How to legally save a car license plate from another region: 7 proven methods

Moving to another city or buying a used car with plates from another region often puts owners in a dilemma: whether to change the registration plates or try to keep them. Since 2020, the rules for registering vehicles in Russia have undergone changes, and now car owners have more opportunities to preserve their “native” license plates. However, the procedure remains confusing for most - especially when it comes to numbers with an area code that does not match the current place of residence.

In this article we will analyze all legal ways to save numbers in another region, including nuances for individuals and legal entities, features when selling/buying a car and current life hacks for 2026. You will learn how to avoid unnecessary trips to the traffic police, what documents will be required, and what to do if the inspector refuses to save the license plates without reason.

Let us note right away: saving numbers from another region is not breaking the law, and your right, enshrined in Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399 of June 26, 2018. The main thing is to prepare the documents correctly and not fall for the tricks of unscrupulous intermediaries who offer to “resolve the issue” for money.

1. When it is possible to save numbers of another region by law

According to current legislation, the preservation of registration plates with a code of another region is permitted in four main cases:

✅ Change of residence (moving to another city/region). It doesn’t matter whether you now have a temporary or permanent registration - the right to save your numbers remains.

✅ Buying a used car with numbers that the new owner wants to keep. There are some nuances here with the registration of the PrEP - more on this in the next section.

✅ Legal entities can save numbers when re-registering a vehicle fleet to another unit in another region.

✅ Special cases: inheritance, donation, court decisions on the transfer of vehicles.

Important: if you change the owner of the car (sell/buy), then saving numbers is possible only if simultaneous application submission from the old and new owner. Otherwise, the signs will be automatically cancelled.

⚠️ Attention: If you are moving to another region and plan to keep your numbers, you have 10 days from the moment of registration at the new place of residence in order to submit an application. After this period, the traffic police may refuse to preserve the signs.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to save your numbers when moving

The algorithm of actions depends on whether you are changing your place of residence or just want to keep your old license plates when buying a car. Let's consider the first case - moving to another region.

Step 1. Preparing documents

You will need:

• 📄 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (original + copy of page with registration)
• 📄 STS and PTS of the car (originals)
• 📄 MTPL policy (must be valid at the time of re-registration)
• 📄 Application for preservation of registration plates (a sample can be downloaded on the website State services or get it from the traffic police)
• 📄 Receipt for payment of state duty (350 rubles for maintaining numbers + 850 rubles for a new STS)

Step 2. Submitting an application

There are three options:

1. Via Public services (the fastest way is to make an appointment in 5 minutes).
2. In person at any traffic police department (not necessarily at your new place of residence).
3. Through the MFC (if such a service is available in your region).

Step 3. Obtaining new documents

After checking the documents you will be given:

• New STS indicating your current region of residence.
• Old license plates (if they are in good condition and cannot be replaced for technical reasons).
• Vehicle inspection report (if carried out).

Processing times: from 1 to 3 working days. If you submit via Public services, you can choose a convenient time to visit the traffic police without queuing.

3. Saving license plates when buying a used car

Here the procedure is more complicated, since participation is required previous owner. If the seller doesn’t mind leaving the numbers, follow this algorithm:

1. Joint visit to the traffic police

Both owners (old and new) must appear at the traffic police with passports and documents for the car. The seller writes a statement about consent to retain registration marks, and the buyer - about their receipt.

2. Registration of a written contract with a note

The purchase and sale agreement must contain the following phrase:

“The buyer expresses a desire to retain the registration plates [plate number] for himself”

Without this mark, the traffic police may refuse to save the license plates.

3. Payment of duties

The new owner will have to pay:

• 350 ₽ - for saving numbers
• 850 ₽ — for a new STS
• 2,000 ₽ — for making changes to the PTS (if required)

⚠️ Attention: If the seller cannot personally visit the traffic police, he can issue notarized power of attorney to the buyer with the right to retain the numbers. However, not all traffic police departments accept such powers of attorney - check in advance.

What to do if the seller is against it?

In this case, save the numbers it's impossible — they are automatically canceled when the owner changes. The only way out is to agree with the seller about a joint visit to the traffic police or offer him compensation (for example, pay duties).

4. Legal nuances: what the law says

Basic regulations governing the preservation of numbers:

• 📜 Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399 dated June 26, 2018 - the main document allowing the preservation of signs upon a change of owner or place of residence.
• 📜 Government Decree No. 1764 dated 12/21/2019 - clarifies the procedure for vehicle registration.
• 📜 Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation — regulates fines for late re-registration (up to 2,000 ₽).

What does the law say about area codes?

From 2020 the region code on the license plate doesn't have to match with your current place of residence. For example, you can live in Moscow (77), but drive with numbers from 78 (St. Petersburg) or 59 (Perm region). This is not a violation if all documents are completed correctly.

Exceptions when saving numbers is not possible:

• 🚫 Numbers are damaged or unreadable (replacement required according to GOST).
• 🚫 The numbers are wanted or have traffic police restrictions.
• 🚫 The previous owner did not consent to preservation.
• 🚫 The car was deregistered for disposal.

