Traffic police vehicle inspection sheet: form, filling rules and sample

What is a vehicle inspection sheet and why is it needed?

A vehicle inspection sheet is an official document that confirms the technical condition of the vehicle at the time of its sale, purchase or registration. Without this form The traffic police will not accept documents for registration actions when it comes to transactions between individuals. The document protects both parties from possible claims: the seller confirms that the car was delivered in good condition, and the buyer records the absence of hidden defects.

Since 2026, the form of the inspection sheet has undergone changes: now it must indicate VIN code, mileage data, as well as information about the presence of additional equipment (for example, a gas cylinder installation or tinting). The form must be completed in duplicate - one for each party to the transaction. In this case, signatures are placed only in the presence of each other, which eliminates the possibility of forgery.

It is important to understand that the inspection sheet is not a technical inspection (as many people mistakenly think), namely visual recording of the car's condition. It does not replace a diagnostic card, but serves as an additional guarantee in case of controversial situations. For example, if after the purchase it turns out that the car was in an accident, and this was not indicated on the sheet, the buyer will be able to challenge the transaction in court.

Where to get the current traffic police inspection sheet form in 2026

The official inspection sheet form can be obtained in several ways. The most reliable one is to download it from traffic police website in the "Accounting Actions" section. Up-to-date forms of documents corresponding to the latest changes in legislation are published there. Alternative sources:

• 📄 MFC — when registering for registration, employees will provide a form free of charge.
• 🖥️ State Services Portal — in the “Vehicle Registration” section there is a link to download the form.
• 📑 Notary — if the transaction is executed through a notary’s office, the form will be issued on the spot.
• 🚗 Car showrooms — when purchasing a new car, the inspection sheet is filled out by the manager.

Warning: do not use forms from third-party sites (for example, from forums or file sharing services). They may contain outdated details or errors, due to which the traffic police will refuse registration. The official uniform has serial number and watermarks, which are checked when submitting documents.

How to fill out an inspection sheet correctly: step-by-step instructions

Filling out the inspection sheet requires care, as errors can lead to denial of registration. Let's look at the process step by step:

1. Document header: indicate the date of inspection, location (city or town), as well as data of the parties to the transaction (full name, passport details, addresses). Information about the car is also entered here: make, model, year of manufacture, VIN, body/chassis number, color.
2. Technical Parameters: mileage on the odometer, body type, number of seats, engine data (number, volume, power). If the car runs on gas, indicate the type of LPG and the date of installation.
3. Body inspection: all visible damage (scratches, dents, chips) is recorded, indicating their location (for example, “10 cm scratch on the right front door”). Use the diagram of the car on your marking sheet.
4. Salon and equipment: check the operation of all systems (air conditioning, heating, electronics), the condition of the seats, steering wheel, dashboard. Note the presence of additional equipment (radio, parking sensors, rear view camera).
5. Signatures: The document is signed by both parties in the presence of each other. If the inspection is carried out by an expert (for example, when purchasing at a car dealership), his data is also entered into the form.

Critical error: if the inspection sheet does not indicate the mileage or VIN code, the traffic police will automatically refuse registration. These data are verified with PTS and STS.

Check the VIN code with the title and the car body|

Check the operation of all systems (headlights, signals, windshield wipers)|

Inspect the body for hidden damage (use a flashlight)|

Record your mileage in a photo/video (in case of disputes)|

Make sure that all data in the PTS and STS match-->

Sample of a completed vehicle inspection sheet

Below is an example of a correctly completed form for a car. 2020 Toyota Camry with a mileage of 45,000 km. Please note the format for indicating damage and technical data:

Section of the form	Filling example
Vehicle data	Brand: Toyota Model: Camry, 2.5 AT Year of manufacture: 2020 VIN: JTNBT4HKX00123456 Color: Silver metallic (code 1D6)
Mileage	45,230 km (recorded on the odometer photo)
Body damage	1. Scratch 15 cm on the rear bumper (left side) 2. Paint chip 2x2 cm on the hood 3. Dent 3 cm on the right rear arch (not through)
Additional equipment	HBO 4th generation (Lovato), installed 05/10/2022 Rear parking sensors (ParkMaster) Window tinting (front 35%, rear 20%)

If the car is in perfect condition, put a dash in the “Damage” column or write “absent.” However It is recommended to indicate even minor defects (for example, scuffs on the steering wheel or scratches on the interior plastic) to avoid claims in the future.

