The sale of a car is often accompanied by the question: can you keep it? state-mark? For many owners, rooms have not only practical but also sentimental value, especially if they are “beautiful” combinations or signs with a history. In 2026, Russian legislation allows you to leave the numbers behind, but for this you need to strictly follow the regulations. GABD and meet key deadlines.

In this article, we will understand The only legal way to save license plates when selling a car - through the procedure deregistration. We will tell you what documents will be required, how much it costs, what pitfalls await at each stage and how to avoid typical mistakes. We will also focus on the nuances for legal entities, machines in leasing and cases when the seller and the buyer are close relatives.

The possibility of retaining registration marks is regulated Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399 of 26.06.2018 (as revised in 2026). According to paragraph 33 of this document, the owner of the vehicle can state-plate When removing the car from the account, if:

  • 📋 The vehicle is not wanted or under arrest.
  • 💰 On the owner's login in Public services no unpaid fines
  • 🔄 The numbers were not replaced at the request of the traffic police (for example, due to damage or loss)
  • 📅 At least 3 months have passed since the last registration (for individuals).

Important: c January 1, 2023 The mandatory presence of the car during deregistration is canceled. Now, it's enough to give PTSD and STIS (unless they are in electronic form). However, to save the rooms will still require a personal visit. MREO or IFC.

Legal entities and individual entrepreneurs can keep numbers only if the car is listed on the balance sheet of the organization at least 6 months. For leasing machines, there are separate rules - more about this in the relevant section.

📊 Have you tried to save your license plate when selling your car?
Yeah, it worked.
Yeah, but they didn't.
No, but I'm planning.
No, and no planning.

Step by step: how to save numbers when selling a car

The procedure consists of 5 mandatory stages. Missing any of them will lead to automatic loss of numbers. Consider each step with the timing and cost.

  1. Preparation of documents

    You'll need:

    • 📄 Passport of the owner (original + copy)
    • 📄 PTSD (if not electronically)
    • 📄 STIS (if not electronically)
    • 📄 Contract of sale (if the car has already been sold)
    • 💳 Receipt on payment of state duty (350 rubles for the preservation of rooms)
  2. Payment of the state duty

    The amount for the number preservation -- 350 rubles (as of 2026). You can pay:

    • 💻 Through Public services (30 percent off)
    • 🏦 In the terminal. Sberbank or
    • 📱 Through mobile applications (Tinkoff., VTB et al.

    Keep a check for payment - it will need to be presented in MREO.

  3. Application

    Application for the preservation of numbers is submitted:

    • 🖥️ Through Public services (Section "Registration of the vehicle → Removal from account with the preservation of numbers")
    • 🏛️ Personally in MREO or IFC

When you submit online, you will be assigned a date of visit to GABD to complete the procedure.

  • Visit to IREO

    On the appointed day you need:

    Passport | Check on payment of state duty | PTS and CTS (if not electronic) | Statement (if not submitted through public services) | Contract of sale (if the car is already sold)->

  • Obtaining documents

    After checking the documents, you will be given:

    • 📄 Certificate of preservation of state numbers (valid 180 days)
    • 📄 New STIS and PTSD (if the car is not sold yet)

    The whole process takes 1 to 3 working daysIf the papers are in order. When applying through Public services The time may be reduced to a few hours.

    💡

    If you sell a car with the preservation of numbers, specify this condition in the contract of sale. For example: “The seller retains the state registration plates A123B 77".

    How much does it cost to keep the state number in 2026

    The cost of maintaining the numbers consists of several items. Below is an actual cost table, taking into account all possible costs:

    Service Cost (rupe) Commentary
    State duty for the preservation of numbers 350 Payment once upon submission of the application
    The new state duty STIS (if required) 500 If the car is registered without a number,
    Services IFC (if you serve through them) 0–300 In most regions, it is free, but some centers charge a commission.
    Electronic signature (if you are signed through the Public services) 0–1 500 Free of charge if you have a confirmed account
    Notarization of power of attorney (if you act through a representative) 1 000–2 000 It is required if the owner cannot visit in person. MREO

    Total cost Most of the owners will be 350–850 rubles. If the car has already been sold, and the numbers are stored "in reserve", then it is enough to pay only the state duty for preservation (350 rubles).

    Please note: if you do not have time to put the saved numbers on the new car during the 180 daysThey'll have to be handed over to GABD Or pay for re-saving.

    Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    Even with strict adherence to the instructions, owners often face rejections or delays. Here. 5 Most Common Mistakes And how to prevent them:

    • ❌ Missed deadline for application

      If you have sold your car and the numbers have not been saved 10 days. Once they are removed, they are automatically cancelled. Decision: apply for preservation before or day-to-day sales.

    • ❌ Unpaid fines

      The presence of debts on fines is the most common reason for refusals. Decision: check the fines on DIBD official website through Public services beforehand.

    • ❌ Data mismatch in documents

      If PTSD passports with different surnames (for example, after marriage), you will need a document confirming the change of surname. DecisionPrepare a marriage/divorce certificate in advance.

    • ❌ Attempt to keep the plates on the stolen or arrested car

      These numbers are automatically blocked by the system. DecisionCheck the status of the car through the service check-up.

