Loss, theft or damage to a state license plate (GPL) is a situation that many car owners face. According to Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399 dated June 26, 2018, a duplicate number can be produced legally, but only under strict conditions. It is important to understand that independent reproduction of a state sign without contacting the traffic police is equivalent to forgery of documents and is punishable by Art. 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

The main reasons for issuing a duplicate are: physical wear and tear (corrosion, chips), loss in an accident or theft. In 2026, the procedure was simplified - there is no longer a requirement to hand over the old number if it is lost, but new rules have appeared for checking through Unified portal of public services. Let's consider all the nuances to avoid fines before 2 500 ₽ for incorrect formatting.

Documents for registration of a duplicate: complete list 2026

To legally produce a duplicate license plate, you will need a minimum package of documents, but taking into account the latest changes. Main list:

  • 📄 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (original + copy of the first page and registration)
  • 🚗 Vehicle registration certificate (STS) or electronic version through State Services
  • 🔑 PTS (if the number is lost along with the documents for the car)
  • 📝 Statement according to the form (the form is issued on site or filled out online)
  • 💳 Receipt for payment of state duty (3,000 ₽ for a metal sign, 2,000 ₽ for a plastic one)

From January 1, 2026, the requirement to provide OSAGO insurance policy when replacing numbers, but the inspector may request it for verification. If the number has been stolen, you will additionally need police certificate (statement of theft). For legal entities, you need a power of attorney for a representative with the seal of the organization.

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If you submit documents through State Services, the system will automatically generate a receipt with a 30% discount on the state fee. You can pay by credit card directly on the website.

Where can you order a duplicate: 3 official ways

In 2026, a duplicate license plate can only be produced through accredited organizations. Self-production even with original documents is equivalent to counterfeiting and entails criminal liability. Let's look at all the legal options:

Method Production time Cost (2026) Pros Cons
traffic police (personal visit) 1-3 working days 3,000 ₽ (metal)
2,000 ₽ (plastic)		 Reliable, without intermediaries Queues, limited schedule
MFC ("My Documents") 5-7 working days 3,000 ₽ + commission 100-300 ₽ Convenient location, pre-registration Longer period, possible errors during data transfer
Public services (online) 3-5 days (delivery by Russian Post) 2,100 ₽ (with 30% discount) No office visits, discount on state duty Need a verified account, risk of errors when filling out

Important: some private companies offer “expedited” production of license plates in 1 day, but they do not have the right to issue duplicates of state signs. Such services are often associated with counterfeits. The only legal way to urgently obtain it is to contact the traffic police with a statement of theft (with a police certificate), where the number will be issued within 24 hours.

📊 How do you plan to issue a duplicate license plate?
Through the traffic police in person
Through MFC
Online on State Services
I haven't decided yet

Step-by-step instructions: how to make a duplicate through State Services

Registration of a duplicate license plate through Unified portal of public services - the most convenient way in 2026. The process takes no more than 15 minutes, and a 30% discount on state duty allows you to save up to 900 ₽. Follow the algorithm:

  1. Log in on the portal gosuslugi.ru (account level must be "Verified").
  2. In the search bar, enter "Replacement of state registration plates" and select a service.
  3. Fill in the details:
    • 📌 Service type: "Getting a duplicate"
    • 📌 Reason: loss/damage/theft
    • 📌 Vehicle data: VIN, body number, model
    • 📌 Delivery address: select a branch of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate or Russian Post
  • Pay the state fee at a discount (2,100 rubles instead of 3,000 rubles) with a bank card.
  • Confirm the application and wait for a notification of readiness (SMS or email).

    • The vehicle data matches the STS|The reason for the replacement is correct|The delivery address is up to date|Payment was successful (there is a receipt)-->

    Production time through State Services - 3-5 working days. The number can be obtained in person at the selected traffic police department or wait for courier delivery (optional 300-500 ₽). If there is an error in the application (for example, incorrect VIN), it can be corrected within 24 hours without loss of payment.

    What to do if State Services does not have a duplicate number service?

    If the service is temporarily unavailable on the portal in your region, try:

    1. Contact via State Services mobile application (sometimes there are more functions).

    2. Check availability via regional portal of public services (for example, mos.ru for Moscow).

    3. Submit the application in person to the traffic police - they are required to accept documents even if there are technical failures on the site.

    How much does a duplicate license plate cost in 2026?

    The cost of producing a duplicate license plate is regulated Tax Code of the Russian Federation (Article 333.33) and does not depend on the region. The following tariffs apply in 2026:

    • 💰 Metal number: 3 000 ₽ (no discount), 2 100 ₽ when paying through State Services
    • 💳 Plastic number (for motorcycles): 2 000 ₽ (1 400 ₽ with a discount)
    • 📄 Changing registration details (if the number changes along with the owner): 800 ₽

    Additional costs may arise if:

    • 🚚 Delivery Russian Post: 300-500 ₽ depending on region
    • 📝 Notarization powers of attorney (for legal entities): 1 000-1 500 ₽
    • 🔍 Expertise damaged number (if confirmation of unsuitability is required): 500-800 ₽
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    Pay the state fee only through official channels: State Services, partner banks (Sberbank, Tinkoff) or terminals at the traffic police. Intermediaries often charge fees of up to 20%, and fraudulent sites can steal card details.

