From November 1, 2020, an electronic vehicle passport (EPTS) has become the main document for vehicle registration in Russia. It has replaced the paper PTS, but many car owners are still confused about where to look for the series and number of this document, what they look like and how they differ from old analogues.
Unlike the usual paper PTS, where the series and number were printed on the front side, in the EPTS this data is stored digitally - but it can still be found in several sources. In this article we will analyze all verification methods, we will decipher the structure of the number, explain why it is important to verify this data when buying a car, and what to do if the series or number does not match the records in the traffic police.
The electronic format has simplified many procedures (for example, processing transactions or registration), but added new nuances. For example, fraudsters have learned to falsify extracts from the EPTS register, and errors in the database can block the registration of a car. Therefore, knowing where and how to look at the series and number correctly will help you avoid problems when buying, selling or re-registering a car.
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How does EPTS differ from PTS: key changes in the series and number
The main difference is data storage format. In a paper PTS, the series and number were a unique document identifier printed in a typographical way. In EPTS, this data became part of the electronic record in the database FTS (Federal Tax Service), which maintains a register of vehicles.
Here are the key changes:
- 📄 Format: in the PTS the series and number looked like
77 TT 123456(letters + numbers), in EPTS this is 16-digit digital code without letters, for example1234567890123456. - 🔍 Where to look: in PTS the data was on the front side, in EPTS they need to be checked through personal account of the Federal Tax Service or an extract from the register.
- 🔄 Changeability: the EPTS number is assigned once and does not change (unlike the PTS, which could be reissued if lost).
Important: from 2026 all new cars are registered only with EPTS. Paper PTS are still valid for cars manufactured before 2020, but with any changes (change of owner, design) they are transferred to electronic format.
Where to look up the series and number of EPTS: 4 official ways
Since the EPTS is an electronic document, its series and number cannot be “touched” physically. But there are several legal ways to find out:
1. Extract from the EPTS register (the most reliable way). You can get it:
- 💻 Via personal account of the Federal Tax Service (free, registration required Public services).
- 📧 Upon request to any branch of the Federal Tax Service (application + passport + documents for the car).
- 🏛️ At the MFC (paid service, ~300–500 rubles).
2. Information in the traffic police. When registering or checking a car, the inspector can show the EPTS data in the database. However You cannot independently request this information through the traffic police website - only during a personal visit.
3. Sales and purchase agreement (SPA). If the car was purchased with an EPTS, its series and number must be indicated in the contract (usually in the “Information about the vehicle” section).
4. Online car inspection services (for example, Autocode or VinFormer). They pull data from open sources, but are not always up to date. Dangerous rely only on them when buying a car!
Before buying a car with EPTS, ask the seller to show a recent extract from the registry (date of issue - no older than 3 days). Fraudsters often falsify old statements where the data may have changed.
What does an EPTS number look like: structure and decoding
EPTS number is 16-digit digital code, which is divided into two logical parts:
First 6 digits— document series (analogous to the letter code in the PTS).Last 10 digits— unique number of the entry in the register.
Example: 1234567890123456, where:
- 🔢
123456— series (may indicate a region or batch of documents). - 🔢
7890123456— number (unique for each car).
Unlike PTS, where the series contained letters (for example, 77 TT for Moscow), in EPTS are used only numbers. This simplifies data processing by the traffic police and Federal Tax Service systems, but complicates visual authentication.
| Characteristics | PTS (paper) | EPTS (electronic) |
|---|---|---|
| Series and number format | XX XX 123456 (letters + numbers) |
1234567890123456 (16 digits) |
| Where indicated | On the front side of the document | In an extract from the Federal Tax Service register |
| Is it possible to change | Yes (if lost or damaged) | No (assigned once) |
| Validity period | Lifetime (with careful storage) | Lifetime (data is stored in the database) |
Important! If the extract from the EPTS register contains a number shorter than 16 characters (for example, 10 or 12 digits), this database error. Such data is considered invalid and the car cannot be registered.
Why are there no letters in EPTS?
Letter designations in PTS (for example, “TT” or “XX”) were used to visually separate series and simplify manual data entry. In electronic format this is not necessary - systems automatically read the 16-digit code without the risk of confusion.