    • ❌ Use of saved numbers on another owner's car

      The numbers can only be placed on a car registered to the same owner who kept them. DecisionIf the car is registered for a relative, first re-register it for yourself.

    What to do if the number is refused?

    If you are denied without explanation, ask for a written justification (this is your right to do so). FZ-59). Frequent reasons for refusal:

    - Technical errors in the database GABD (For example, the car is mistakenly stolen).

    - Unmarked mark on the deregistration of the PTSD.

    - Filing documents to the wrong office MREO (Applicable at the owner’s place of registration).

    In these cases, make a complaint through Public services or go to the boss. MREO.

    If the car belongs to the organization or is in leasing, the procedure for saving numbers has nuances. The main difference is tenure and document.

    For legal entities (LLC, IP, JSC)

    To the standard package of documents are added:

    • 📄 Extract from EGRUL (not older than 30 days)
    • 📄 Power of attorney for the employee (if the director does not visit) MREO personally
    • 📄 Seal of the organization (if any)

    The period of ownership of the car before saving the numbers - at least 6 months (for individuals, 3 months).

    For leasing vehicles

    It all depends on the terms of the lease agreement:

    • 🔹 If the car is in finance leasing (with the right of redemption), the numbers can be saved only after the full redemption of the car.
    • 🔹 If the car is in lease-holdThe retention of numbers is usually prohibited by contract.

    Exception: Some leasing companies allow plates to be kept, provided that a new car is also leased from them.

    💡

    Legal entities and lessees before saving numbers must clarify the position of the tax inspectorate. Since 2026 FN may regard the retention of numbers as "disposal of property" and charge additional taxes.

    What to do with the saved numbers

    After successful preservation, you have 180 days. . . to:

    1. Put the numbers on the new car (own or purchased).
    2. They will be given to another parent (or family member) if they are a parent, parent, or parent.
    3. Get the numbers back in GABD (unless you plan to use them).

    If you decide to put numbers on a new machine, the algorithm is as follows:

    1. Buy a car and get it for yourself.
    2. Apply for registration of the vehicle through Public services, showing the number saved.
    3. When visiting MREO present Certificate of preservation of state numbers.

    Important: If you sell a car with the number saved, the new owner cannot Use these numbers – they remain tied to you. For a new car, you will have to get other signs.

    💡

    Saved numbers can be "hold" until you buy a new car. For example, if you sold Toyota Camry in May, Lexus ES If you plan to buy in December, the numbers will remain valid until November (180 days from the date of saving).

    Alternative methods: when it is impossible to save numbers

    If for some reason you cannot keep the numbers legally (for example, a car is pledged or you did not have time to apply), consider alternative options:

    • 🔄 Re-registration for a relative

      If you sell a car to a close relative, you can register it for him, and leave the numbers on your car. For this:

      1. Make a general power of attorney for a relative.
      2. Re-register the car without deregistration.
      3. Take your old car off the list with the numbers saved.

      Cons: a relative must be willing to temporarily own a car (minimum 3 months).

    • 📜 Buying doubles

      Some companies offer the production of rooms with the same combination, but with a different regional code. For example, instead of A123B 77 You'll get it. A123B99.

      ⚠️ Attention: These numbers are not original and may raise questions from employees. GABD.

    • 💰 Participation in the auctions of traffic police

      Once a quarter GABD He is selling "beautiful" numbers. You can try to buy a similar combination.

      The price of the lot starts from 5,000 rubles and may come up 500 000 rubles for the unique series.

      • Remember: any circumvention of legal procedures is fraught with fines or cancellation of numbers. If in doubt, consult with the attorney.

      FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

      Can I keep the numbers if the car is not sold yet?

      Yes, you can keep the numbers. before Car sales. For this:

      1. Take the car off the register with the number saved.
      2. Sell the car without numbers (in the contract specify that the signs remain with you).
      3. Put the saved numbers on the new car within 180 days.

      This is the most reliable way, since you do not depend on the timing of the sale.

      How many times can I keep the same number?

      The law does not limit the number of times the same number is saved. You can:

      • Save the numbers when selling the first car.
      • Put them on the second car.
      • Restore it when selling the second car.
      • And so on.

      The main thing is to comply with the deadlines (180 days for installation on a new vehicle) and not have debts on fines.

      Can I save the numbers if the car is pledged to the bank?

      No, if the car is pledged, keep the numbers. cannot. The bank as a pledgeholder has the right to veto any registration actions. The exception is if the bank gives written consent to keep the numbers (which is extremely rare).

      In this case, the only way out is to first repay the loan and remove the encumbrance, and then save the numbers.

      What happens if you don't put the saved plates on your new car in 180 days?

      If you do not have time to use the numbers within 180 days, they will be cancelled. You'll have to:

      • Or take them in. GABD (without reimbursement of value).
      • Or pay for re-saving (another 350 rubles), if you want to extend the period.

      Extension of the period is possible only once for the same 180 days.

      Can I save the numbers when disposing of the car?

      Yes, when disposing of the car, you have the right to keep the rooms on the same terms as when selling. For this:

      1. Apply for recycling through Public services or MREO.
      2. Include in the application the desire to keep the numbers.
      3. Pay the state duty (350 rubles).
      4. Get it. Certificate of preservation of state numbers.

      The numbers can be installed on the new car within 180 days.