Changing a car is always a troublesome task, especially when it comes to keeping old license plates. Many owners do not want to lose their usual combinations of numbers or simply save on making new signs. Fortunately, with 2021 the procedure for re-hanging numbers has been significantly simplified: now it can be done online through State Services without visiting the MREO if both cars are registered to the same owner.
In this article we will analyze step by step instructions with current screenshots of the portal interface, we’ll tell you about hidden nuances (for example, why they may refuse to re-register), we present cost comparison table for different regions and answer frequently asked questions. And also - let's share life hacks, how to speed up the process and avoid common mistakes when filling out an application.
Let us immediately warn you: the procedure is available only if both cars belong to the same owner (individual or legal entity). If the cars are registered to different people, you will have to first re-register one of the cars, and only then deal with the license plates. It is also important that old numbers were valid - if they are lost or damaged, you first need to restore them through MREO.
On average, reversing numbers takes from 1 to 3 working days (taking into account the processing of the application and the issuance of new documents). The cost of the service in 2026 is: 2,000 rubles (state fee for changing registration data). Payment is made online on the portal with 30% discount (1,400 rubles) for non-cash payments.
1. Conditions for reassigning numbers through State Services
Before you start applying, check if you meet the following criteria:
- 🔹 Both cars (the one with which rent rooms, and that to which hang) should be registered to one owner. You can check this in
Personal account of State Services → Services → Transport and driving → My vehicles. - 🔹 The numbers you plan to rehang must be valid (not lost, not damaged, not deregistered).
- 🔹 Car, from which rooms are rented, there must be deregistered (or simultaneously film within the same application). Otherwise, the numbers will remain “tied” to the old car.
- 🔹 By car, to which numbers are hung, there should not be current restrictions (arrests, bans on registration actions). You can check this through the service checking the car history on the traffic police website.
If at least one of the conditions is not met, the system will automatically reject the application or will require you to fix the problem first. For example, if there are unpaid fines on an old car, they will have to be paid off before re-registration.
Important! C January 1, 2026 changes came into force Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399: now when reversing numbers no need to present the car for inspection at the MREO, if the data in the traffic police database is current. However, if there are discrepancies in the title or vehicle registration certificate (for example, VIN mismatch), the inspector may request an inspection.
2. Step-by-step instructions: how to apply for State Services
The whole process takes no more than 15 minutes, if you prepare the documents in advance. Follow this algorithm:
Step 1. Log in to the portal
- 🔑 Go to Public services and log into your personal account (a verified account is suitable).
- 🔑 If you don’t have an account yet, register and confirm your identity via
Service Center,Russian PostorTinkoff Bank.
Step 2: Find a service
- 🔍 Enter the phrase in the search bar:
Changing vehicle registration details. - 🔍 Select an option:
Change of vehicle registration data in connection with the replacement of state registration plates.
Step 3. Fill in the details
Here you will need to enter information about two cars:
- 📋 Vehicle from which license plates are removed: indicate the license plate number, VIN, PTS and STS details. The system will automatically pull up information from the traffic police database.
- 📋 Car with license plates: Enter the data in the same way. If the car is new (for example, just purchased), first register it with the traffic police.
- 📋 Reason for overweight: select
Replacement of state registration plates.
Step 4. Payment of state duty
After filling out the form, the system will offer to pay the state fee:
- 💳 Cost: 1,400 rubles (with a 30% discount when paying online).
- 💳 Payment methods: bank card, SBP, YuMoney, mobile phone balance.
Step 5. Selecting an MREO branch
Although the procedure is online, get new documents (STS with new data) is needed at the traffic police department. The system will prompt you to select a convenient branch and date of visit. Attention: in some regions (for example, Moscow, St. Petersburg) you can order courier delivery of documents for an additional fee (from 500 rubles).
Step 6. Confirmation and submission
Check all the data, check the box to consent to the processing of personal data and click Send a request. A notification with the application number will be sent to your email and personal account.
