Red license plates for cars: how to get them in - step-by-step guide

Red transit numbers are issued when purchasing a car for temporary use until registration with the traffic police. In 2026, the registration procedure changed: now for individuals the validity of transit numbers is limited 20 days (previously it was 30), and for legal entities - up to 1 year with the possibility of extension. The first thing you need to check before submitting documents is: availability of a valid MTPL policy (even for transit numbers) and a correctly executed purchase and sale agreement (SPA). Without these documents, registration will be denied.

The process for obtaining red plates depends on who the owner is: an individual, an organization or a dealer. For individuals, the main nuance is the impossibility of traveling outside Russia using transit license plates (this is only allowed for legal entities with a special permit). Another critical point: from March 1, 2026, electronic format of transit numbers (plastic plates with QR code), but paper temporary plates are still valid until the end of 2026.

Who is eligible for red license plates in 2026

Transit numbers are issued strictly in three cases:

• 📄 Buying a car — for transportation to the place of registration (maximum 20 days for individuals).
• 🏢 Legal entities — for vehicle fleets, test drives or trips abroad (valid for up to 1 year).
• 🔄 Deregistration — when selling a car to another region or abroad (numbers are valid until re-registration by the new owner).

Important: from 2023 car dealerships They can no longer issue transit numbers on their own - now only the traffic police do this. An exception is dealers accredited by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, but they are also required to transfer data to the traffic police within 5 working days.

For foreign citizens, the rules have become stricter: now red license plates are issued only if temporary registration in the Russian Federation or residence permit. Previously, a passport and a migration card were enough.

Documents for issuing red license plates

The list of documents depends on the applicant’s status. For individuals in 2026 the following is required:

• 📋 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (original + copy of the main page and registration).
• 📝 Purchase and sale agreement (PSA) or gift agreement with signatures of the parties.
• 🚗 PTS (vehicle passport) with a note about the change of owner.
• 🛡️ OSAGO policy is mandatory even for transit numbers (can be issued online in 5 minutes).
• 💰 Receipt for payment of state duty (800 rubles for a license plate, 500 rubles for issuing documents).

Legal entities will additionally need:

• 📑 Extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities (not older than 30 days).
• 🖋️ Power of attorney for a representative (if the documents are not submitted by the director).
• 📊 Application according to the organization form (a sample can be downloaded on the traffic police website).

If a car is purchased on credit, the bank may require lien notice for the traffic police. Without this document, the issuance of transit numbers will be refused.

Passport of the Russian Federation (original + copy)|DCP or gift agreement|PTS with a note about the owner|Compulsory motor liability insurance policy|Receipt for payment of state duty (1300 rub.)

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Step-by-step instructions: how to get red numbers

The procedure takes from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the traffic police workload. Here is the current algorithm for 2026:

1. Pay the state fee. This can be done through official website of the traffic police, Government Services or at the branch terminal. Payment details will be provided on site.
2. Make an appointment. Through State Services or by calling the local MREO. You may not be accepted without an appointment.
3. Submit your documents. At the reception window, originals and copies will be checked, checking the data with the PTS and DCP.
4. Get transit numbers. If everything is in order, you will be given:
   • 🔴Two license plates (front and rear) with a red background.
   • 📄 Temporary registration certificate (acts as a PTS for the transit period).
   • 📋 Vehicle inspection report (if an inspection was carried out).

Since 2026, in some regions (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar Territory) simplified procedure: if the car is new and purchased from an official dealer, transit numbers can be issued remotely through State Services. The numbers will be sent by Russian Post within 3 working days.

How much do red numbers cost and their expiration dates?

Costs and terms depend on the applicant's status and type of vehicle. Current tariffs for 2026:

Applicant category	Cost (RUB)	Validity period	Max. number of renewals
Individuals	1 300	20 days	0 (renewal not possible)
Legal entities (Russia)	2 800	1 year	2 times (6 months each)
Legal entities (export)	3 500	1 year	Unlimited (subject to contract)
Foreign citizens	1 800	30 days	1 time (for 30 days)

Important: if you did not manage to register the car within the prescribed period, the transit numbers will be canceled automatically. Driving on such license plates after the expiration date - administrative offense (fine 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1–3 months under Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

⚠️ Attention: From January 1, 2026, for driving with expired transit plates for more than 10 days, a car can be detain and send to the impound lot. You can return it only after paying the fine and obtaining new license plates.

