Transferring license plates to a new car is a procedure that every car owner faces when changing a car. In 2026, the rules remain the same, but there are nuances that many are not aware of. For example, numbers can only be saved if the old car is not deregistered or not recycled. If you sell your car without deregistration, your rights to the license plates are automatically lost.

In this article we will analyze all stages of the procedure — from preparing documents to receiving new STS. Find out how long the process will take, how much it will cost and what pitfalls may arise. We will pay special attention to situations where Number portability is not possible by law (for example, when changing the vehicle type or owner).

1. In what cases can you transfer license plates to a new car?

According to Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399 (current edition 2026), saving license plates is allowed only if three conditions are met:

  • 📋 Old vehicle not deregistered with the traffic police (even if you sold it, but the new owner has not yet re-registered it).
  • 🚗 New car registered under the same owner (individual or legal entity).
  • 📝 No changes in the vehicle category (for example, with passenger car on cargo numbers cannot be transferred).

If you buy a car from a dealership, the dealer may offer a license plate retention service - but only if old vehicle is still with you. If you have already sold the car and deregistered it, the rights to the license plates are lost irreversibly.

⚠️ Attention: Numbers cannot be transferred, if the old vehicle has been disposed of, stolen or is wanted. Transfer to vehicles with red transit numbers.

Another important nuance: if you change your car as part of the program Trade-in, saving numbers is only possible if the transaction is completed through same car dealership as an intermediary. In this case, the salon temporarily becomes the owner of the old vehicle, but the numbers remain yours.

📊 Have you already tried to transfer license plates to a new car?
Yes, everything worked out
Yes, but the traffic police refused
No, I'm just planning
I don't know if it's possible in my case

2. What documents are needed to port numbers

To save license plates when registering a new car, you will need standard package of documents plus additional papers confirming the right to numbers. Here's the full list:

Document Requirements Notes
Owner's passport Original + copy (page spread with photo and registration) If the passport is new (from 2026), a copy is not required
PTS of a new car Original with owner's note If the car is on credit, you need the original + leasing/loan agreement
STS old car Original (if the vehicle is still registered) If STS is lost, restore it in advance
Purchase and sale agreement for an old vehicle Copy (if the car is sold but not deregistered) Needed to confirm that you are still the owner of the numbers
Application for saving numbers Filled out on site at the traffic police department The sample is issued at the document acceptance window

If a new car is purchased on credit or lease, you will additionally need:

  • 📄 Loan/leasing agreement (original + copy).
  • 🏦 Certificate from the bank about permission to register (if the loan is not repaid).

For legal entities the list is expanded: Charter of the organization, Extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities, Power of attorney for a representative (if the documents are not submitted by the director).

⚠️ Attention: If the PTS of a new car indicates different body color (for example, it was black, it became white), the inspector may require you to present the car for verification. This is not a refusal, but a standard procedure.

☑️ Documents for number porting

Done: 0 / 5

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to transfer numbers to the traffic police

The procedure takes from 1 to 3 hours depending on the workload of the department. Here is the algorithm of actions:

  1. Step 1. Make an appointment

    Sign up for registration via traffic police portal or Public services. Select service: "Registration of vehicles with preservation of license plates". It’s better to take a slot in the morning - there are fewer queues.

  2. Step 2. Payment of state duty

    On Public services 30% discount applies. Cost in 2026:

    • 💰 2 000 ₽ — vehicle registration with preservation of license plates (with a discount — 1,400 ₽).
    • 💰 500 ₽ — issuance of a new STS (350 ₽ with a discount).

    It is not necessary to print out the receipt - the inspector will check the payment against the database.

  3. Step 3. Submission of documents

    At the appointed time, submit the package of documents to the reception window. The inspector will check:

    • 🔍 Match the VIN number in the PTS and on the body.
    • 🔍 No restrictions on the old vehicle (arrest, bail).
    • 🔍 Correct filling of the application.
  • Step 4. Vehicle inspection

    A new car must pass check at the traffic police site. The inspector checks:

    VIN, body/chassis number, color, vehicle type. If everything matches the PTS, a registration permit is issued.
  • Step 5. Receiving documents

    In 1–2 hours you will be given:

    • 📄 New STS (with the same numbers, but a different series).
    • 📄 PTS with a note about the new owner.
    • 📄 Certificate of Registration (if required).

