Replacing state license plates is a procedure that every car owner faces sooner or later. The reasons can be different: from banal loss or damage to the desire to get “beautiful” numbers through an auction. But one question worries everyone without exception: Is it necessary to hand over old license plates when receiving new ones at MREO? The answer depends on the situation, the type of numbers and even regional characteristics.

Many drivers are afraid that without returning their old signs they will be denied new ones or will have to pay fines. Others, on the contrary, are sure that they can simply throw away the old signs after receiving duplicates. Where is the truth? In this article we will look at all the nuances: from the regulatory framework to practical life hacks on how to avoid problems with the traffic police. We’ll also tell you what to do if your old numbers are lost or damaged.

Spoiler: in most cases, rent out old numbers not necessary, but there are exceptions that are important to know about in advance. For example, when replacing through State Services, the algorithm differs from registration in the MREO directly. Below are the details with examples from real practice.

Legislative framework: what the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399 says

The main document regulating the issuance and replacement of license plates is Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia No. 399 of June 26, 2018 (as amended in 2026). It clearly states cases when license plates need to be replaced, but there is minimal information about the mandatory surrender of old plates. This is what creates confusion.

According to paragraph 33 of Order No. 399, when issuing new numbers, old signs may be confiscated, but not should. The wording “may” implies that the MREO inspector has the right to accept old license plates, but is not obliged to demand this from the owner. Key Point: If you are not handing over your old signs, they are required. destroy yourself (for example, cut with a grinder) to avoid being used by scammers.

However there are exceptions:

  • 🔹 Lost or stolen numbers. In this case, it is impossible to present the old signs - instead, a statement is submitted to the police.
  • 🔹 Damage to numbers. If the plates are deformed or unreadable, you do not have to return them, but you will have to present the remainder (if any).
  • 🔹 Replacement at the initiative of the traffic police. For example, if a counterfeit or non-compliance with standards is detected, old numbers are forcibly confiscated.

Important: if you change numbers through Public services (without visiting the MREO), there is no need to hand over old signs - they will simply be canceled in the database. But during a personal visit to the unit, the inspector may ask to see them for verification.

📊 Have you ever changed the license plate number on your car?
Yes, on your own initiative
Yes, due to loss/damage
No, but I plan to
No and I don't plan to

When surrender of old numbers is mandatory: 5 cases

Despite the general loyalty of the rules, there are situations when it is impossible to do without returning old numbers. There are few of them, but they are critical:

  1. Replacing numbers by court decision. For example, if previous marks were declared invalid due to fraudulent activities.
  2. Detection of fake numbers. If during inspection it turns out that your plates are fake, they will be confiscated for examination.
  3. Re-registration of a car with a change in category (for example, with passenger car on cargo).
  4. Obtaining numbers through an auction of “beautiful” combinations. Here, old signs are surrendered automatically, as they are replaced with new ones at the request of the owner.
  5. Replacing transit numbers with permanent ones. Transit signs must be returned to the traffic police within 20 days after receiving permanent ones.

In all these cases, refusal to return old numbers may lead to refusal to issue new or even administrative liability (for Art. 19.22 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - up to 2,000 rubles fine).

In 2026, a new regulation was introduced: when replacing numbers through the MFC, the old plates must be returned - this requirement is related to the automation of the verification process.

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If you hand over your old license plates to the MREO, ask the inspector to issue you an acceptance certificate. This will protect against future claims if the signs "pop up" on another vehicle.

Step-by-step instructions: how to change numbers without problems

To avoid misunderstandings when replacing license plates, follow this algorithm:

  1. Prepare your documents:
    • 📄 Owner’s passport.
    • 📄 STS and PTS of the car.
    • 📄 OSAGO policy (if any).
    • 📄 Application for replacement of numbers (filled out on site or through State Services).
    • 📄 Old numbers (if they exist and are not damaged).
  2. Pay the state fee:
    • 💵 For new numbers - 2,000 rubles (per pair).
    • 💵 For replacing one sign - 1,000 rubles.
    • 💵 30% discount when paying through State Services.
  3. Submit your documents:
    • 🏛️ At the MREO (by appointment or on a first-come, first-served basis).
    • 💻 Through State Services (then there is no need to hand over old numbers).
    • 🏢 At the MFC (if this service is available in your region).
  • Get new numbers:
    • ⏳ Production time is from 1 to 3 working days.
    • 🔧 Installation of numbers must comply with GOST R 50577-93 (fastening, visibility, lighting).

      • ☑️ What to check before changing numbers

      Done: 0 / 4

      If you change numbers via Public services, the algorithm is simplified:

      1. Fill out the electronic application on the website.
      2. Pay the state fee at a discount.
      3. Choose a convenient MREO and time of visit.
      4. Come with documents and get new numbers (you don’t have to hand over your old ones).
    ⚠️ Attention: If you have lost your old numbers, be sure to file a police report about the loss before replacing them. Without this document, MREO may refuse to issue duplicates, citing the risk of fraud.

    What to do with old numbers: store, hand over or destroy?

    If you decide not to hand over your old license plates to the MREO, you have three options:

    Option Pros Cons Risks
    Keep at home Can be used as a souvenir or for car history. They take up space and require storage conditions (do not rust). If the numbers “pop up” on another car, there is a problem with the traffic police.
    Submit to MREO Guarantee that signs will not be used by scammers. Requires time to visit the unit. Minimum (if the inspector draws up the report correctly).
    Destroy yourself Fast and does not require trips to the traffic police. It is necessary to document the destruction (photo/video). If destruction is not confirmed, questions may arise during inspections.