Common mistakes when issuing red license plates

Most refusals to issue transit numbers are due to errors in documents or violation of the procedure. Here are the most common:

• 🔍 Inconsistency of data in the DCT and PTS. For example, if the contract specifies one VIN, and the title indicates another.
• 📅 Expired MTPL policy. Even for 1 day, registration will be denied.
• 🚫 There is no mark on the change of owner in the PTS. Without it, the car is considered not sold.
• 💸 Unpaid state duty. The original receipt must be presented (an electronic receipt is also suitable).
• 📌 Incorrectly completed application. Especially often mistakes are made in the column “Purpose of obtaining transit numbers”.

Another typical problem is trying to obtain transit license plates for a car with unresolved restrictions (arrest, bail, search). Before submitting documents, check the car history through the service traffic police checks.

How to check a car for restrictions before buying

1. Go to the traffic police website in the “Vehicle check” section.

2. Enter VIN or license plate number.

3. Look at the “Restrictions” section - if there are records, transit numbers will not be issued.

4. For accuracy, order an extract from the register of pledges (costs 300 rubles).

Is it possible to drive with red license plates abroad?

For individuals traveling outside the Russian Federation using transit license plates prohibited. An exception is if the car is purchased for export abroad (for example, to Belarus or Kazakhstan). In this case you need:

1. Obtain transit numbers from the traffic police.
2. Check out customs declaration for the removal of vehicles.
3. Obtain permission for transit in the border zone (issued by customs).

Legal entities can travel with red license plates if they have:

• 📄 Agreements with a foreign partner (for example, for the supply of cars).
• 🛂 Permits from the Ministry of Internal Affairs for transit across the border.
• 🚛 Special customs escort (for trucks).

If you plan to export a car to the EAEU countries (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan), check the rules of the customs union - simplified procedures for transit numbers have been in effect since 2023.

⚠️ Attention: When crossing the border with transit license plates without permission, the vehicle may be confiscate, and the owner faces a fine of up to 300,000 rubles (Article 16.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

What to do if you are refused to issue red license plates

Refusal to register transit numbers must be motivated. If the reason is not explained to you, request a written notification - you can appeal it. Frequent causes of failures and ways to eliminate them:

Reason for refusal	How to fix
Discrepancy between data in DCP and PTS	Correct errors in the contract or title (through a notary or the previous owner).
Car is pledged or under arrest	Remove restrictions through the court or bank (if the loan is repaid).
No MTPL policy	Issue an electronic policy in 5–10 minutes on the RSA website.
Unpaid fines from the previous owner	Pay off debts or prove that they are not yours (through the traffic police).

If you are sure that the refusal is illegal, file a complaint:

1. To the head of the MREO (within 10 days).
2. To the prosecutor's office (if you are not satisfied with the answer from the traffic police).
3. Go to court (a last resort if your rights are violated).

The period for consideration of a complaint is up to 30 days. During this time you can receive temporary permit to drive a vehicle (upon request to the traffic police).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about red license plates

Is it possible to sell a car with transit plates?

Yes, but the new owner must re-register transit numbers to himself within 10 days. If this is not done, the previous owner may deregister the car through the traffic police, and the license plates will become invalid.

What happens if you don’t have time to register your car on time?

Once transit license plates have expired, you cannot travel using them. The fine for late payment is 5,000 rubles (Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). To avoid problems, issue new transit license plates (if there is time left) or register the car permanently.

Is it possible to get red license plates without compulsory motor insurance?

No. Since 2022, the MTPL policy is mandatory even for transit numbers. Without it, registration will be denied. An exception is cars that are not subject to insurance (for example, military equipment).

How long are transit numbers valid for legal entities?

For organizations, the validity period is up to 1 year with the possibility of extension for another 6 months (maximum 2 times). For export to other countries, the period can be increased to 2 years if there is a contract.

Is it possible to drive red license plates at night?

Yes, there are no restrictions on the time of day. However, traffic police inspectors more often stop cars with transit license plates at night to check documents. Make sure that you have a temporary registration certificate and a compulsory motor liability insurance policy with you.