State license plates are a mandatory attribute of any vehicle, without which the operation of a car on public roads is prohibited. But who is actually producing them? Can I order the numbers myself or through third parties? In this article, we will understand All legal and illegal methods of manufacturingWe will tell you about the traffic police requirements, prices and risks associated with fake signs.
Many drivers mistakenly believe that the numbers are made directly in the traffic police. In fact, the process is organized differently: the state delegates production to specialized enterprises that operate according to strict standards. At the same time, there are also “gray” schemes that offer the manufacture of signs in circumvention of the law. How not to run into fraudsters and not lose their rights? Read on.
Since 2026, the rules for the manufacture of license plates have been tightened: now all manufacturers must use the license plates. Protected materials with holographic elementsand data on each issued sign are recorded in a single database of traffic police. This is done to combat counterfeiting, which is often used in car theft or to hide traffic violations.
1. Who officially produces the state number in Russia?
In accordance with Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia No. 605 of 2018 (as amended in 2026), the production of state registration marks (GRP) is allowed only to accredited enterprises. These companies are highly selected and must meet a number of requirements:
- 🏭 Availability of a license for the production of strict reporting marks
- 🔒 Use of certified materials (aluminum, paint, protective film)
- 📊 Maintenance of electronic accounting of all manufactured numbers with data transfer to the traffic police
- 🛡️ Presence of a system of protection against counterfeiting (microtext, holograms, unique barcodes)
Currently, it is working in Russia. About 30 accredited plantsMost of them are located in the Central, Volga and Siberian Federal Districts. The full list of companies is published on DIBD official websiteOnly authorized bodies have access to it.
It is important to understand that number-making (Even if you copy your valid marks) is equated to forgery of documents and punishable by article 327 Criminal Code - fine up to 80 000 rubles or imprisonment up to 2 years. You can only order rooms through official channels.
2. How does the process of producing numbers occur?
The procedure for the production of GHZ is regulated and consists of several stages:
- Order formation. Data on the future number (series, number, region) comes from the traffic police in electronic form. Each sign is assigned a unique identifier.
- Laser engraving. Symbols are applied to the aluminum blank using high-precision equipment. Line thickness and font are strictly regulated (GOST R 50577-93).
- Application of protective elements. The sign is added holograms, microtext and UV tags, visible only under special lighting.
- Covering with protective film. The signs are laminated to protect against counterfeiting and mechanical damage.
- Registration in the database. The finished number is recorded in the traffic police system with reference to the VIN of the car.
The production time of the standard set (2 characters) is 1 to 3 working days. For urgent orders (for example, to replace lost numbers), the process can be accelerated up to 24 hours, but this is not available in all regions.
Interesting fact: from 2023, all new rooms are equipped with new equipment RFID tagsThis allows you to read data about the car at a distance of up to 10 meters. This simplifies the work of road cameras and patrol services.
If you are offered to make rooms “old-fashioned” (without holograms or with hand-painting), this is 100% fake. Legal signs always have clear outlines of symbols and protective elements visible under ultraviolet light.
3. How much does it cost to make rooms in 2026?
The cost of production of GRZ is regulated by the state and depends on the type of sign and material. Current prices for 2026 are shown in the table:
| Type of license plate | Cost (rupe) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (front + rear) | 2 800 — 3 500 | Aluminum, laser engraving, protective film |
| Motorcycle (1 sign) | 1 500 — 2 000 | Reduced format, reinforced fastening |
| Transit (pair) | 1 800 — 2 300 | Validity - up to 20 days, red background |
| Diplomatic | 4 500 — 6 000 | Special Series, Enhanced Protection |
| Temporary (on a paper basis) | 800 — 1 200 | It is valid until permanent signs are installed. |
Prices can vary depending on the region. For example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, the cost is higher by 10-15% due to increased demand. Some accredited factories also offer express-manufacturing for an additional fee (from +500 to +1 500 rubles).
Important: from January 1, 2026, a mandatory fee for registration of numbers in the traffic police database was introduced - 350 rubles. This amount is included in the final cost and paid when placing an order.
4. Can I order the numbers not through the traffic police?
Yes, but only through accreditedThose who have a contract with the DHS. Here are the legal ways:
- 📋 Through IFC (Multifunctional centers) - when replacing or losing numbers.
- 🌐 Nana portal - Ordering online with delivery to the selected department.
- 🏢 Directly at an accredited plant - if you have permission from the traffic police (for example, to replace damaged signs).
And yet, Self-order without the consent of the traffic police is prohibited. For example, if you lost the numbers, you first need to write a statement to the police, and then contact the traffic police to obtain permission to manufacture duplicates.
What happens if you order numbers from private owners?
The use of homemade or purchased “hands” numbers is equated to forgery of documents. Upon detection of such signs, the traffic police inspector has the right to:
- Get the plates on the spot.
- Get a report on the art. 12.2 Administrative Code (fine 5 000 rubles). or deprivation of rights for 1-3 months.
- To send the material to the investigating authorities if there are signs of theft or fraud.
Private workshops offering “no question” production often use counterfeit materials. Such signs are easy to identify by:
- Uneven edges of symbols (with manual engraving).
Absence of holograms or their low quality.
- Inconsistency of background color (legal numbers have a strictly defined shade of white - RAL 9016).
