Have you sold your car but want to keep your license plates? Or are you planning to buy a car with a “nice” number plate, but are not sure about its status? In Russia, since 2013, there has been an opportunity storage of license plates in the traffic police — a service that allows you to assign numbers to yourself for 360 days (or 10 years for legal entities). However, many car owners face a problem: how to check if the numbers are actually in storagewithout going to the department in person?

In this article we will analyze all the current verification methods - from online services to a personal visit to the traffic police. You will learn what documents are needed, how long the procedure takes, and what to do if the data in the system is not updated. We will also reveal hidden nuances that even inspectors don’t talk about: for example, why numbers can “disappear” from the database 2-3 months after deregistration, and how to avoid this.

1. Why is it important to check the storage status of numbers

Many car owners mistakenly believe that after deregistration of the car, the license plates automatically go into storage. In practice this is not the case: storage is a separate serviceto be ordered up to or during deregistration of a vehicle. If you do not apply, the plates may be transferred to a new owner or disposed of.

Here are the key reasons why checking number status is critical:

  • 🔄 Shelf life: For individuals - 1 year (360 days), for legal entities - up to 10 years. After the expiration date, the numbers are cancelled.
  • 💰 Financial risks: If the plates are not in storage, they can be “taken” by the new owner of the car - and you will have to pay for new ones.
  • ⚖️ Legal consequences: If there is an error in the traffic police database, you may lose the right to license plates, even if you submitted an application.
  • 🔍 Check before purchase: When purchasing a used car with “nice” license plates, it is important to make sure that they are not in the custody of the previous owner.

According to Rosstat, in 2023, more than 12% of car owners lost license plates due to late status verification. Most often this happened when selling a car through resellers or when inspectors made mistakes.

📊 Have you ever lost your license plates when selling a car?
Yes, due to a traffic police error
Yes, through my own fault
No, but I know such cases
Haven't encountered a problem

2. Method 1: Check through “Government Services” (the fastest method)

Official portal Public services allows you to check the status of numbers free and without visiting the traffic police. However, there are nuances: the service shows data only for numbers that you personally placed in storage. You cannot check other people’s numbers through Gosuslugi.

Step by step instructions:

  1. Log in to the portal Public services (account level - confirmed).
  2. Go to section Services → Transport and driving → Vehicle registration.
  3. Select an item Checking the status of registration plates (or similar - name may change).
  4. Enter series and number sign (for example, A 123 BV 77).
  5. The system will show the status: “In storage” with an indication of the period or “Not found”.

Check that the series and number are entered correctly|Make sure that you are authorized under the same account from which you submitted the application for storage|Contact State Services support (there may be a problem in the database)|Try alternative verification methods (see below)

-->

⚠️ Attention: If you sold your car and did not apply to store the license plates, State Services will not show their status. In this case, the numbers were either transferred to the new owner or disposed of.

💡

If the numbers are not displayed in “State Services”, but you are sure that you submitted an application, try checking after 3-5 days - sometimes the data is updated with a delay.

3. Method 2: Online check on the traffic police website

Official website traffic police provides a service for checking the status of registration plates, but with limitations. Unlike Gosuslug, here you can find out information using other people’s license plates (for example, before buying a car).

Instructions:

  1. Go to page car checks.
  2. Enter VIN or license plate number (for example, XTA211030A1234567 or M 777 MM 77).
  3. Enter captcha and click "Request Review".
  4. Look for the block in the results Registration plate status. Possible values:
    • “In storage” - the numbers are retained by the owner.
    • “Issued to a vehicle” - used by another car.
    • “Invalid” - disposed of or expired.
Status in the traffic police database What does this mean Actions
In storage The numbers are assigned to you and have not expired. Can be used when registering a new car.
Issued on vehicles The license plates were installed on another vehicle (possibly with a new owner). Check vehicle history via Autocode or CarVertical.
Not valid The shelf life has expired (for individuals - 1 year), or the numbers have been disposed of. New numbers need to be issued.
No data The numbers were not found in the database (possible input error or system failure). Please repeat your request later or contact the traffic police in person.

⚠️ Attention: The traffic police website sometimes gives outdated data - especially if the numbers were re-registered less than 2 weeks ago. In this case, it is better to clarify the information by calling the hotline: +7 (495) 623-70-70 (for Moscow) or through regional numbers.

4. Method 3: Personal application to the traffic police (the most reliable)

If online services do not give a clear answer, the most reliable method remains - personal visit to the traffic police department. This is the only method that guarantees 100% up-to-date data, since the inspector checks the information in the internal database.

What you will need:

  • 📄 Passport (or other identification document).
  • 📋 Vehicle registration certificate (if you check your numbers).
  • 📝 Statement (sample will be provided on site).
  • 💳 Payment of state duty (if an extract is required - about 350 rubles).

Step-by-step algorithm:

  1. Find the nearest traffic police department with the function vehicle registration (check on the website traffic police or through Yandex.Maps).
  2. Take an electronic queue ticket (usually the terminal is located at the entrance). Select service: Checking the status of registration plates.
  3. Wait for the call to the window and present your documents. The inspector will check the numbers in the database EAISTO (Unified automated information system for technical inspection).
  4. If the numbers are in storage, you will be given certificate indicating the deadline. If not, specify the reason (perhaps the deadline has expired or there was an error during registration).
What to do if the inspector refuses to check other people's license plates?

According to the law (Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 605 of 08/07/2013), the inspector is obliged to provide information about the status of the license plates if you are the owner of the vehicle or have a notarized power of attorney. If they refuse without reason, request a written refusal and file a complaint with the site. Ministry of Internal Affairs.