What to do if the series or number of the EPTS does not match the traffic police data
Discrepancies in the series or number of the EPTS are critical error, which can block any operations with the car (sale, registration, insurance). Here is the algorithm of actions:
1. Check the data source:
- ✅ Check the number in the extract from the Federal Tax Service with the data in traffic police database (via VIN check).
- ❌ If there are discrepancies, do not sign the agreement - fix the error first.
2. Contact the Federal Tax Service to correct the data. You will need:
- 📄 Owner’s passport.
- 📄 Documents for the car (STS, DCT).
- 📄 Application for error correction (a sample will be provided on the spot).
3. If there is an error in the traffic police (for example, you entered incorrect data during registration), write a statement to the department where you registered the car. The process may take up to 30 days.
⚠️ Attention! If the seller refuses to correct errors in the EPTS or offers to “settle the issue for cash,” this is a 100% sign of fraud. This deal needs to be stopped immediately.
Get a fresh extract from the Federal Tax Service|Check the data with the traffic police database|Contact the Federal Tax Service for correction|Check the car history by VIN|Do not sign the contract until the error is corrected-->
Is it possible to fake an EPTS: how to check its authenticity
The electronic format has reduced the number of fake PTS, but scammers have found new schemes. Here 3 popular ways to cheat with EPTS and how to recognize them:
1. Fake extract from the register
- 🖨️ Fraudsters edit the PDF file of the statement, changing the series/number or owner data.
- 🔍 How to check: Request a statement yourself via personal account of the Federal Tax Service (it will come with an electronic signature).
2. "Double" EPTS
- 🚗 Two EPTS are issued for one car (for example, after theft).
- 🔍 How to check: check the vehicle's VIN with the data on the statement. If it doesn’t match, the car could have been broken into.
3. Fake personal account of the Federal Tax Service
- 🎭 Fraudsters create copies of the Federal Tax Service website, where they “check” EPTS for money.
- 🔍 How to check: Always use the official website only lkfl2.nalog.ru (check the SSL certificate in the address bar).
Case from practice: In 2023, a group was detained in the Moscow region that was selling cars with counterfeit EPTS. Fraudsters entered the data of stolen cars into the register under the guise of “doubles” (copies of documents). Buyers discovered the problem only when trying to register the car.
⚠️ Attention! If the seller offers to “change” the series or number of the EPTS for an additional fee, this is a violation of Art. 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Forgery of documents”). The maximum penalty is up to 2 years in prison.
Frequently asked questions about the series and number of EPTS
Is it possible to restore the EPTS if it is “lost”?
EPTS cannot be “lost” in the usual sense - it is an electronic record in the Federal Tax Service database. However, if you have lost extract from the register, it can always be requested again through the personal account of the Federal Tax Service or the MFC. The EPTS number itself does not change.
What to do if, when buying a car, the seller did not provide an extract from the EPTS?
Refuse the deal! Without an extract you will not be able to:
- 📋 Register the car with the traffic police.
- 💳 Take out MTPL insurance.
- 🔧 Pass technical inspection.
The seller is obliged to provide a current extract (date of issue - no older than 5 days). If he refuses, this is a reason to suspect fraud.
Can the EPTS number coincide with the PTS number?
No, these are different formats:
- 📄 PTS:
XX XX 123456(letters + 6 numbers). - 💻EPTS:
1234567890123456(16 digits).
When switching from PTS to EPTS, the vehicle is assigned new unique number, and the old PTS will be cancelled.
Is it necessary to include the EPTS number in the purchase and sale agreement?
Yes, definitely! In the "Vehicle Information" section the following must be indicated:
- 🔢 EPTS series and number (16 digits).
- 📌 VIN of the car.
- 📄 STS number (if available).
Without this data, the contract may be declared invalid and the transaction void.
Is it possible to find out the history of a car using the EPTS number?
No, the EPTS number itself does not contain information about accidents, owners or restrictions. To check the history you need:
- 🔍 VIN (for reports Autocode, CarVertical).
- 📋 License number (to check fines and restrictions on the traffic police website).
- 📄 Extract from the EPTS register (will show the current owner and the presence of encumbrances).
The EPTS number is not a replacement for the VIN or license plate number. It confirms the legality of the document, but does not contain data about the car. For a complete check, always request the VIN and an extract from the registry.