    Important: if you have lost your number along with STS, restoration of both documents will cost 5 800 ₽ (3,000 ₽ per number + 2,800 ₽ for a duplicate STS). In this case, it is more expedient to arrange everything through State Services at a discount - the total amount will be 3 920 ₽.

    What happens if you drive without a license plate or with a damaged one?

    Operating a vehicle without a state license plate or with an unreadable number is punishable by Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Fines in 2026:

    • 🚫 One number missing (front or rear): 5 000 ₽ or deprivation of rights for 1-3 months
    • 🔍 The number is unreadable (more than 50% of characters): 2 500 ₽
    • 🔄 The number is set incorrectly (upside down, closed): 1 500 ₽
    • 🚔 Fake number: criminal liability (up to 2 years imprisonment)

    The traffic police inspector has the right rent a room right on the spot if he:

    • Has traces of counterfeiting (font, color mismatch)
    • Secured in a non-standard way (with double-sided tape, wire)
    • Damaged so that the region or series cannot be identified
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    If your license plate is damaged but the characters are legible, temporarily cover the chips with clear tape. This will avoid a fine until a duplicate is made. The main thing is not to cover more than 20% of the sign area.

    Particular attention is paid motorcycles and mopeds — for the absence of a license plate, the fine is the same as for a car (5 000 ₽), despite the smaller size of the sign. If your number is stolen, be sure to file a police report within 24 hours, otherwise, when stopped by an inspector, you will face a fine for “failure to take measures to preserve documents” (1 000-1 500 ₽).

    Common mistakes when registering a duplicate and how to avoid them

    Even with the apparent simplicity of the procedure, many car owners make mistakes that lead to a refusal to issue a duplicate or a delay in the process. Let's look at typical mistakes and ways to prevent them:

    ⚠️ Attention: If the application for a duplicate indicates an incorrect VIN number, it cannot be corrected - you will have to submit a new application and pay the state fee again. Always check the data with PTS or STS.
    • 📝 Data inconsistency: For example, the statement specifies the model Toyota Camry, and in PTS - Toyota Camry V50. Solution: Use the exact wording from the documents.
    • 💳 Payment not according to details: Transferring money to incorrect details (for example, old traffic police data) leads to the need to pay again. Solution: take current details from the official website traffic police.rf.
    • 📅 Missing the application deadline: If your number is stolen, a police report must be filed within 24 hours, otherwise the duplicate will not be issued without an explanatory note. Solution: immediately write an application online via rortal.mvd.ru.
    • 📱 Technical errors in State Services: The system may freeze when loading photo documents. Solution: Use a browser Google Chrome and disable ad blockers.

    Another common problem is refusal to issue a duplicate due to “outstanding fines”. Since 2023, the traffic police has been checking debts in the FSSP database before issuing new license plates. If you have unpaid fines over 10 000 ₽, first pay them off through official service.

    Is it possible to duplicate a number in another region?

    Yes, the rule applies from 2022 extraterritoriality — you can issue a duplicate at any traffic police department or MFC in the Russian Federation, regardless of the region of registration of the vehicle. The main thing is to indicate the correct address for delivery of the new number.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about duplicate license plates

    Is it possible to drive with a temporary license plate while a duplicate is being made?

    Yes, but only if you received the official one transit number at the traffic police (cost 1 600 ₽). Self-printed “temporary plates” on paper are considered the same as the absence of a sign and are punishable by a fine. 5 000 ₽. Transit validity period — 20 days.

    What to do if the new number arrived with a defect (crooked letters, scratches)?

    During 14 days you have the right to return the defective license plate to the traffic police and demand a free replacement. To do this you need:

    1. Take a photo of the defect (with a ruler for scale).
    2. Write a complaint addressed to the head of the traffic police department.
    3. Attach a receipt for payment of the state fee.

    If the traffic police refuses to replace it, file a complaint through official website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

    Do I need to change the STS when receiving a duplicate number?

    No, registration certificate there is no need to change - only new series and character numbers are added to it. Exception: if you simultaneously change the owner of the vehicle or other registration data. In this case, a new STS will be issued with up-to-date information.

    Is it possible to order a duplicate license plate for someone else’s car (by proxy)?

    Yes, but only if available notarized power of attorney with an explicit indication of the right to “replace registration plates”. A regular handwritten power of attorney will not work. The power of attorney must contain:

    • Authorized person's details (passport)
    • Vehicle data (VIN, license plate number)
    • Owner's signature certified by a notary

    Cost of notarization - 1 000-1 500 ₽.

    How long is a duplicate license plate valid?

    Duplicate has unlimited validity period - it is completely equivalent to the original number. Exception: if you change the owner of the car or re-register the vehicle in another region, you will have to get new license plates (no longer as a duplicate, but as a primary issue).