    The most reliable way is physical destruction with process recording. For example:

    • 🔨 Cut the numbers with a grinder or metal scissors.
    • 📸 Take a photo of the process and save the photo with the date.
    • 🗑️ Throw away the remains in different trash containers (so that they cannot be restored).
    What happens if you don't destroy old numbers?

    If the old plates fall into the hands of fraudsters, they can install them on another car (for example, stolen or with unpaid fines). In this case, all the problems will fall on you: from fines for other people’s violations to criminal liability for complicity in a crime (under Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - up to 2 years in prison).

    ⚠️ Attention: Never sell or transfer old plates to third parties - even if they promise to “just hang it on the garage.” This is a violation Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (driving a vehicle with unreadable license plates) and can result in a fine of up to 5,000 rubles.

    Fines and problems: what to fear when replacing numbers

    Even if you follow all the rules, you can run into trouble when changing numbers. Here are the most common:

    • 🚨 Refusal to issue new numbers. Most often occurs due to:
      • Unpaid fines (check for traffic police website).
      • Inconsistencies between data in PTS and STS.
      • Lack of compulsory motor liability insurance (if it is required for your vehicle).
    • 💰 Penalty for failure to submit transit numbers. If you don't return them on time - before 1,500 rubles (Part 2 of Article 12.1 of the Administrative Code).
    • 🔍 Car history problems. If the old license plates “resurface” on another car, you will have to prove your innocence in court.
    • ⏳ Delays in issuing new numbers. In some regions (for example, Moscow, St. Petersburg), the production time may take up to 5–7 days.

      • To minimize risks:

      1. Before changing plates, check the vehicle for traffic police restrictions.
      2. If you change numbers due to loss, keep a copy of the police report.
      3. After receiving new numbers, update the data in your MTPL policy (this can be done online through the insurance website).
      💡

      The most common mistake when replacing license plates is forgetting to update the data in OSAGO. If this is not done, in the event of an accident, the insurance company may refuse to pay, citing a mismatch of numbers in the policy.

      Regional features: where are the rules stricter?

      Although Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399 is valid throughout Russia, in practice, different regions may have their own nuances. For example:

      • 🏙️ Moscow and Moscow region:
        • Most MREOs require you to present old license plates (even if they are damaged).
        • When replacing through State Services, old signs do not have to be returned, but they must be destroyed.
      • 🌉 St. Petersburg and Leningrad region:
        • Replacement is allowed without returning the old numbers, but the inspector may ask for them for verification.
        • If lost, a police certificate is required (some MREO may be requested even if damaged).
      • 🏔️ Regions of Siberia and the Far East:
        • A more loyal attitude towards damaged numbers (it is enough to present the remaining balance).
        • In remote areas, it may not be possible to produce plates on site - you will have to wait for delivery from the regional center.
      • 🌾 Southern regions (Krasnodar region, Rostov region):
        • They often require an act of destruction of old license plates (if you do not hand them over to the MREO).
        • When replacing through the MFC, old signs must be returned.

      To avoid surprises, before visiting the MREO:

      1. Call the selected department and clarify their requirements.
      2. Check reviews on forums (eg. Drive2 or Auto Mail.ru).
      3. If possible, please make an appointment through Public services — there is usually less bureaucracy there.

      Frequently asked questions and myths about replacing license plates

      There are many rumors surrounding the replacement of license plates. Let's look at the most popular:

      ❓ Do I need to pay fines before changing numbers?

      No, unpaid fines are not grounds for refusal in replacing numbers. However, if you have large debts (for example, for unpaid taxes), the assessor may recommend paying them off to avoid problems in the future.

      Exception: if the car is registered unpaid fines for fake license plates, replacement may be suspended until the situation is resolved.

      ❓ Is it possible to drive with old license plates after applying for a replacement?

      Yes, but only if the numbers are old readable and compliant. If you submitted an application through State Services, new license plates must be issued within 3 working days - during this period you can travel with your old ones.

      If the old plates are damaged or lost, drive the vehicle prohibited until new ones are received (fine - 500 rubles according to Part 1 of Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses).

      ❓ What to do if the new numbers do not fit the fastenings?

      According to GOST R 50577-93, all license plates must have standard mounting holes. If the new plates do not fit your vehicle (for example, due to a non-standard bumper), you have the right to:

      • 🔧 Ask the MREO to replace the numbers with others (with the correct holes).
      • 🔧 Use transition frames (but they should not cover the characters).
      • 🔧 Remake the mounts on the bumper (if this does not violate the design of the vehicle).

      Refuse numbers due to mismatched fastenings it's impossible - this is considered evasion of registration (fine up to 2,000 rubles).

      ❓ Is it possible to return old numbers after replacement?

      No, that's impossible. After new numbers are issued, old ones are canceled in the traffic police database and cannot be reactivated. Even if you keep the physical plates, it will be illegal to use them on your vehicle.

      Exception: if the replacement was issued incorrectly (for example, due to the fault of the inspector), you can file a complaint and return the old numbers. But in practice such cases are extremely rare.

      ❓ Is it true that you have to pay separately for “beautiful” rooms?

      Yes, if you are participating auction for special license plates (for example, with repeated numbers or letter combinations). The cost of such rooms starts from 10,000 rubles and can reach millions.

      Regular license plates (even if they accidentally turn out “beautiful”) are issued at a standard state fee - 2,000 rubles per set. Sell or buy ready-made “beautiful” numbers from third parties illegal (Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).