Damage to the paint coating of the state registration plate (GRZ) or deformation of its metal base automatically makes the operation of the vehicle illegal. The owner of a car with unreadable symbols, erased flag or bent plate, the traffic police inspector has the full right to write a fine under part 4 of Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation, as well as to delay the vehicle until the fault is eliminated. The procedure for restoring documents in this case is classified as “replacement of GRP instead of lost or degraded” and requires a mandatory visit to the registration unit of the traffic police, as just buy a duplicate from a privateer is no longer enough – it is necessary to make changes to the certificate of registration of the vehicle (STS).
The basis for applying to the inspection is physical damage to the number, which makes it impossible to identify the car or its state affiliation. This can be a deep scratch running through the numbers, detachment of the reflective film, cracks in the metal or severe corrosion hiding the symbols. It is important to understand that if the number is simply contaminated, it must be wiped, but if the damage is irreversible, an official replacement through the public registry is required.
Criteria of unsuitability of the license plate according to GOST
Before you initiate the bureaucratic process, you should objectively assess the status of your license plates, based on the following: GOST R 50577-2018. According to this regulatory document, the mark is considered unfit for use if its condition does not allow to read the information applied to the surface. Critical defects are considered the absence of at least one element of the attachment, if it is sagging, or damage to the coating, making it difficult to read the symbols.
Particular attention should be paid to the reflective film. If it swelled, went bubbles or partially broke away, closing part of the number or letter, such a license plate must be replaced. Also, marriage includes changing the color of symbols or background, which can mislead automatic complexes of fixing violations or police officers.
- 🚗 Complete or partial absence of reflective coating on numbers and letters.
- 🔩 Mechanical deformation of the metal base, preventing a smooth installation on the body.
- 🎨 Change the color of the symbols (for example, the black paint burns out to a gray hue).
⚠️ Note: Driving with a number on which at least one symbol or flag of the Russian Federation has been erased is equated to driving without registration plates and entails a fine of 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights.
Required package of documents to replace
Collection of documentation is the first and most important step of the procedure. To replace the GRZ, you will need a standard set of documents, similar to what is needed when selling a car or changing the owner's name. The main document is passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation owner of the vehicle. If the procedure is carried out by a representative by proxy, a notarized copy of the power of attorney and the passport of the representative will also be required.
The second key element is the vehicle itself and the old license plates. Even if the number is damaged critically, its remains must be handed over to the traffic police. Based on the handed over plates, old data will be disposed of in the database and new ones will be issued. Also, it is necessary to have a valid CTP policy and a certificate of registration of the CTC, which is subject to replacement.
☑️ Documents for the traffic police
Separately, it is worth noting the situation with the PTS. If the vehicle passport has already filled a place for making records of owners, before traveling to the traffic police it is necessary to obtain a new form of PTS or issue an extract from the electronic PTS (EPTS), although in most cases changes are made directly to the existing document or a new certificate is issued without replacing the paper PTS, if it is not filled.
Step-by-step instructions for obtaining new numbers
The replacement procedure begins with the application. This can be done in two ways: in person in the traffic police department or through the portal. Public services. The second option is preferable, since it allows you to choose a convenient time and date of visit, bypassing the live queue, and pay the state duty at a discount (although in 2026 the possibility of a discount must be checked for relevance at the time of payment).
When filling out the application in the section "Amendments" or "Received service" you must select the item "Replacement of registration marks instead of lost or become unusable". After that, the system will form an application form that will need to be signed in the office. The procedure for inspecting the vehicle follows.
Do I need to inspect the car on the site?
Yes, inspection of the vehicle on a special site in the traffic police is mandatory. The inspector must verify the VIN code, body and engine numbers with the data in the documents, as well as visually confirm the unusability of the old license plates. Make sure that the VIN code on the body is clean and readable, otherwise the inspection may be denied.
After successful inspection and verification of documents on databases (for prohibitions on registration actions, fines or theft), you will be given new license plates and a new CTC. Old numbers will be taken and destroyed. The whole process, if there are no queues and problems with documents, takes from 1 to 3 hours.
- 📝 Filling out the application (online or in the office).
- 🚙 Passing a technical inspection of the car at the traffic police site.
- 💰 Payment of state fees and delivery of receipts (if payment was not made online).
- 🆔 Obtaining a new STS, making an entry in the PTS and issuing new GRPs.