⚠️ Attention: In some regions (for example, Moscow, St. Petersburg), checking other people’s numbers may require statement from the owner or power of attorney. Check this in advance by phone.

5. Method 4: Check through the MFC (alternative to the traffic police)

Multifunctional centers (MFC) also provide services to check the status of numbers, but with restrictions. The main plus is no long queues, and the downside is that not all departments work with the traffic police database.

How to check:

  1. Make an appointment through the website MFC or by phone.
  2. Select service: Checking registration plate information (name may vary).
  3. Take your passport and (if possible) car documents with you.
  4. An MFC employee will send a request to the traffic police and provide a response within 1-5 days (depending on the region).

Service cost: free (unless an official transcript is required).

💡

The MFC cannot issue numbers or change their status - only check the information. For any actions with license plates, you will have to contact the traffic police.

6. Method 5: Checking through online services (unofficial)

There are unofficial services (for example, Autocode, Car.ru, Signs.rf), which offer to check the status of license plates in the traffic police database. However, their data is not always up to date, and some sites may be fraudulent.

Pros and cons of unofficial services:

Pros Cons
✅ Fast (result in 1-2 minutes). ❌ Data may be out of date (updated once every 1-2 weeks).
✅ You can check other people's numbers. ❌ Some services require payment (risk of running into scammers).
✅ Additional information (car history, fines). ❌ There is no guarantee of accuracy (the traffic police is not responsible for errors).

If you still decide to use such a service, choose proven platforms:

  • 🔍 Autocode — paid, but reliable (data from the traffic police and insurance companies).
  • 🚗 Car.ru — free check by license plate (limited information).
  • 📊 Signs.rf — specializes in rooms, but requires registration.

⚠️ Attention: Never enter your passport or bank card details on little-known sites! Fraudsters can use this information to issue loans or fines in your name.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with proper inspection, car owners often encounter problems. Here TOP-5 errors and ways to solve them:

  1. Error 1: Checking for expiration

    Numbers are stored exactly 1 year (for individuals). If you check them after 12 months and 1 day, the system will show "Invalid". Solution: Track the deadline in Public services or set a reminder on your phone.

  2. Error 2: The license plates “disappeared” after the car was sold

    If you have not submitted an application for storage up to When a car is deregistered, the license plates are automatically transferred to the new owner. Solution: Always register storage in advance (you can do this when selling a car).

  3. Error 3: Data in State Services and the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate do not match

    This occurs due to a delay in database synchronization (up to 14 days). Solution: If in doubt, contact the traffic police in person.

  4. Error 4: Checking other people's numbers without the owner's consent

    By law, information about the status of numbers is personal data. Other people's license plates can only be checked through the traffic police with justification (for example, before buying a car). Solution: Ask the seller to provide a certificate from the traffic police.

  5. Mistake 5: Ignoring license plate fines

    If the numbers you want to save have unpaid fines, they may not be accepted for storage. Solution: Check the fines on the website Traffic police fines and pay them in advance.

💡

If you are selling a car with “nice” license plates, include a clause in the sales contract stating that the plates remain yours. This will help avoid disputes with the buyer.

8. What to do if the numbers are not in storage

If the check shows that the numbers not saved at the traffic police, you have several options:

  • 🔄 Restore numbers (if the shelf life expired less than 30 days ago). To do this, you need to contact the traffic police with an application and a passport. The chance of success is about 50% (depending on the region).
  • 🆕 Get new numbers. Cost: 2,000 rubles (state duty for production). You can choose a combination of available numbers.
  • 📝 Challenge the decision of the traffic police, if the numbers “disappeared” due to the fault of the inspector. To do this, you need to write a complaint addressed to the head of the traffic police department with a demand to restore the numbers.
  • 🔍 Check number history through Autocode — perhaps they are assigned to another car by mistake.

If you decide to apply new numbers, please note:

  • 📌 You can choose any free combination (except for prohibited ones, for example, A 001 AA).
  • 💰 Cost: 2,000 rubles (fee) + 350 rubles (for registration certificate).
  • ⏳ Production time: from 1 day (in some regions - immediately upon request).
💡

If the numbers were lost due to the fault of the traffic police (for example, due to an inspector’s mistake), you have the right to demand their restoration free of charge. To do this, submit a complaint in writing, indicating the reasons.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about storing license plates in the traffic police

❓ Is it possible to extend the shelf life of numbers?

No, there is no extension available. For individuals, the maximum period is 360 days (1 year). After this period, the numbers are canceled and cannot be restored. Legal entities can store numbers up to 10 years.

❓ What happens if you don’t pick up the numbers from storage?

If you do not use the numbers during the storage period, they will automatically are disposed of. After this, they cannot be restored - you will have to issue new ones. Exception: if you prove that you were unable to pick up the plates for a good reason (for example, illness), the traffic police may accommodate you.

❓ Is it possible to store license plates if the car is pawned?

Yes, but only with permission of the mortgagee (bank or other organization). Without consent, you cannot deregister a car and keep the license plates - this is a violation of the pledge agreement. Usually banks give permission if you provide a replacement (another car as collateral).

❓ How much does it cost to store numbers?

Service for individuals free (no state fee is charged). Legal entities pay 350 rubles for registration of storage. Payment is made via Public services or at the traffic police ticket office.

❓ Is it possible to check license plates by VIN code?

No, The VIN shows the car's history, but not the status of the numbers. To find out information about license plates, you need to enter their series and number. Exception: if the car is still registered, then after VIN you can see which numbers are registered to it.