers directly to MREO. However, there are several risks here:

Problem 1: Queues

Without an appointment, you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis only. In large cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg) the wait can last 4–6 hours. In the regions - from 1 to 3 hours.

Problem 2: Additional checks

MREO employees often request additional documents when registering without an appointment. For example, they may require:

  • 📄 Certificate of no fines (although it is not required by law).
  • 🚨 Documents on deregistration of an old car (if it is for sale).
  • 🔍 Vehicle inspection report (even if the car is new).

Problem 3: Increased state duty

No discount via Public services Transferring numbers will cost 2,000 rubles (600 rubles more expensive).

How to speed up the process?

If you urgently need to transfer numbers, use these life hacks:

  • 🕒 Come to MREO from 8:00 to 9:00 — at this time the queues are minimal.
  • 📅 Choose Friday - many avoid this day, and the load is lower.
  • 📍 Give preference regional offices (not in the city center).
What to do if the MREO refuses to port numbers?

If you are refused without explanation, request a written refusal with a stamp. Most often failures are associated with:

1) Inconsistency of data in PTS and STS.

2) The presence of unpaid fines (even if they are not yours).

3) Suspicion of fraud (for example, if cars are registered in different regions).

With a written refusal, you can appeal the decision via the website Ministry of Internal Affairs or court.

5. Transfer of numbers to a credit car: features

If a new car is purchased on credit, the procedure becomes more complicated. The bank has the right to veto the transfer of numbers, since the car is pledged. To avoid rejection, follow this algorithm:

Step 1. Get the bank's consent

Write a free-form application asking for permission to port numbers. Attach copies:

  • 📄 Passports.
  • 🚗 PTS of a new car.
  • 📝 Purchase and sale agreements.

The bank will consider the application within 3–5 working days.

Step 2. Pay the bank commission

Many banks charge a fee for processing such a request - usually 300–500 rubles. Check with the manager for details.

Step 3: Prepare additional documents

Add to the standard package:

  • 🏦 Loan agreement (copy).
  • 📄 Bank consent (original with stamp).
  • 🚗 Vehicle inspection report (if the car is used).

Step 4. Submit documents to MREO

When transferring numbers to a credit car presence of a bank representative is required or a notarized power of attorney in your name.

⚠️ Attention: If you do not notify the bank about the number transfer, this may be considered a violation of the loan agreement. In the worst case, the bank has the right to demand early repayment of the loan.

6. Common mistakes when porting numbers and how to avoid them

According to MREO statistics, every fifth request to port numbers is rejected due to errors in documents or violation of the procedure. Here are the most common mistakes:

Error 1: Data mismatch in PTS and STS

If in PTS one owner is listed, and STS - another, the transfer will be denied. Before visiting the MREO, check:

  • 👤 Owner's full name.
  • 📍 Registration address.
  • 🚗 Car make and model.

Error 2: Overdue documents

Make sure that:

  • 📅 Passport not overdue (even by 1 day).
  • 📅 PTS has current marks (without strikethroughs).
  • 📅 OSAGO insurance applies to both vehicles.

Mistake 3: Unpaid fines

Since 2023, the MREO will automatically check for fines using the traffic police database. If there are unpaid sanctions (even for 500 rubles), number porting will be refused. Check the fines in advance on the website traffic police.

Error 4: Trying to transfer license plates to a car in another region

If the old car is registered in Moscow, and the new one in Leningrad region, number transfer is not possible. In this case, you will have to get new signs.

Error 5: Filling out the application incorrectly

The application for number porting is often confused with:

  • 🔢 VIN numbers cars.
  • 📅 Transaction dates (purchases and sales, donations).
  • 📍 Registration addresses (actual and according to passport).
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Before visiting the MREO, be sure to check all documents for compliance with the data in the traffic police. Even a typo in one letter of your full name can cause a refusal.

7. How long does it take to port numbers?

The timing depends on the method of submitting documents and the workload of the MREO. In 2026, the following time frames are relevant:

Feeding method Duration (working days) Notes
Through State Services + visit to MREO 1–3 Fastest option
Without registration in MREO 3–7 Depends on the queue
For legal entities 5–10 Additional verification required
With the participation of the bank (credit car) 7–14 Includes time for bank approval

If you need to speed up the process, you can use the services accredited intermediaries (for example, Autocode or Convenient Public Services). They charge a commission 1,000–1,500 rubles, but they guarantee registration in 1 day.

The time frame may increase if:

  • 🔍 There are inconsistencies regarding the car in the traffic police database.
  • 📄 Additional examination of documents is required.
  • 🚨 The car is wanted or under arrest.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about number porting

Is it possible to transfer license plates from car to car if I haven’t sold the old one yet?

Yes, but only if both cars are registered to you. If you still own the old car, but you do not use it, you can temporarily transfer the license plates to the new car. The main thing is not to deregister your old car until the procedure is completed.

How much does it cost to port numbers in 2026?

The cost depends on the status of the owner:

  • Individual through State Services: 1,400 rub.
  • Individual in MREO: 2,000 rub.
  • Legal entity: 2,800 rub.
  • Credit car: 2,000–2,350 rub. (including bank consent).

You can pay online at Public services or through the terminal at MREO.

Is it possible to transfer license plates from a foreign car to a domestic car?

Yes, if both cars belong to the same category (for example, cars). The main thing is that the numbers match GOST R 50577-2018 (size, font, color). If the old signs are worn or unreadable, they will have to be replaced.

What happens if you do not transfer your license plates within 10 days after purchasing a new car?

If you bought a new car and did not transfer the license plates from the old one within 10 days, you will have to obtain new registration plates. Old license plates will be cancelled, and driving without license plates will result in a fine. 5,000 rubles (Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code).

Is it possible to transfer license plates to a car purchased on lease?

No. A leased car belongs to the leasing company, so it is not possible to transfer license plates. An exception is if the lessor gives written consent and the car is temporarily transferred to you.