Cost of services and state duty in 2026
The financial side of the issue consists of several mandatory payments. The cost of replacing the GRP is fixed by law and depends on the type of elements to be replaced. In 2026, tariffs remain stable, but it is recommended to have a reserve of funds in case of changes in tariffs or the need for additional services.
| Name of service | Cost (rupe) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Issuance of new GHZs (metallic) | 2000 | For the set (front and rear) |
| Issuance of a new ITS | 1500 | Plastic map of the new sample |
| Amendments to the PCA | 350 | If the PTS is paper and there is a place |
| Issuance of a new paper PTS | 800 | If the old seats are out of place |
The total amount depends on whether you change only the numbers or the entire package of documents. If the PTS ran out of places for records, you will have to pay for the issuance of a new form. It is important to note that when paying through the portal Public services In certain periods, a 30% discount can be effective, which allows you to significantly save your budget.
Keep checks on payment of state duties until the documents are received. In case of a failure in the payment system or the traffic police database, paper or electronic confirmation of payment will speed up the solution of the problem.
Can I make a duplicate number without the traffic police?
Many drivers wonder why go to the traffic police, if you can order a duplicate in a specialized company in 30 minutes? Indeed, the production of duplicate license plates is a legal service, but it has strict restrictions. You can only make a duplicate if you original number plate intact, readbut lost or broken the mount.
If the number is recognized as unusable (erased, damaged), the production of a duplicate with the same data without making changes to the traffic police database is prohibited. The duplicate company will require you to documents confirming the right to use this number, but if the original is damaged, they are obliged to refuse, since the actual number (plate) on your hands does not meet the requirements of GOST for repeated reproduction without the permission of the inspector.
⚠️ Warning: The production of a duplicate instead of a damaged number without replacing the CTC is a violation. At the first check of documents, the inspector will reveal a discrepancy between the number in the database and on the car, which will lead to fines.
Thus, the way through a private company is possible only after a visit to the traffic police, where you will get a new CTC and permission to use the number (in fact, a new number in the database). After that, having received new “iron” in the traffic police, you can theoretically order a copy of them from a privateer for yourself, but the originals will still have to be officially obtained.
Frequent errors and difficulties in replacing
One of the most common problems is the existence of prohibitions on registration actions. They can be imposed by bailiffs due to unpaid fines, alimony or credit debts. In this case, even if all documents and a damaged number are available, the service will be denied until the restrictions are lifted.
Another difficulty is the discrepancy of the car design to the factory parameters. If the car has non-standard headlights, exhaust system or other elements that the inspector during the inspection will take a picture and consider changes without registration, the issuance of new numbers will be refused. We will have to remove the comments first.
It is also worth mentioning the problem of electronic PTS. If your car is registered in the EPP, make sure that the status of the document is “Acting”. If the status is “Uncompleted” or there are marks about the need to make changes by the owner, the procedure may be suspended.
The main rule: Replacing a number instead of a corrupted one is always a change of data in the registry. Just "change the iron" can not, necessarily changing the CTS and make a record of a new GRP.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the old number if only a piece of metal is left?
Yes, you must hand over all the remaining remnants of the license plate in the window for receiving documents or the inspector on the site. This is a material confirmation of the disposal of the old number. If the number is completely lost (for example, fell on the track and not found), the application indicates the reason for the "Loss", and the procedure takes place without surrendering the physical object, but with an explanatory one.
Can I keep the old number when it is replaced due to damage?
No, to save alphanumeric combination when replacing GRP instead of the failed can not. You get a new random number. To keep the “beautiful” or familiar room, it was necessary to apply in advance for its preservation while the old number was still fit, and pay a state fee for storage. In case of damage, the number burns.
How long are the transit numbers valid if I change region?
In the procedure of replacing a spoiled number, transit numbers are not issued if you remain in the same region. You immediately get the usual permanent signs. Transit numbers ("metal" or paper) are relevant only when removing a car from the register for export abroad or distillation to another region for sale, which does not apply to this situation.
What if the traffic police refused to replace because of the lack of space in the PTS?
If the paper PTS ran out of fields for records, you will be given a referral to receive a new PTS. For this service, a state duty is also charged (800 rubles for paper or 600-800 rubles for EPP, depending on the type). Without replacing the PTS or switching to the EPP, it will be impossible to make a record of the new number.
Can I go through the replacement procedure without the owner of the car?
The owner may not be present in person. It is enough to issue a notarial power of attorney for a representative. The power of attorney should clearly spell out the rights to represent interests in the traffic police, conduct transactions with registration data and obtain documents. The passport of the representative is also mandatory.