    If you are porting numbers from electronic PTS, the process is simplified: no need to present a paper document, just show QR code from your personal account to Public services.

    💡

    If you buy a car in another region, you can transfer the license plates without visiting your “native” traffic police department. To do this, when registering, indicate in the application that you want to keep the license plates and attach a copy of the STS of the old car.

    4. Timing and cost of number porting in 2026

    Application processing time depends on the method of submitting documents:

    • ⏳ Through the traffic police: 1–3 hours (if there is no queue).
    • ⏳ Via MFC: 3–5 working days (documents are sent to the traffic police electronically).
    • ⏳ Through State Services: 1 day (if registration is in the morning + electronic PTS).

    Cost in 2026:

    Service Cost (₽) Discount on State Services (₽)
    Vehicle registration with storage of numbers 2 000 1 400
    Issuance of a new STS 500 350
    Making changes to the PTS 350 245
    Total minimum amount 2 850 1 995

    Additional costs may arise if:

    • 🔧 Required PTS replacement (for example, if there are no free lines) - +800 ₽.
    • 📋 Necessary restore STS old car - +500 ₽.
    • 🚘 Car does not pass inspection (for example, due to tinting) - you will need to eliminate the shortcomings and come again.
    ⚠️ Attention: If you are transferring license plates to a car from gas equipment, you will need to present Declaration on the safety of HBO. Without it, registration will be denied.
    💡

    The fastest and cheapest way is to register through State Services with a discounted payment. The savings will be up to 855 ₽ compared to paying at the bank.

    5. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Many car owners are faced with failures due to minor mistakes in documents or ignorance of nuances. Here are the most common problems:

    • ❌ The old vehicle has already been deregistered.
      Solution: Check the status on traffic police website by VIN. If the car is removed, the plates cannot be restored.
    • ❌ The owner does not match.
      Solution: If the new car is registered to another person (for example, a spouse), the transfer of license plates is not possible. You must first re-register the old vehicle.
    • ❌ There is no purchase and sale agreement for an old car.
      Solution: If the car was sold without a contract (for example, under a general power of attorney), restore the document with a notary.
    • ❌ Numbers are damaged or unreadable.
      Solution: Order a duplicate number in advance (cost: 2 000 ₽).

    Another common mistake is attempt to transfer license plates to a car of a different category. For example, with passenger car on motorcycle or truck. This is prohibited by law, even if the vehicle is registered to the same owner.

    If you are refused to port your numbers, request written justification with reference to the paragraph of the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Often inspectors refer to outdated standards - in this case you can appeal the refusal through head of the traffic police department or court.

    What to do if the traffic police require extra documents?

    According to Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399, a passport, PTS, STS and an application are sufficient to transfer numbers. If the inspector requires, for example, tax certificate or insurance contract, this is illegal. Politely point to clause 15 of the Order and ask for a regulatory act obliging you to present additional papers. In 90% of cases, after this the requirements are lifted.

    6. Transfer of license plates when buying a car on credit or leasing

    If a new car is purchased on credit or lease, the procedure becomes more complicated. The main difference is a bank or leasing company becomes a co-owner of the vehicle until the debt is fully repaid. This imposes restrictions:

    • 🏦 Bank permission required for registration (even if you keep your numbers).
    • 📑 The mortgagee is included in the PTS (bank), which may raise questions from the inspector.
    • 🔒 The numbers are yours, but when selling the car they will have to be handed over before the loan is repaid.

    Algorithm of actions:

    1. Get it from the bank certificate of registration permission (usually issued along with the loan agreement).
    2. Sign up for the service with the traffic police "Registration of a vehicle with an encumbrance".
    3. Present the standard package of documents + loan agreement and certificate from the bank.
    4. After inspecting the car, you will be given an STS marked "Collateral".

    Important: if you repay the loan early, the encumbrance is removed automatically within 5 working days. After this, you can re-register the STS without a note about the pledge (free of charge).

    ⚠️ Attention: Some banks (for example, SberAuto or VTB) require that the car be insured according to CASCO before registration. Without a policy, they may refuse to issue permission to port numbers.

