The question is is it possible to choose a state number on their car, worries many car owners who want to personalize their vehicle or simply want to get a “beautiful” combination of numbers. In Russia, the procedure for assigning registration marks is strictly regulated, but citizens have legal opportunities to influence this process. It is important to understand the difference between the standard issuance of a random number and the procedure for obtaining the desired combination through official channels.
Since 2026, the rules for vehicle registration have undergone a number of changes aimed at digitalizing services and combating the illegal market of “thieves” license plates. Now the process has become more transparent, but requires the car owner to pay attention to detail and comply with bureaucratic procedures. License number - this is not just a metal plate, but a legal identifier assigned to a specific VIN code in the databases of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Legislative framework and rights of the car owner
The main document regulating the issue of assigning registration marks is Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia No. 399. According to current legislation, the owner of a vehicle has the right to retain the license plate when replacing the car or to receive a new plate upon initial registration. However, a direct mechanism for “ordering” a specific sequence of letters and numbers through the State Services portal does not currently exist in the form in which there are rumors about it.
However, the law does not prohibit citizens from expressing preferences. You have every right to contact the department traffic police with an application for the issuance of a specific number, if it is in reserve or available for issue. The key point here is the availability of free combinations in a specific region and code of a subject of the Russian Federation. Registration actions are carried out only after paying the state duty and passing a technical inspection.
It is worth noting that attempts to buy a number “from hand” without an official re-registration procedure are illegal. Transfer of license plates is possible only as part of the procedure for keeping the license plate with the owner or selling it along with the car (although selling the license plate separately from the car is legally impossible, schemes involving the purchase of “junk cars” for the sake of a license plate still occur, but carry risks).
⚠️ Attention: Purchasing license plates through intermediaries or “outbidders” without filing the appropriate documents with the traffic police threatens the cancellation of registration and confiscation of the car. All transactions must be carried out exclusively through official procedures with the registration authorities.
Thus, the legislation provides the tools to obtain the desired number, but requires strict adherence to the procedure. There is no direct purchase of a number from the state; there is only payment of state fees for production and storage. Any other financial flows in this area are in the gray or black zone.
Official ways to get the desired number
Today, there are several legal ways to choose a state number for a car. The first and most common way is to submit an application to the traffic police when registering a vehicle. You can verbally or in writing ask the inspector to check the availability of the combination you are interested in. If the number is available and is in an available pool, they may accommodate you, but no one is obliged to guarantee this.
The second way is to save the number. If you already have a car with the desired number, you can keep it for up to 360 days. During this period, you can sell your old car and install the saved sign on a new one (or purchased later). This is the most reliable way to “transfer” a beautiful number to another car.
The third option, which became more popular in 2026, is participation in auctions or the use of specialized aggregator services that monitor the appearance of available license plates in the traffic police databases. Although the state does not sell license plates directly, there are legal companies that help you find and legally formalize the transfer of the right to use a specific sign through the purchase of a cheap donor car.
- 🚗 Submitting an application in the registration window with a request to issue a specific number (depending on availability and loyalty).
- 🔄 Saving a number through the State Services portal or in person at the traffic police before selling the car.
- 🛒 Buying a car with the desired license plate number already installed (with subsequent deregistration and retention).
Registration procedure must be carried out cleanly to avoid legal problems in the future.
Procedure for submitting an application to the traffic police
If you decide to try to get a number through direct contact with the registration department, you need to prepare a package of documents. The standard set includes a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation, PTS (vehicle passport), STS (if the car is already registered) and a policy OSAGO. You will also need a receipt for payment of the state fee.
Upon arrival at the traffic police, fill out an application for registration actions. In the field where the request for the issuance of signs is indicated, you can make a note or verbally inform the inspector of your desire to receive a specific combination. Be prepared for the fact that you may be refused, citing the lack of such numbers in stock or internal regulations.
