Purchasing license plates in the Republic of Belarus is a procedure that requires attention to detail and knowledge of current rules. In 2026, the registration process underwent changes: new tariffs appeared, requirements for documents became more stringent, and the market for “beautiful” rooms expanded due to auctions. This article will help you figure out how buy numbers in Belarus legally, without running into fines or counterfeiting.
It is important to understand that in Belarus there is a strict system for recording license plates: they cannot simply be “purchased” as a product - only registered through the traffic police or authorized organizations. However, there are legal ways to get the desired combination of numbers and letters: from participating in auctions to re-issuing used license plates. We analyzed all the options, collected current prices and prepared step-by-step instructions for different situations - from purchasing new numbers to restoring lost ones.
We will pay special attention risksrelated to the purchase of numbers "from hand" or through dubious services. In 2023–2026, the traffic police are actively fighting the illegal circulation of license plates, and fines for the use of counterfeit or incorrectly issued license plates reach up to 50 basic units (1,950 BYN as of 2026). To avoid problems, follow our recommendations and check all documents before the transaction.
1. Methods for purchasing license plates in Belarus: what the law allows
In Belarus, license plates are not sold as an independent product - they are issued by the traffic police when registering a vehicle. However, there are several legal ways to get the numbers you want:
- 🔹 Standard issue when registering a car - free, but the combination is assigned automatically.
- 🔹 Participation in the traffic police auction — the opportunity to choose a “beautiful” room for an additional fee.
- 🔹 Re-registration of used rooms — purchase from the previous owner with re-registration in your name.
- 🔹 Recovering lost numbers - if signs have been stolen or damaged.
The most reliable way is to participate in auctions held by the traffic police. Since 2023, the procedure has become completely electronic: applications are accepted through the portal Single window. The cost of numbers at auction depends on their “prestige”: for example, combinations with repeating numbers (1111, 2222) or letters (AAA) can cost from 500 to 5,000 BYN.
An alternative is to buy used numbers from individuals. This is legal if the previous owner deregistered the car and retained the license plates. However, it is important here to check the history of the license plates through the traffic police database in order to avoid problems with duplicates or stolen cars. Read more about verification in the section "How to check numbers before purchasing".
2. How much do rooms cost in Belarus in 2026: price table
The cost of license plates in the Republic of Belarus depends on the method of obtaining them. Below is the current price table for 2026:
| Room type | Cost (BYN) | Registration period | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (upon car registration) | 0 (free) | 1 day | PTS, passport, purchase and sale agreement |
| Numbers from the traffic police auction (simple combinations) | 200–1 000 | 3–7 days | Passport, application, payment receipt |
| Auction numbers (premium combinations) | 1 000–5 000+ | 7–14 days | Passport, application, payment receipt |
| Re-registration of used rooms | 50–500 (price from a private owner) + 20 BYN (state duty) | 1–3 days | License plate purchase and sale agreement, passport, PTS |
| Recovering lost numbers | 30–100 (for duplicates) | 1–5 days | Application to the traffic police, passport, certificate of loss |
Auction prices depend on demand. For example, numbers with combinations 0001, 0007 or 0010 may go for 3,000–5,000 BYN, while less popular (1234, 5678) are cheaper - from 200 to 800 BYN. The cost of used rooms from private owners varies depending on their “beauty” and the region. In Minsk and regional centers, prices are 20–30% higher than in small cities.
Please note: when purchasing used plates, you pay not only for the signs themselves, but also for state fee for re-registration (20 BYN in 2026). You may also need to pay for notary services if the previous owner wants to certify the transaction - this is also 30–50 BYN.
The most expensive license plates at traffic police auctions - with combinations 0001, 0007 and AAA 0. Their cost can exceed 5,000 BYN, but they are considered an investment: such numbers can easily be resold for more.
3. Step-by-step instructions: how to buy license plates at a traffic police auction
Participating in an auction is the most reliable way to get the desired combination of numbers. The procedure takes place electronically through the portal Single window. Here is a step-by-step algorithm:
- Registration on the portal. If you don't have an account yet pgu.gov.by, register using a bank card or mobile ID.
