Introduction: when do you need to reissue numbers and can this be avoided?
Re-registration of license plates from one car to another is a procedure that owners face when selling an old car and buying a new one, as well as when changing a vehicle within the same owner. In 2026, the rules for preserving license plates remain relevant, but many car owners still confuse this procedure with re-registration of the car or receiving new numbers.
It is important to understand: re-registration of numbers is optional, and voluntary procedure. You can keep the old plates on your old car (if you still own it) or get new plates for your new car. However, if you want to keep your usual numbers - for example, with a “beautiful” combination of numbers or letters - you will have to go through the official procedure at the traffic police.
In this article we will analyze all legal ways to re-register numbers (through State Services, MFC or at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate), a list of required documents, deadlines and costs, as well as nuances that even inspectors are silent about. We will pay special attention to the changes in 2026 - for example, abolition of mandatory vehicle inspection while maintaining license plates within the same owner.
Who can re-register license plates from car to car: conditions and restrictions
Not every car owner has the right to keep old license plates when changing cars. In 2026, the following rules apply:
- 🔹 Only for individuals. Legal entities and individual entrepreneurs cannot keep license plates when replacing cars - they are issued new plates.
- 🔹 One owner. Number plates can only be reissued if both cars (old and new) are registered to the same person. When selling a car to a third party, the license plates are automatically cancelled.
- 🔹 Only Russian numbers. Foreign or transit signs cannot be kept - they will have to be returned.
- 🔹 No restrictions. The vehicle must not have any unpaid fines, liens or other encumbrances.
An important nuance: if you buy a car from the steering wheel, and your old one has not yet been sold, numbers can be temporarily “suspended” for up to 180 days. This is relevant for those who plan to sell their old car later. However, in this case, when registering a new vehicle, you will have to obtain new plates - you will not be able to save the old ones.
⚠️ Attention: If installed on an old machine regional numbers (for example, with the flag or coat of arms of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation), they can only be saved when registering a new car in the same region. If you change your region of residence, you will have to obtain new signs.
Documents for re-registration of numbers: complete list for 2026
To keep your old license plates when registering a new car, you will need the following package of documents:
| Document | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation | Original + photocopy (pages with photo and registration) | If your passport has changed your last name, you need a certificate of change |
| PTS (vehicle passport) | Original new car | If the car is used - PTS with a mark of deregistration |
| STS (registration certificate) | Original old car (if you keep the license plates) | Not needed if numbers are suspended |
| Sales and purchase agreement (PSA) | Original + 2 copies (for a new car) | If the car is leased - a leasing agreement |
| Application for saving numbers | Filled out on site or through State Services | The sample can be downloaded from the traffic police website |
Additionally you may need:
- 📄 OSAGO policy for a new vehicle (can be issued electronically right before registration).
- 📄 Receipt for payment of state duty (if you did not pay through State Services with a 30% discount).
- 📄 Power of attorney (if the procedure is carried out by a representative).
From 2023 not required provide a diagnostic card (if the car is less than 4 years old) or undergo an inspection at the traffic police while maintaining the license plates within the same owner. However, if you are registering a used car older than 4 years, technical inspection still required.
☑️ Documents for re-registration of numbers
Step-by-step instructions: how to re-register numbers through State Services
The fastest and most convenient way to save your old numbers is to submit an application through State Services portal. The procedure takes no more than 30 minutes, and the state fee will cost 30% less. Let's look at the process step by step:
Step 1. Authorization and service selection
1. Go to State Services website and log in.
2. In the search bar, enter the phrase: Preservation of registration plates when registering a vehicle.
3. Select a service from the drop-down list.
Step 2. Filling out the application
The system will prompt you to fill out an electronic application. Please indicate:
- 📌 Passport details.
- 📌 Information about the old car (STS number, license plate).
- 📌 Data of the new car (VIN, make, model, year of manufacture).
- 📌 Registration address (must match the passport).
At this stage, the system will automatically check for fines and restrictions. If everything is clear, proceed to payment.
Step 3. Payment of state duty
Cost of the service in 2026:
- 💰 800 rubles — state fee for maintaining numbers (with a 30% discount through State Services — 560 rubles).
- 💰 500 rubles — issuance of a new STS (350 rubles with a discount).
- 💰 200 rubles — making changes to the PTS (140 rubles with a discount).
You can pay by credit card via SBP or electronic wallet. Save the receipt - you will need to show it to the traffic police.
Step 4. Visit to the traffic police
After payment, you will receive a notification with the date and time of your visit to the traffic police department. At the reception:
- Present original documents (passport, PTS, STS, DCT).
- Provide the vehicle for VIN number verification (inspection takes 5–10 minutes).