Common mistakes when filling out and how to avoid them

Even small flaws in the inspection sheet can lead to problems during registration. Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

• 🔍 VIN code mismatch: Often sellers confuse symbols or miss letters (for example, B and 8, D and 0). Always check the VIN with the data in the title and on the body plate.
• 📏 Incorrect mileage: if the odometer is “twisted” and the mileage is underestimated, this may be grounds for termination of the transaction. Record your mileage in a photo with the dashboard.
• 🎨 Inaccurate car color: indicate not just “black”, but a specific shade (for example, “black metallic, code 202”). This is important for car identification.
• 🚗 Missed damage: If after the purchase it turns out that the sheet does not indicate dents or traces of corrosion, it will be difficult to prove their presence at the time of the transaction.
• ✍️ Signatures without witnesses: if the document is signed in absentia (for example, the seller sent a scan), the traffic police may not accept it. Signatures are placed only during a personal meeting.

⚠️ Attention: If the inspection sheet indicates that the car is “in perfect condition”, but during registration the inspector finds hidden defects (for example, traces of body repair), he has the right to refuse registration until an expert opinion is provided.

Do I need to have the inspection sheet certified by a notary?

According to current legislation, Notarization of the inspection sheet is not necessary. However, in some cases it may be useful:

• 💰 Expensive cars (costing from 3 million rubles): a notary will confirm the authenticity of signatures and data.
• 🤝 Transactions between strangers: If the seller and buyer do not trust each other, assurance will reduce the risks of fraud.
• 📑 Controversial issues: if the car has non-obvious defects (for example, after an accident), the notary can document them in a separate act.

The cost of certification in 2026 is approx. 1,500–2,500 rubles, depending on the region. If you decide to take this step, make sure that the notary has access to the traffic police database to check the car's history. This will help identify hidden problems (for example, the presence of encumbrances or theft).

What should I do if the seller refuses to fill out the inspection sheet?

If the seller avoids inspection or refuses to record damage, this is a reason to be wary. Possible reasons:

1. The car is pledged or under arrest (check through the service car history checks).

2. There are unpaid fines on the car (they can be checked using VIN or license plate).

3. The body or engine shows signs of serious repairs, which the seller hides.

In such cases, it is better to refuse the deal or involve an independent expert for inspection.

What to do if you lost your inspection sheet after purchasing a car

If you have lost your inspection sheet after purchasing a car, but have not yet registered it, the situation can be corrected. Here is the algorithm of actions:

1. Contact the seller: Ask for a copy of his copy. If he refuses, remind him that without this document you will not be able to register the car, and the transaction may be invalid.
2. Contact the traffic police: If the seller is unavailable, write a statement to the registration office explaining the situation. Attach to it:
   • Purchase and sale agreement;
   • PTS and STS;
   • Photo/video of the car at the time of purchase (if available).

Re-inspect: if the traffic police requires it, draw up a new inspection sheet indicating the current condition of the car. In this case, it is better to involve an expert to avoid claims.

If the car is already registered, but the inspection sheet is lost, it is not necessary to restore it - it is only needed for initial registration. However It is recommended to store the document minimum 3 years (in case of litigation).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the vehicle inspection sheet

Can I use the old inspection sheet form (until 2026)?

No, from January 1, 2026, a new form will be in effect. Old versions are not accepted by the traffic police. Download the current template at official website.

Do I need to fill out an inspection sheet when buying a car from a dealership?

Yes, but usually the salon manager does it. The form will contain information about the dealer, as well as warranty statements. Check that all data matches the PTS.

What to do if the seller hid defects in the inspection sheet?

If after purchase you find hidden damage (for example, traces of an accident or corrosion), you can:

1. Contact the seller with a claim (preferably by registered mail).
2. Conduct an independent examination and file a lawsuit to terminate the transaction.
3. File a complaint with the traffic police if the defects affect safety (for example, a damaged frame).

The main thing is to have evidence (photos, videos, witness statements).

Can I fill out the inspection sheet by hand or do I need to print it?

Both manual filling (in legible handwriting with a blue or black pen) and a printed version are allowed. The main thing is the absence of corrections and blots. If filling out by hand, use template for accuracy.

Is it necessary to indicate faults that do not interfere with operation on the inspection sheet?

Yes, fix it everything defects, even if they are not critical (for example, a non-functional heated seat or a crack in the bumper). This will protect you from future claims from the seller. The exception is minor scratches on the interior plastic, which do not affect the value of the car.