The VIN numbers of both cars are correct|
License plates entered without errors |
State duty paid (receipt saved)|
A convenient MREO has been selected for obtaining documents -->
3. What documents are needed to change numbers
Despite the fact that the procedure takes place online, some documents must be on hand when visiting the MREO. Here's the full list:
| Document | Is original required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Owner's passport | Yes | Functional, no damage |
| PTS for both cars | Yes | If the PTS is electronic, print out an extract from the registry |
| STS for both cars | Yes | Old STS are handed over, new ones are issued |
| OSAGO policy | No | But the insurance data must be current in the RSA database |
| Receipt for payment of state duty | Preferably | You can show an electronic receipt |
Attention! If you rebalance the numbers by new car (for example, just purchased), first you need register it at the traffic police department. Without registration, you will not be able to change numbers.
Also check that in PTS and STS there were no discrepancies (for example, mismatch in body color or engine power). If there are such errors, they must first be corrected through the traffic police.
If you have an electronic PTS, save it in PDF and print it in advance. Some MREOs require a paper copy to be presented, despite the legality of the digital document.
4. Timing and cost: how long to wait and how much it will cost
The processing time for an application depends on the workload of the MREO, but on average the procedure looks like this:
- ⏳ Online application processing: from 1 hour to 1 business day.
- ⏳ Readiness of documents: 1–3 business days from the date of submission.
- ⏳ Visit to MREO: takes 10–30 minutes (if there is no queue).
Everything is transparent about the cost:
- 💰 State fee for changing registration data: 1,400 rubles (with a 30% discount when paying at State Services).
- 💰 Production of new numbers (if required): from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles (depending on the region and material).
- 💰 Additional services: courier delivery of documents (from 500 rubles), expedited processing (from 1,000 rubles).
For comparison, in the table below we show the cost of reversing numbers in different regions (according to data on June 2026):
| Region | State duty (with discount) | Cost of new rooms (if needed) | Total minimum cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow and Moscow region | 1 400 ₽ | 2 500–4 000 ₽ | 3 900 ₽ |
| St. Petersburg | 1 400 ₽ | 2 300–3 800 ₽ | 3 700 ₽ |
| Regions (middle zone) | 1 400 ₽ | 2 000–3 500 ₽ | 3 400 ₽ |
| Far East, Siberia | 1 400 ₽ | 2 200–4 500 ₽ | 3 600 ₽ |
Important! If you change the number plates on a car with other body type (for example, with sedan on SUV), it may be necessary to replace the numbers with new ones (by decision of the inspector). In this case, the cost will increase by the cost of manufacturing the signs.
5. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with online registration, owners often encounter refusals or delays. Let's look at the most common problems:
❌ Error 1: Number plates are “tied” to the old car
If you did not deregister your old car before changing the plates, the system will not allow you to transfer the plates. Solution: first apply for termination of vehicle registration, and then - to reweigh.
❌ Error 2: Discrepancies in PTS and STS data
For example, the PTS indicates the color black, and in STS - dark gray. The inspector may require that the documents be corrected first. Solution: check the data in advance Personal account of State Services and apply for changes if necessary.
❌ Error 3: Unpaid fines
If the owner or the car is subject to fines, the system may block registration actions. Solution: check the fines for traffic police website and pay them in advance.
❌ Error 4: Incorrect service type selected
Many people confuse replacement of numbers with changing registration data. If you choose the wrong service, your application will be rejected. Solution: carefully read the description on State Services - the desired option is called Change of vehicle registration data due to replacement of license plates.
❌ Error 5: Problems with OSAGO
If a policy has not been issued for a new car or the data in the RSA database is not current, the inspector will refuse to re-register. Solution: issue an electronic policy in advance or update your data through your insurance company’s website.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, the notification on State Services will indicate the reason. Most often this is:
1. Data inconsistency — check the VIN, body numbers, color of the car in the PTS and STS.
2. Restrictions on registration actions — check with the traffic police which ones (arrest, ban on registry).
3. Unpaid state duty — check the payment status in your personal account.
4. Technical errors of the portal — try submitting your application later or through a different browser.
If the reason is unclear, contact technical support for public services or call the traffic police hotline: 8 (495) 623-70-70 (for Moscow).
