Where to see the car’s electronic passport number: official and alternative methods

From July 1, 2021, Russia began to issue electronic vehicle passports (EPTS) instead of traditional paper PTS. This document contains the same information as the old passport, but is stored digitally in the traffic police database. However, many car owners are confused: where to look EPTS number, if the physical document is not on hand?

In practice, an electronic passport number is required to obtain insurance, sell a car, register with the traffic police or check the car’s history. Unlike a paper PTS, where the number is indicated on the title page, in the case of an EPTS it must be “obtained” through official sources. In this article we will look at all the legal methods - from checking through Public services before requesting MFC, and we will also tell you which data from the EPTS you can find out for free, and which you will have to pay for.

It is important to understand: EPTS number - this is not the same as VIN code or license plate number. This is a unique 15-digit identifier that is assigned to a digital document in the traffic police database. It cannot be faked or altered, so it is often used to verify the authenticity of vehicle details.

1. Where is the EPTS number stored: official sources

Since an electronic passport is not issued in person, its number can only be obtained through authorized systems. Main sources:

📌 Public services - the fastest and free way. The EPTS number is displayed in the personal account of the car owner if the car is registered in your name.

📌 Traffic police portal - an alternative to State Services, but with a less convenient interface. Requires a verified account.

📌 MFC or traffic police — if you do not have access to online services, you can request an extract from the EPTS register in person.

🔹 Important: EPTS number not duplicated in paper documents (STS, MTPL policy or purchase and sale agreement). It cannot be found on the websites of car dealers or in the mobile applications of banks (if the car is on credit).

2. How to find out the EPTS number through State Services: step-by-step instructions

This is the most reliable method, since the data is taken directly from the traffic police database. The instructions are relevant for owners of cars registered after 2021.

🔹 Step 1. Login to State Services portal (verified account required).

🔹 Step 2. Go to section Services → Transport and driving → Electronic vehicle passport.

🔹 Step 3. Select your car from the list (if there are several). The EPTS number will be indicated in the block Basic information under the VIN code.

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Attention: If the car was purchased recently and is not yet registered in your name, the EPTS number may not be displayed in State Services. In this case, contact the previous owner or the traffic police.

The car is registered in your name

Account on State Services has been confirmed (via passport or SNILS)

The desired vehicle is displayed in the list of vehicles

No blocking or restrictions on the car-->

3. Alternative methods: traffic police portal and MFC

If for some reason State Services are not available, you can use other official channels.

🔸 Via the traffic police website:

1. Go to official portal and log in.
2. In the section Electronic services select Vehicle check.
3. Enter the VIN code or license plate number. The EPTS number will be on the statement.

🔸 Through MFC or traffic police:

1. Make an appointment (via State Services or by phone).
2. Show your passport and STS.
3. Ask for an extract from the EPTS register - the number will be indicated in the document.

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Attention: Some private services (for example, Autocode or CarVertical) offer EPTS verification for a fee. However, the number of the electronic passport itself is don't show - only data from it (year of manufacture, mileage, number of owners).

4. Is it possible to find out the EPTS number by VIN code or license plate number?

No, it’s not possible directly. The VIN code and license plate number are tied to the car, and the EPTS number is tied to its digital passport in the traffic police database. However there are workarounds:

🔹 If the car is on you:

→ Use State Services or the traffic police portal (see instructions above).

→ Order an extract from the EPTS register at the MFC (free of charge, period - 1-3 days).

🔹 If the car is not yours (check before purchase):

→ Ask the seller to provide the EPTS number from his personal account on State Services.

→ Check the car through the service Autostory (paid) - the date of issue of the EPTS will be indicated there, but not its number.

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5. Table: where you can and cannot find out the EPTS number

Method	Does it show the EPTS number?	Cost	Deadline
Government services (personal account)	✅ Yes	Free	Instantly
Traffic police portal	✅ Yes	Free	Instantly
MFC (extract from the register)	✅ Yes	Free	1–3 days
Autocode / CarVertical	❌ No (only data from EPTS)	From 300 ₽	Instantly
Bank (if the car is on credit)	❌ No (only VIN and license plate number)	Free	—

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

🚫 Error 1: They confuse the EPTS number with the STS number or VIN code.

→ Solution: The EPTS number is 15 digits starting with 8 or 9. VIN consists of 17 characters (numbers + Latin letters), and STS - of 10 numbers.

🚫 Error 2: They are trying to find the EPTS in the purchase and sale agreement.

→ Solution: The DCP indicates only the VIN and details of the paper vehicle title (if there was one). The EPTS number is not there.

🚫 Error 3: They trust the EPTS number from sales advertisements.

→ Solution: Fraudsters can fake screenshots. Always check the number through State Services or the traffic police.

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7. What to do if the EPTS number is not displayed?

If you are the owner of a car, but the EPTS number is not visible on State Services, the following reasons are possible:

🔹 The car is registered until 2021 — EPTS has not yet been issued. In this case, you must have a paper PTS.

🔹 Data is not synchronized — sometimes after purchasing a car, information is updated in the traffic police database with a delay of up to 5 days.

🔹 Registry error - rarely, but it happens. In this case, you need to contact the traffic police to clarify the data.

📌 How to speed up the process:

1. Check that the car is registered in your name (via My documents on State Services).
2. Update the data in your personal account (button Update details in the section with the car).
3. If it doesn't help, contact technical support for public services or the traffic police department.

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Attention: If you bought a used car, and the previous owner did not re-register the EPTS, the number may “hang” on it. In this case, ask the seller to provide an extract from the register or contact the traffic police together.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the EPTS number

Is it possible to restore an EPTS number if it is lost?

The EPTS number is not “lost” - it is stored in the traffic police database. If you cannot find it, check your personal account on State Services or request an extract from the MFC. There is no need to restore anything.

Do I need to pay to get an EPTS number?

No, all official methods (State Services, State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, MFC) provide the number for free. Paid services (Autocode, CarVertical) show only data from EPTS, but not the number itself.

Can the EPTS number change?

No, the number is assigned once when creating an electronic passport and remains unchanged even if the car changes owner or is re-registered.

What to do if, when checking at State Services, it says “EPTS not found”?

This means that an electronic passport has not yet been issued for the car. Contact the traffic police for clarification. Perhaps the car is registered until 2021 and has a valid paper title.

Is it possible to find out the history of the owners using the EPTS number?

No, the EPTS number alone does not tell the story. To do this you need to order extended statement from the registry (paid) or use services like Autostories.