The first digit of the number in Kazakhstan: decoding by region and nuances of

Have you ever wondered why the first digit of Kazakhstan license plates varies from 1 to 9, and sometimes there are also letter designations? This small detail carries important information about the region of registration of the car, its age and even design features. In 2026, the numbering system in Kazakhstan underwent several changes, which not all car owners are aware of.

In this article we will not just decipher first digit of Kazakhstan number by region, but we will also reveal little-known nuances: why some numbers begin with the letter A, how to recognize fake registration plates, and what to do if the number does not match the vehicle passport (PTS). We will pay special attention to the current rules for re-registration of cars between regions - this will help avoid fines up to 50 MCI (more than 160,000 tenge in 2026).

Numbering system in Kazakhstan: basic principles

Kazakhstani license plates follow the standard approved by Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 1030 of 2012 (with the latest amendments in 2023). The structure of the number looks like this: 1 A 234 BC, where:

• 🔢 First character - number (1-9) or letter (A, B, K, M, N, P, S, T, X, E), indicating region of registration.
• 🅰️ Second position - always a letter (Cyrillic or Latin, depending on the year of issue).
• 🔢🔢🔢 Three digits — a unique vehicle number within the series.
• 🅱️🅲 Last two letters — number series (can be duplicated in different regions).

Important: starting from 2020, Kazakhstan has been operating parallel issue of numbers - and in Cyrillic (ABC), and in Latin (ABC). This is due to the country's transition to the Latin alphabet. At the same time the first digit remains the same regardless of language - it always points to the region.

Explanation of the first digit by region (Table 2026)

Below is a current table of correspondence between the first digit of the number and the region of Kazakhstan. Please note: some numbers are assigned to several regions - this is due to the depletion of number reserves in densely populated regions.

First digit	Region	Notes
1	Astana	Since 2019 also uses the letter A for new episodes
2	Almaty, Almaty region	The most popular region - numbers are often counterfeited
3	Shymkent, Turkestan region	Since 2022, includes the former South Kazakhstan region
4	Aktobe, Atyrau regions	Numbers with a letter are often found K for commercial vehicles
5	Akmola, Karaganda regions	For Karaganda the letter is sometimes used M

The full list of regions includes 17 positions (numbers 1-9 + letters). For example, the number 7 assigned to the East Kazakhstan and Pavlodar regions, and 8 - beyond Kostanay and North Kazakhstan. Letter designations (A, B, K etc.) are usually issued when there is a shortage of digital series or for special categories of transport (taxi, diplomatic cars).

Exceptions and special series of numbers

Not all Kazakhstan numbers follow the standard pattern. There are several categories of vehicles for which the first number (or letter) has a special meaning:

• 🚖 Taxi and car sharing: often starting with a letter T (for example, T A 123 BC). From 2023, a yellow stripe on the license plate is required.
• 🚛 Freight transport: can use a letter K (from the word "truck" in Kazakh - beetle tasymaldau).
• 🇺🇳 Diplomatic cars: start with a letter D (for example, D 123 CD 01, where 01 — code of the country of accreditation).
• ⚡ Electric cars: from 2026 they will receive numbers with a letter E at the beginning (for example, E A 001 BC).

Separate category - temporary numbers (transit). They are issued for 20 days and have the format 00 AA 00000, where the first pair of digits indicates the region (for example, 02 - Almaty). Such plates cannot be used for regular driving - the penalty for delay is 30 MCI (about 100,000 tenge).

What to do if you bought a car with a temporary license plate?

1. You have 20 days to re-register at your local public service center.

2. If the period has expired, contact the police with a purchase and sale agreement - the fine may be canceled if there is a good reason (for example, illness).

3. Check if the car is pledged through the service Adilet.Zan.kz (section "Checking encumbrances").

How to check the authenticity of a number by the first digit

Fraudsters often fake license plates for popular regions (especially Almaty and Astana) to hide the real origin of the car. Here 3 steps to check:

1. Check the region according to the PTS: the first digit of the number must match the region code in the vehicle passport (field "Place of registration").
2. Check out the episode on the Ministry of Internal Affairs website: Enter the number on official portal (section "Checking vehicles"). The system will show the registration date and region.
3. Observe physical signs:
   • 🔍 Inscription KAZ should be embossed, not pasted.
   • 🎨 The paint should not peel off on the numbers (a sign of repainting).
   • 📏 Font size and character spacing must be appropriate GOST RK 5.1005-2012.

If discrepancies are found, don't make a deal until the discrepancies are resolved. According to statistics from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in 2023, more than 12,000 cars with fake license plates were identified, of which 30% were with an incorrect first digit of the region.