- Search for lots. In the "Auctions" section, select the "Car License Plates" category. Here you can filter numbers by region, series and cost.
- Submitting an application. Select the lot you like and submit a bid, indicating the maximum price you are willing to pay. The system will automatically raise your bet within the limit.
- Payment. If you win the auction, pay for the purchase through a bank or ERIP within 3 days. Details will be sent by email.
- Getting numbers. After payment, contact the traffic police at your place of residence with your passport and receipt. The numbers will be issued within 1–2 days.
Important: the “last bid” rule applies at auctions. If two bidders have the same maximum price, the winner is the one who bids later. Please also note that there is a fee for participating in the auction. commission 1% from the cost of the lot (but not less than 1 BYN).
Make sure that the number is not wanted (check via website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs)
Check the license plate series with the car registration region
Check the balance on the card for payment (funds are blocked immediately after winning)
Read the return policy (you cannot refuse a number after winning!)
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If you do not win the auction, the money will be returned to your account within 5 business days. However, you cannot participate in bidding for the same lot again - you will have to wait for new auctions. Average frequency of auctions in 2026: 2 times a month for popular regions (Minsk, Brest, Gomel) and 1 time per month for the rest.
4. How to check numbers before purchasing: 5 mandatory steps
Buying used license plates from private individuals is fraught with risks: plates may be wanted, counterfeit, or tied to a stolen car. To avoid problems, follow these steps:
- 🔍 Check through the traffic police database. Ask the seller for the series and number of the signs and check them for website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the "Vehicle Check" section. If the number is listed as lost or stolen, refuse the transaction.
- 📄 Checking the seller's documents. Make sure it has:
- Vehicle registration certificate (where these numbers are indicated).
- Certificate from the traffic police about deregistration of the car (if the numbers are reserved by the seller).
- Passport (to confirm identity).
- 💳 Checking number history. Ask the seller to provide an extract from the traffic police about all previous owners of the license plates. If he refuses, this is a reason to be wary.
- 📋 Reconciliation with PTS. The numbers must be indicated in the seller’s vehicle passport (PTS). If there are other signs on the PTS, this is fraud.
- 📱 Photo recording. Take photos of the seller's license plates and documents. Useful in case of disputes.
Pay special attention to numbers with episodes 1, 7, 0 - they are more often counterfeited. Also avoid transactions where the seller asks for cash payment without an agreement or offers to “work everything out later”. By law, re-registration of license plates requires the personal presence of both parties at the traffic police.
What happens if you buy numbers with a “dark history”?
If the numbers are wanted or linked to a stolen car, you may:
1. Fine 20–50 basic units (up to 1,950 BYN).
2. Deprivation of rights for 1–3 years for using counterfeit marks.
3. Confiscate the numbers without compensation.
4. Initiate a criminal case under Art. 380 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus (“Acquisition or sale of property known to be obtained by criminal means”).
If you doubt the legality of the transaction, contact the traffic police for preliminary consultation. Employees will check the history of the numbers in the database and tell you whether they can be reissued. The service is free, but requires a personal visit.
5. Where you can’t buy numbers: blacklist of scammers
In Belarus, there are dozens of groups on social networks and websites offering to “buy numbers without queuing” or “get any signs in 3 days.” Most of them are scammers. Here are the signs of illegal schemes:
- 🚨 Offers "without visiting the traffic police". Legal re-registration of license plates always requires a visit to the traffic police. If the seller promises to “do everything for you,” this is a deception.
- 🚨 Prices below market. For example, numbers AAA 000 for 200 BYN (real price - from 3,000 BYN).
- 🚨 Requirement of 100% prepayment. Honest sellers take a deposit (10–20%) and pay the balance after re-registration.
- 🚨 Lack of documents. The seller does not show the title, registration certificate or refuses to go to the traffic police with you.
- 🚨 Urgency. Fraudsters put pressure on time: “Today is the last day!”, “Tomorrow the price will rise!”
The most common deception schemes:
- "Fake Duplicates". They sell you license plates that look similar to the original ones, but are not listed in the traffic police database. They are made on illegal machines.