6. What to do after your application is approved
When the application is approved (you will receive a notification by email and in your personal account), there are only three steps left to take:
1. Obtain new documents from the MREO
- 📌 Come to the selected traffic police department at the appointed time (being late by more than 15 minutes may result in rescheduling the visit).
- 📌 Present your passport, old STS and PTS, payment receipt.
- 📌 Receive a new STS with updated data.
2. Install license plates on a new car
- 🔧 Remove old numbers (if there were any) and install re-hung ones. Remember that by Traffic rules numbers must be assigned at least 4 points (2 for each sign).
- 🔧 If the plates are damaged (for example, bent or scratched), they will have to be replaced - the inspector may fine you for unreadable signs (
Part 1 Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses, fine 500 rubles).
3. Update your data in OSAGO
- 📄 If the policy is issued for old numbers, inform the insurance company about the replacement. Most companies update your data for free within 1-2 days.
- 📄 If you have taken out a new policy for a new car, no action is required.
After changing the numbers, be sure to check that the data in the traffic police database has been updated. This can be done through the service car checks — enter the VIN or license plate number of the new car.
7. Alternative methods: when public services are not suitable
Although online submission through State Services is the most convenient option, in some cases you will have to contact the MREO in person:
- 🚗 The cars are registered to different owners. In this case, you first need to re-register one of the cars to one owner, and then change the numbers.
- 🚗 There is no confirmed account on State Services. You cannot submit an application without authorization - you will have to go to the MREO with a package of documents.
- 🚗 There are discrepancies in documents that cannot be corrected online. For example, if there is an error in the VIN number in the PTS, it can only be corrected through the traffic police.
- 🚗 Urgent registration required. In some MREOs you can pay for
accelerated registration(cost - from 1,000 to 2,000 rubles).
If you have to go to the MREO, make an appointment in advance through traffic police website - this will save time. Without an appointment in popular branches (for example, in Moscow), the queue can last for several hours.
Attention! If you change the number plates on a car with another region of registration (for example, with Moscow on Kaluga region), it may be necessary to replace the numbers with new ones with a region code. Check this in advance with your local MREO.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
❓ Is it possible to transfer license plates to a car with a different body type (for example, from a car to a truck)?
Yes, but only if both cars belong to the same category (for example, passenger cars or cargo up to 3.5 tons). If body types are very different (e.g. sedan and minibus), the inspector may require that the numbers be replaced with new ones. Also check that permissible maximum weight both cars were in the same category (up to 3.5 tons or more).
❓ Do I need to deregister an old car before changing the license plates?
Yes, definitely. Numbers cannot be “linked” to two cars at the same time. In the application for State Services, select the option Deregistration of an old vehicle and reassignment of numbers to a new one - this will save time.
❓ Is it possible to transfer license plates to a car that is not yet registered with the traffic police?
No. First you need to register your new car (get STS and PTS), and only then apply for a change of license plates. The exception is if you buy a car from the same owner as the old one (for example, an exchange between relatives), but even in this case, they first register a new car and then transfer the numbers.
❓ How long is an approved application for reassignment of numbers valid?
The approved application is valid 30 calendar days. If you do not have time to receive documents from the MREO within this period, you will have to submit the application again (but you do not need to pay the state fee - it is valid for 1 year).
❓ Is it possible to transfer license plates to a car with a different region?
Yes, but there are nuances:
- If the new region is included in one federal district (for example, Moscow and Moscow region), the numbers can be left the same.
- If regions are from different districts (for example, Moscow and Krasnodar region), the inspector may require that the numbers be replaced with new ones with a region code. Check this in advance with your local MREO.