5. How to verify the authenticity of the license plate?
To avoid legal problems, check them for authenticity before installing new numbers. Here are the key signs of legal signs:
- Holographic sticker It should be on every room (except transit). When changing the angle of view, the image of the flag of the Russian Federation appears on it.
- Microtext - under the magnifying glass on the ink of the symbols is visible the inscription "RUS" or "Ministry of Internal Affairs".
- UV protection Under an ultraviolet lamp on the sign appear invisible to the eye symbols (series and number).
- Region code It must be consistent with what is specified in the CTC and PTS.
- Quality of engraving The edges of letters and numbers are even, without burrs.
You can also use it. online check-up service:
- Go to the site. check-in.
- Enter the series and the sign number.
- The system will show if the sign is registered to your car.
Make sure the seller has provided a check from an accredited factory
Contrast the series and the number with the data in the PTS
Check for hologram and microtext
Use a UV lamp to check hidden labels
Ask the seller for a certificate of conformity for the signs--
If you are buying a used car, be sure to check the numbers for interruptions. To do this, it is enough to hold the nail on the symbols - on fake signs, the paint is often erased or has roughness.
6. Risks of using illegal numbers
Savings on the production of rooms can have serious consequences. Here is what threatens the installation of fake or homemade signs:
- ⚖️ Administrative responsibility - fine up to 5 000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1-3 months (Article. 12.2 Administrative Code.
- 🚔 Criminal liability if the numbers were used to conceal a crime (theft, fraud), the punishment is up to 2 years imprisonment (Article. 327 of the Russian Criminal Code.
- 🚨 Problems with insurance In case of accident with fake numbers, the insurance company may refuse to pay.
- 🔍 Continuous inspections - A car with questionable numbers often gets into the database of "suspicious" vehicles, which leads to frequent stops by patrols.
⚠️ Attention: Since 2026, introduced mobile automatic fixation systems, which scan numbers on the go and compare them with the database traffic police. If the sign is not listed in the register, the owner of the car is automatically issued a fine.
Especially at risk are those who establish:
- "Doublers" (copies of other people's numbers) - it qualifies as a forgery.
- Numbers from other regions without re-registration - a fine of 1,500-2000 rubles.
- Signs with modified symbols (for example, the letter “A” is turned into “L” by adding a feature) – deprivation of rights for 6-12 months.
7. Frequent fraudulent number schemes
Number plates are the favorite tool of car scammers. Let’s look at the most common deception schemes:
- 🔄 "Stopping" numbers Criminals buy broken cars, interrupt VINs and numbers, and then sell them as “clean.” Check the history of the car through Autocode or GABD.
- 📄 Fake CTS Fraudsters make false registration certificates, linking them to other people's numbers. Always check the CTC data with the numbers on the car.
- 🚗 "Doubles." The same car is registered in different regions under different numbers. This is often used to avoid fines or credits.
- 💰 Fictitious room sales Fraudsters offer to “buy a nice number” (for example, a “shoot” number).
A001AA 777), but after payment is issued a forgery or disappears.
To avoid becoming a victim of fraud:
Buy rooms only through official channels.
- Require checks and certificates of conformity.
Check the history of the car before buying.
⚠️ Attention: If you are offered "unique" numbers with repeating numbers (e.g., Kh777X 77) at a price below 10,000 rubles is almost certainly a fake. The real cost of “beautiful” rooms at the auctions of traffic police starts from 50 000 rubles.
8. How to legally get a “beautiful” number?
If you want a number with the original combination (for example, M123MM 99), there are two legal ways:
- Participation in the auction of traffic police:
Applications are accepted on the website GABD.
The starting price is from 10 000 rubles, but popular combinations go for 200 000 + rubles.
The winner gets the right to register a number on his car.
- Purchase from the previous owner:
You can negotiate with a person who sells a car with a “beautiful” number, about the transfer of signs.
- That's what you need to do. number-contract And get permission from the traffic police.
The cost of such a transaction is from 30 000 to 1 000 000 rubles (depending on the combination).
Example: in 2023, the number A777AA 777 sold at auction for 2.3 million rubles..a combination B.001B. 99 I left for 850,000 rubles.
Important: transfer of numbers between owners is allowed only once-for-ever. If you sell a “beautiful” number, the new owner will not be able to transfer it further during this period.
The only legal way to get a unique number is to participate in the traffic police auction or purchase from the previous owner with re-registration. Any other scheme (including “buying through friends”) is a scam.
FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions
Can I make a duplicate of the number if the original is lost?
Yeah, but only through the traffic police. You need to write a statement of loss, pay the state duty (2,000 rubles) and wait for the manufacture of new signs. Duplicate numbers by yourself is prohibited.
What if the plates are damaged (bent, the paint climbed)?
Please contact the CASA with a replacement request. I'll have to show you my passport, CTS and PTS. Damaged numbers are confiscated, and new ones are issued instead (free of charge if the owner’s fault is not proven).
Can I drive with temporary numbers for longer than 20 days?
Nope. The validity of temporary signs is strictly limited. If you do not have time to put permanent numbers, you will have to issue a new set of temporary numbers (cost - 1,800 rubles).
How to check if the car is stolen by number?
Enter the series and number on the site GABD or through the service Autocode. If the data do not match the PTS or the car is wanted, it is better to refuse the purchase.
Can I order rooms abroad and bring them to Russia?
Nope. Rooms made abroad have no legal force in Russia. Their use is equivalent to driving without numbers (fine 5 000 rubles). or disenfranchisement.