- "Numbers wanted". The signs do exist, but are tied to a stolen car. After the purchase, you may be accused of complicity.
- "Fake auctions". Fraudsters create copies of traffic police websites and ask to pay for the “win” at a non-existent auction.
Before purchasing license plates from a private seller, ask the seller to take a photo with the documents and license plates against the background of today's newspaper. This will help avoid data substitution.
If you have already become a victim of fraud, apply to Ministry of Internal Affairs and to the bank (if payment was made by card). Getting your money back is difficult, but recording the fact of fraud will help others avoid mistakes.
6. Alternatives to purchasing: rent and temporary rooms
If you need license plates for a short period of time (for example, for car transit or a test drive), consider alternative options:
- 🚗 Transit numbers. Issued by traffic police for 20 days to move a car. Cost - 10 BYN. Required: PTS, passport, purchase and sale agreement.
- 🔄 Room rental. Some car clubs rent out license plates for participation in exhibitions or filming. Price - 50–200 BYN/day, but the legality is questionable.
- 📝 Temporary registration. If you buy a car on credit, the bank can issue temporary license plates for 1–3 months.
Important: renting rooms is not provided for by law. If you are stopped by the traffic police, you may be fined for using someone else’s signs (Article 18.14 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus). It is safer to obtain transit numbers or temporary registration.
To participate in a car show or filming a movie, you can get special numbers through the Ministry of Culture. They are valid only in closed areas and are not intended for driving on public roads.
7. Common mistakes when purchasing rooms and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when registering license plates. Here are the most common:
- ❌ Purchase without checking history. Check numbers via MIA base and ask the seller for all documents.
- ❌ Cash payment without agreement. Always enter into a contract for the purchase and sale of plates and indicate in it the series and number of the characters.
- ❌ Ignoring regional binding. Numbers with series 1 (Minsk) cannot be used on a car registered in the Gomel region.
- ❌ Independent production of duplicates. Even if you have lost your license plates, you cannot produce them yourself - only through the traffic police.
- ❌ Buying “beautiful” rooms without an auction. All premium combinations are sold only through the traffic police. If you are offered such numbers “from hand”, it is a fake.
To avoid problems, follow this algorithm:
- Check numbers via Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- Conclude a purchase and sale agreement indicating the series and number of signs.
- Re-register the license plates with the traffic police within 5 days after purchase.
- Keep all receipts and documents for 3 years (statute of limitations for disputes).
If the seller refuses to go with you to the traffic police to re-register, this is a sure sign of fraud. A legal transaction requires the presence of both parties.
Remember: starting from 2026, the traffic police has tightened control over the circulation of license plates. Now, when re-registering, they check not only the documents, but also the history of the signs in the database. If the numbers were wanted or linked to another car, the deal will be cancelled.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about purchasing numbers in the Republic of Belarus
Is it possible to buy license plates without a car?
No. In Belarus, license plates are issued only upon vehicle registration. The exception is participation in traffic police auctions, where you can purchase a combination in advance, but to use it you still need to register the car.
How much does it cost to re-register used license plates in your name?
Cost of re-registration in 2026:
- State duty - 20 BYN.
- Notary services (if needed) - 30–50 BYN.
- The cost of the rooms themselves from the seller is from 50 to 5,000 BYN (depending on combination).
Is it possible to return numbers purchased at auction?
No. Once you win the auction, numbers cannot be canceled. Money is not returned, even if you change your mind or find a better offer.
What to do if you lost your numbers?
If numbers are lost or stolen:
- Write a statement to the traffic police about the loss.
- Pay the state fee for duplicates - 30–100 BYN.
- Receive new numbers within 1-5 days.
It is prohibited to use a car without license plates - fine up to 50 basic units (1,950 BYN).
Is it possible to drive with license plates from another region?
Yes, but with restrictions. For example, if you are registered in Minsk (series 1), but you live temporarily in Grodno, you can use Minsk numbers. However, if the car is registered in one region, and the license plates are in another, this is a violation. Fine - up to 20 basic units (780 BYN).