Check the first digit with the PTS|Check the number on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs|Inspect the physical condition of the plate|Make sure there are no encumbrances through eGov.kz-->

Re-registration of cars between regions: 2026 rules

If you are moving to another region of Kazakhstan, you have 30 days for re-registration of the car. The procedure includes:

1. Deregistration in the previous region (through the public service center or portal eGov.kz).
2. Payment of state duty: 1 MCI (3,622 tenge in 2026) for new numbers or 0.5 MCI for maintaining old ones (if regional rules allow).
3. Getting new numbers with the first digit corresponding to the new region.

Exceptions:

• 🚗 Cars older than 10 years can keep their old license plates when moving within the same region.
• 💼 Legal entities are required to re-register a car within 10 days after changing the legal address.
💡

From January 1, 2026, the mandatory replacement of license plates when moving between regions, if the car is registered to an individual, has been abolished. However, the first digit must still correspond to the new region in the Ministry of Internal Affairs database.

For delay in re-registration of more than 30 days, a fine is imposed:

• 📌 For individuals: 15 MCI (54,330 tenge).
• 📌 For legal entities: 50 MCI (181,100 tenge) + possible deprivation of special rights for 3 months.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with license plates. Here are the most common:

⚠️ Attention: If you buy a car with license plates whose first digit does not match the region on the title, this may mean that:

• 📄 The car was not re-registered after the owner moved (the risk of a fine will fall on you).
• 🔄 The numbers are fake (check with the Ministry of Internal Affairs).
• 🚨 Car is wanted or under arrest (urgently check via Adilet.Zan.kz).

Another common mistake is ignoring technical requirements to the numbers. For example:

• 🔧 Use of non-standard fonts or frames (penalty 5 MCI).
• 🎨 Covering part of the number with tinting or dirt (fine 3 MCI).
• 💡 Installation of backlight that changes the color of the number (fine 10 MCI + confiscation of the device).

To avoid problems:

1. Always take photos of the license plates when inspecting the car before purchasing.
2. Check history via eGov.kz (the “Vehicle Check” service costs 1 MCI).
3. When moving, register your car temporarily (if you plan to stay in the new region for more than 30 days).

The future of Kazakhstan license plates: what will change after 2026

From 2026, Kazakhstan plans to completely switch to Latin alphabet in license plates. This means:

• 🅰️ Letters A, B, C, E, K, M, N, P, T, X, Y will replace Cyrillic characters.
• 🔢 The first digit will remain unchanged (the regional division will remain).
• 📜 The PTS will indicate both the old and new number (for the transition period).

In addition, the following innovations are discussed:

• 🚗 Introduction electronic numbers (chips) for commercial vehicles (pilot project starts in Astana).
• 🔒 Tightening the rules for issuing duplicate license plates - you will now need to provide a certificate from the police about the loss.
• 🌍 Simplification of the re-registration procedure for cars imported from the EAEU (without changing license plates while maintaining the owner).

Important: if your car is registered before 2026, you can save old numbers until their natural wear and tear. Replacement with the Latin alphabet will be mandatory only in case of re-registration or loss.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to travel with a license plate whose first digit does not correspond to my region of residence?

Yes, but only if the car is registered in your name and you do not live in the new region for more than 30 days. After this period, re-registration is required. An exception is if you are temporarily in the region (for example, for work) and have supporting documents (travel permit).

What to do if, when purchasing a car, it turns out that the first digit of the license plate does not match the title?

Stop the transaction and contact the nearest department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with a request to check the number in the database. If the discrepancy is confirmed, the seller must:

1. Re-register the car in the correct region (at your own expense).
2. Refund your money if re-registration is impossible (for example, if your car is seized).

If the seller refuses, you have the right to file a lawsuit to invalidate the transaction.

Is it possible to order a number with a specific first digit (for example, 1 for Astana)?

No, the first digit is assigned automatically based on the owner's region of registration. The exception is special series (for example, for diplomats or electric vehicles), but they are issued only under strict conditions. An attempt to falsify the region of registration is punishable under Article 375 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Forgery of documents") - a fine of up to 200 MCI or imprisonment for up to 2 years.

How can I find out which region the letter at the beginning of the number belongs to (for example, A or K)?

The letter designations are deciphered as follows:

• A — Astana (alternative to number 1).
• B — East Kazakhstan region (alternative to number 7).
• K — Karaganda region or commercial transport (depending on the second letter).
• M — Mangistau region.
• T — taxi or Turkestan region.

A complete list can be found at Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 1030 (Appendix 2).

How much does it cost to replace numbers when changing the first digit (moving to another region)?

Cost in 2026:

• State duty for new numbers: 1 MCI (3,622 tenge).
• Production of numbers: 3,000–5,000 tenge (depending on the material).
• Public Service Center services (if arranged through an intermediary): 1,000–2,000 tenge.

Total: approx. 7,000–10,000 tenge. If you keep your old numbers (allowed in some regions), pay only the state fee - 1 MCI.