Is it possible to keep the plates if the car is leased?

Yes, but only with the written consent of the leasing company. Without their permission, the traffic police will refuse to preserve the signs.

5. Common problems and how to solve them

Even with the correct paperwork, owners are faced with refusals or delays. Let's look at typical situations and ways to solve them.

Problem 1: The inspector refuses without reason

If they tell you that “you can’t do that” or “you need to change your numbers,” demand written refusal indicating the reason. Most often this is due to the employee’s ignorance of current orders. In this case:

• Link to Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399 (clause 33).
• Ask for a senior inspector.
• Write a complaint on the website traffic police or through Public services.

Problem 2: Numbers are stuck in the database

Sometimes, when re-registering, numbers are not linked to the new STS. This is a technical glitch that can be resolved as follows:

1. Check the details on the website traffic police by STS number.
2. If the numbers are not displayed, contact the department where you filled out the documents.
3. Write a request to eliminate a technical error.

Problem 3: They require replacement plates due to “poor condition”

By GOST R 50577-93, numbers must be replaced if:

• 🔹 Scratches or chips cover more than 20% of the sign area.
• 🔹 The paint has faded so much that the numbers are not readable from 20 meters.
• 🔹 The signs are bent or have traces of counterfeiting.

If your numbers are in good condition, request written expert opinion about their worthlessness.

What to do if the numbers are lost but saved in the database?

If you saved the numbers in the traffic police, but physically lost them, you can order a duplicate. To do this, submit an application to any traffic police department with your passport and STS. The cost of making a duplicate is 2,000 ₽. The numbers will be the same, but with a new seal.

6. Alternative methods: when legal methods do not work

If for some reason it was not possible to save the numbers through the traffic police, there is legal workarounds:

Method 1: Re-registration to a relative

If you are moving but do not want to change the plates, you can temporarily register the car in the name of a relative living in the “home” region of the plates. The downside is that you will have to travel by proxy.

Method 2: Renting rooms

Some companies offer the service of “saving license plates” through registration of a car in the name of a figurehead. This is a semi-legal scheme: formally it does not violate the law, but it may raise questions when checking documents. Risks:

• 🔴 If the “intermediary” disappears, it will be difficult to return the numbers.
• 🔴 In case of an accident, problems with insurance may arise.

Method 3: Re-registration in another region

If you often visit the city where the license plates are registered, you can register temporary registration there and re-register the car at this address. This is legal, but it will take time to obtain registration.

Method 4: Buying duplicate numbers

If the numbers are lost, but saved in the database, you can order a duplicate of them (see spoiler above). This is cheaper than buying new “beautiful” numbers on the secondary market.

⚠️ Attention: Buying other people’s numbers “from someone else’s hands” is criminal offense under Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Forgery of documents”). The maximum penalty is up to 2 years in prison. Don't take risks!

7. How much does it cost to store numbers in another region?

Let's look at all possible expenses in 2026:

Service	Cost (₽)	Comment
Saving registration plates	350	State duty under Art. 333.33 Tax Code of the Russian Federation
New STS	850	Required when changing owner or registration
Making changes to the PTS	2 000	Required if owner changes
Execution of a power of attorney (if necessary)	1 000–2 000	At the notary, if the seller cannot visit the traffic police
Duplicate numbers (if lost)	2 000	Making new signs with the same numbers

Total: minimum cost to save numbers - 1 200 ₽ (350 + 850). If the owner changes, the amount increases to 3 200 ₽. Additional costs may arise when issuing a power of attorney or duplicate.

How to save money?

• 💰 Pay duties via Public services — there is a 30% discount there.
• 💰 If the seller agrees, arrange to save the numbers at the same time as the purchase - this way you won’t have to pay for changes to the PTS separately.
• 💰 Check if there are any benefits for large families or veterans in your region (fees have been reduced in some areas).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can I keep my numbers if I move from Russia to Belarus or Kazakhstan?

No, that's impossible. Registration marks of the Russian Federation are valid only on the territory of Russia. When leaving for permanent residence in another country, you will have to hand over Russian license plates and get local ones.

What happens if I don’t change numbers after moving?

By law you have 10 days for re-registration of a car after a change of residence. If you miss the deadline, the fine will be 1 500–2 000 ₽ (Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). However, in practice, fines are rarely issued - only when documents are checked by an inspector.

Is it possible to save numbers with code 77 (Moscow) if I live in the region?

Yes, the region code on the number does not have to match your registration. The main thing is that the car is registered in your name and all duties are paid.

How can I check if my old license plates are saved in the traffic police database?

Go to the site traffic police, enter the STS number or VIN of the vehicle. The “Registration History” section will list all numbers associated with the car, including saved ones.

Can I sell my saved numbers to someone else?

No, transfer of registration plates between individuals prohibited. The numbers are tied to a specific car and owner. The only legal way to “sell” nice license plates is to sell the car along with them.