    7. Is it possible to transfer license plates to a new car without visiting the traffic police?

    From 2026, some procedures can be performed remotely, but you won’t be able to completely avoid a visit to the traffic police. Here's what you can do online:

    • 💻 Make an appointment through Public services or the traffic police website.
    • 💳 Pay the state fee with a 30% discount.
    • 📄 Fill out the application in electronic form (but you will have to print and sign on the spot).

    However car inspection and receiving documents require personal presence. The exception is if you buy a car from official dealerwho offers the service "Turnkey registration". In this case:

    1. The dealer himself submits documents to the traffic police.
    2. You come only to inspect the vehicle (10–15 minutes).
    3. You receive the finished documents at the salon in 1–2 days.

    The cost of such a service from dealers is: 3 000–5 000 ₽, but it eliminates queues and paperwork.

    A pilot project is also being tested starting in 2026 electronic registration in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan. If your car is participating in the project, you can:

    • 📱 Upload photos of VIN and body numbers through the application Public services Auto.
    • 📡 Complete the inspection remotely (via video link with the inspector).
    • 📬 Receive STS by mail or at the nearest MFC.

    You can find out if your car is participating in the project at Autocode website by VIN.

    💡

    Even with remote registration, vehicle inspection remains mandatory. You cannot refuse it - this is the requirement of clause 3 of Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399.

    8. What to do if your number porting request is denied

    Refusal to retain license plates must be motivated and issued in writing. If you are told “no” without explanation, ask for an official document stamped and signed by the inspector. Common reasons for refusals and ways to appeal them:

    Reason for refusal Legal? How to appeal
    The old vehicle was deregistered Yes The numbers cannot be restored. You can issue new ones.
    New car of a different category Yes Transfer is not possible by law.
    There is no contract for the purchase and sale of an old car No Provide another document confirming ownership (for example, a certificate of inheritance).
    Numbers are damaged Yes Order a duplicate in advance.
    The inspector requires additional documents No Write a complaint to the head of the traffic police department with reference to Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399.

    If the refusal is illegal, proceed as follows:

    1. Write complaint to the head of the traffic police (sample can be downloaded from official website).
    2. Attach copies of documents and a written refusal.
    3. Send your complaint by registered mail or via Public services.
    4. Review period: 30 days. If you are not satisfied with the answer, go to court.

    In judicial practice from 2023 to 2026, most claims for illegal refusal to transfer license plates are satisfied in favor of car owners. The main thing is to have evidence (video of a conversation with an inspector, copies of documents, witness statements).

    Example of a successful appeal of a refusal

    In 2023, a Moscow resident sued the traffic police after refusing to transfer numbers to Toyota Camry due to "color mismatch in PTS". In fact, the color was indicated correctly, but the inspector made a mistake when checking. The court ordered the traffic police to register the car with the same license plates and pay the plaintiff 5 000 ₽ compensation for moral damage.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to transfer license plates to a car purchased in another region?

    Yes, the region of registration does not matter. The main thing is that the old vehicle is still registered in your name. For example, if you buy a car in Sochi, and are registered in Moscow, you can save Moscow numbers.

    How long does the right to retain license plates last after selling an old car?

    The right is valid until the old vehicle is deregistered. If the new owner has not re-registered the car in his name within 10 days, you can restore your registration and transfer your numbers. After deregistration, rights are lost.

    Is it possible to transfer plates to an electric car?

    Yes, if the electric vehicle is in the same category (e.g. passenger car). But keep in mind that for Vehicles with a maximum weight > 3.5 t (for example, Tesla Cybertruck) category required C, and transferring numbers from a passenger car will be impossible.

    What happens if you don’t transfer your license plates within 10 days after purchasing a new car?

    There is no fine for this, but you cannot drive without registration. According to Art. 12.1 Code of Administrative Offenses, driving an unregistered vehicle is punishable by a fine 500–800 ₽. If you are stopped again - 5 000 ₽ or deprivation of rights for 1–3 months.

    Is it possible to transfer license plates to a used car purchased from a reseller?

    Yes, if the reseller did not manage to re-register the vehicle in his name. Check the status of the car by VIN on the traffic police website. If it is still under the previous owner, you can keep the numbers. If it is re-registered to a reseller, the rights to the numbers are lost.