- Get a new STS with the same numbers.
If you buy a car in another region, you can choose any traffic police department in the Russian Federation to save the license plates. The main thing is to indicate this when filling out an application for State Services.
Re-registration of numbers through the MFC: pros and cons
Multifunctional centers (MFC) also accept applications to retain license plates, but there are several nuances:
Benefits:
- ✅ Convenient work schedule (often seven days a week).
- ✅ Fewer queues than at the traffic police.
- ✅ Possibility to sign up online through the MFC website.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Longer terms - up to 5 working days (at the traffic police - 1 day).
- ❌ Not all MFCs provide the service — check by phone.
- ❌ No discount on state duty (unlike State Services).
The procedure at the MFC is similar to the traffic police department:
- Submit documents and application.
- Pay the state fee (full cost - no discount).
- You receive a receipt for documents acceptance.
- After 3-5 days, you pick up a new STS with the saved numbers.
⚠️ Attention: At the MFC it's impossible undergo a vehicle inspection - this part of the procedure will still have to be completed at the traffic police. Therefore, if you are registering a used car older than 4 years, it is better to immediately go to the State Traffic Inspectorate.
How much does it cost to reissue rooms: current tariffs 2026
The cost of storing license plates depends on the payment method and type of service. Below is the full price list for 2026:
| Service | Cost at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate/MFC | Cost through State Services (30% discount) |
|---|---|---|
| Saving registration plates | 800 ₽ | 560 ₽ |
| Issuance of a new STS | 500 ₽ | 350 ₽ |
| Making changes to the PTS | 200 ₽ | 140 ₽ |
| Making new numbers (if you don’t keep the old ones) | 2,000 ₽ (per set) | 1 400 ₽ |
Total minimum cost of maintaining numbers through State Services will be 1,050 rubles (560 + 350 + 140). If you pay at the traffic police or MFC - 1,500 rubles.
Additional costs may arise if:
- 🔧 Will be required technical inspection (from 600 to 1,200 rubles).
- 🔧 Necessary change registration region (additional 350 rubles for a new STS).
- 🔧 You entrust the procedure to a representative (notarized power of attorney - from 1,500 rubles).
Saving numbers through State Services is 450 rubles more profitable than at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate or MFC. But if you need new numbers, it is cheaper to order their production immediately upon registration (1,400 ₽ with a discount).
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when re-registering license plates. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:
1. Overdue technical inspection
If you are registering a used car older than 4 years, the diagnostic card must be valid. Many people forget that technical inspection for individuals is now valid until the expiration of the compulsory motor liability insurance policy, and not 2 years, as before.
2. Mismatch of data in documents
Errors in the PTS, STS or DCT (for example, incorrect VIN or owner data) will lead to refusal of registration. Check all documents in advance, especially if the car was purchased by proxy or on lease.
3. Unpaid fines
The traffic police system automatically blocks any registration actions if the owner has unpaid fines. Test yourself on the website traffic police or through State Services in advance.
4. Trying to save license plates when selling an old car
Many people think that they can first sell their old car and then re-register the license plates for a new one. It's impossible — license plates are canceled automatically when the car is deregistered. To save them, the new car must be registered before selling the old one.
What to do if the traffic police refused to save the license plates?
If you are refused, ask for written reasons. Frequent reasons: discrepancy between the data in the title, the presence of restrictions (arrest, leasing) or an attempt to keep the license plates after selling the old car. In controversial cases, you can appeal the refusal through the State Services portal or in court.
FAQ: answers to popular questions
Can I keep the plates if I buy a car in another region?
Yes, but with nuances. If you save numbers, The registration region of the new car must match the old one. For example, if you had numbers A 123 BV 77 (Moscow), and you register a new car in St. Petersburg, you won’t be able to save them - you’ll have to get new plates with a code 78 or 178.
How long does the procedure take?
If you register through State Services and come to the traffic police by appointment, the whole process will take 1–2 hours. At the MFC, the period increases to 3–5 working days. Without registering in advance at the traffic police, you can spend the whole day in queues.
Is it possible to keep the license plates if the old car is scrapped?
No. When recycling a car, license plates are canceled irrevocably. You can save them only if the old car remains registered (for example, you don’t sell it, but leave it in the garage).
What to do if you lost the STS of an old car?
If you have lost your STS, but want to keep the numbers, first restore the document at the traffic police department (cost: 500 rubles). Without it, the procedure for saving numbers is impossible.
Is it possible to transfer license plates to a relative?
No. The license plates can only be saved if the car is registered to the same owner. If the car is registered in the name of another person (even a close relative), you will have to get new signs.