☑️ Documents for registration
Payment of the fee is made in advance. In 2026, the cost of producing a plastic license plate with or without a chip (depending on the type of vehicle) is 2,000 rubles, and issuing an STS is 1,500 rubles. If you keep your number, the cost of services will be different. All current tariffs can be found in the section Public services → Vehicle registration on the official website.
The inspector checks the car against the database for restrictions and corners. If everything is clear, a number is assigned. If you asked for a specific number and it is available, they may issue it. Otherwise, you will have to choose from what the system offers, or try in another department.
Cost and financial aspects
The financial side of the issue is one of the most painful moments. Officially, the state only takes fixed state duties. However, if we consider the market for “beautiful” numbers, prices can vary from several tens of thousands to millions of rubles, depending on the “steepness” of the combination.
Below is a table with approximate government duties current for 2026:
| Type of service | Cost (RUB) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Issuance of license plates | 2 000 | For a set of 2 pieces |
| Issuance of STS | 1 500 | Plastic card |
| Making changes to the PTS | 350 | If the PTS is paper |
| Saving a number | 2 850 | Storage up to 360 days |
If you decide to use the scheme to purchase a donor car with the required number, the costs will increase. You will have to pay for the purchase of the cheapest car (often an old VAZ or motorcycle), transportation costs, registration of the sale and purchase, deregistration and subsequent disposal or sale of the piece of hardware. In total, this can cost 50–100 thousand rubles or more, not counting the cost of the room itself if you buy it from a reseller.
Always check the history of the donor vehicle through VIN checking services. Buying a car with a registration ban or a lien will result in loss of money and the inability to obtain a license plate.
The savings in time and nerves when using intermediaries often outweigh the additional costs, but the risk of running into scammers remains high. Official payments are safe, but do not guarantee results.
Risks and legal nuances
The sphere of circulation of registration plates is saturated with fraudulent schemes. When you buy a license plate second hand, you are actually buying a car, and the license plate comes with a trailer. Legally, the owner of the license plate is the owner of the car. If the seller decides to return the car, he will return the number. To avoid this, complex chains of donation and purchase and sale agreements are drawn up, but they do not always protect against claims of third parties.
⚠️ Attention: Installing license plates that do not correspond to the entries in the STS is equivalent to driving without license plates. This threatens with a fine of 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for a period of 1 to 3 months. Make sure that the numbers in the STS and on the car match.
Another risk is purchasing a “mirrored” or cloned number. If the previous owner did not deregister the car or sold the cloned license plate to several buyers, at the first check at the traffic police post the car will be sent to the impound lot, and you will have to prove your non-involvement in violations in court.
It is also worth considering the psychological aspect. A “beautiful” number attracts increased attention from traffic police officers. You may be stopped more often to check your documents, especially if your driving style is not ideal. Car with a noticeable number always in sight.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to order a specific number through State Services?
It is not yet possible to directly select a specific combination of letters and numbers from the catalog on the State Services portal. The service only allows you to make an appointment with the traffic police and pay state fees. However, some regions are testing booking features, but they do not guarantee that you will receive the exact sequence you enter.
How long is a reserved number stored?
According to current rules, the license plate storage period for the owner is up to 360 days (previously it was 180). During this time, you must register your new vehicle and assign it a saved number. If the period expires, the number will go to the general pool.
Is it possible to buy a license plate separately from the car?
The sale of license plates as a separate asset is prohibited by law. The number is part of the vehicle. All purchase and sale schemes are based on the purchase of the entire car along with the number plate, after which the number is retained or re-registered to the new owner.
What to do if an inspector demands money for a room?
Demanding money for issuing a specific number is a bribe. Officially, you only pay state duty to the treasury. In case of extortion, you should record the conversation (audio/video) and contact your own security department or the prosecutor's office.
Is it possible to install an advertising frame on a license plate?
The use of frames that hide elements of the license plate (flag, region code, mounting holes) is prohibited and is punishable by a fine of 500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code). The frame must not cover any character or symbol on the plate.