What is Tarkov and why it needs to be transmitted correctly

Term Tarkov (or TARIC-code) often causes confusion among car owners, especially when selling or disposing of a vehicle. Actually we are talking about vehicle technical passport (PTS) or its electronic analogue - electronic PTS (EPTS), which contain unique data about the car. However, in colloquial speech, “tarkov” is often used to refer to other documents related to customs clearance, for example, when importing a car from abroad.

The main problem: if you do not transfer the tarks to the new owner or recycling organization, the car it will not be possible to register, sell or officially write off. This is fraught with fines of up to 2,500 rubles (under Article 19.22 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation) and problems with the traffic police. In this article we will look at where to look for a document, how to transfer it correctly and what to do if it is lost.

Where to look for tarks in a car: 5 proven places

If you are buying a used car or preparing to scrap it, the first step is to check for tarkov. Depending on the type of document (paper PTS or EPTS) and the history of the car, it can be located in different places:

  • 📄 In the glove compartment or glove compartment - the most obvious place where owners store documents. Often the PTS is included with the MTPL and STS insurance.
  • 🔑 In a secret compartment under the driver's seat — some car owners hide documents there, especially if the car is often parked in an unguarded parking lot.
  • 📂 In the folder with documents for the car — if the previous owner is careful, the PTS may be in a separate folder with the purchase and sale agreement and service book.
  • 💻 In electronic form (EPTS) — since 2020, many cars are registered with an electronic passport. You can check its availability via Public services or the traffic police website.
  • 🚛 From a customs broker (for imported cars) — if the car was imported from abroad less than 3 years ago, the tarkov can be stored with the broker who processed the customs clearance.

If the document is not found, check VIN number car through service car history checks. It will display whether a PTS or EPTS was issued for this car. If there is no data, the car could have been cleared through customs illegally, and this is a reason to be wary.

📊 Where do you usually store documents for your car?
In the glove compartment
In the home safe
Electronically
At the notary
Another option

How to distinguish a genuine Tarkov from a fake: 4 key signs

Fake vehicle title or customs documents are a common problem in the secondary market. Fraudsters often fake tarkovs to scam cars, especially if the car is stolen or has a criminal record. Here's how to recognize the original:

Sign Original document Fake
Paper and printing The PTS is printed on special paper with watermarks that are visible under a UV lamp. The traffic police stamp is clear, without blur. The paper is plain, the watermarks are missing or blurred. Printing may be uneven.
Series and number The series consists of 2 letters and 6 numbers (example: 77 TT 123456). The number matches the data in the traffic police database. The series may contain non-existent letters (for example, Yo, Yo) or mismatch with the base.
Hologram On the front side of the PTS there is a holographic sticker with the coat of arms of the Russian Federation, which changes color when tilted. There is no hologram, or it is just a regular sticker without the shimmer effect.
Owner information All records of previous owners must be entered by hand or in print with the signature of the inspector. Entries may be erased, corrected, or entered in a different handwriting.

If you doubt the authenticity, request an extract from the traffic police register via Public services or contact your nearest branch. You can also use the mobile application "Autocode" to check the car history by VIN.

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Before buying a used car, always ask for the original title and check the VIN number on the body with what is indicated in the document. Discrepancies are a reason to refuse the deal.

Step-by-step instructions: how to correctly transfer tarkov when selling a car

Transfer of the Tarkov (PTS/EPTS) is a mandatory step when selling a car. If the document is not transferred, the new owner will not be able to register the car, and you will remain responsible for it to the traffic police. Here's how to do everything legally:

  1. Check the relevance of the data in the PTS. If there is no free space in the document for new entries, order a duplicate from the traffic police (cost: 800 rubles).
  2. Fill out the purchase and sale agreement (PSA). It must indicate:
    • 📝 Passport details of the seller and buyer;
    • 🚗 Make, model, VIN, body and chassis number;
    • 💰 The cost of the car (even if you sell it for 1 ruble).
  • Make an entry in the PTS. In the "Owners" column, indicate the full name of the new owner, his address and the date of sale. Both parties must sign.
  • Hand over the documents to the buyer:
    • 📋 Original PTS (or access to EPTS);
    • 📄 DCP in 3 copies (one for each side and one for the traffic police);
    • 🔑 STS (if valid).
    • Report the sale to the traffic police. This can be done via Public services or in person at the branch. Duration: 10 days from the date of transaction.

      • ☑️ What to check before handing over Tarkov

      Done: 0 / 4

      If you pass it on electronic PTS, it is enough to provide the buyer with access to it through EPTS portal. To do this you need:

      1. Log in to the portal;
      2. Find your car by VIN;
      3. Click "Transfer rights" and enter the buyer's information.
    What happens if you don't hand over the Tharks?

    The new owner will not be able to register the car, and you will remain responsible for fines and accidents. In addition, the traffic police may impose a fine for late notification of the sale (up to 2,000 rubles).

    How to transfer tarks when disposing of a car: nuances of 2026

    If the car is sent for recycling, the tarkov (PTS/EPTS) must be transferred to recycling center or traffic police for deregistration. The procedure depends on who is doing the disposal:

    • 🏭 Through an accredited recycling center:

      The center itself submits documents to the traffic police for deregistration. You need:

      1. Sign the vehicle acceptance certificate;
      2. Transfer the original PTS (or access to the EPTS);
      3. Obtain a certificate of recycling (needed to return the recycling fee, if it was paid).
  • 🚔 Independently through the traffic police:

    If you dispose of your car without intermediaries, submit an application to the traffic police with the following attachment:

    • Passports;
    • PTS (or extracts from EPTS);
    • Documents confirming ownership;
    • Recycling certificate (if already handed over to the collection point).

    • From 2023, you can get discount on the purchase of a new car (up to 50,000 rubles). To do this, you need to save the recycling certificate and present it upon purchase.

    💡

    If a car is disposed of under a government support program, the tarkov is transferred to the traffic police only after confirmation of disposal. Don't do this in advance!

    What to do if Tarkov is lost: restoration and fines

    The loss of Tarkov (PTS) is a serious problem, but it can be solved. The main thing is not to try to drive without a document, as this is equivalent to driving a car without registration (fine - 500–800 rubles under Part 1 of Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Algorithm of actions:

    1. Submit an application to the traffic police about issuing a duplicate. For this you need:
      • Passport;
      • STS (if any);
      • Purchase and sale agreement or other document confirming ownership;
      • Receipt for payment of state duty (800 rubles).
  • Wait for verification. The traffic police will check the car according to the database for theft or restrictions. Duration - from 1 to 30 days.
  • Get a duplicate. The new PTS will be marked “Duplicate”, but it has the same legal force.

    • If lost electronic PTS, restoring it is easier: just contact personal account on the EPTS portal and request re-access. The system will send a link to the email associated with your account.

    ⚠️ Attention: If you find someone else's title (for example, in a used car), do not try to use it. Storing someone else's document for a vehicle without the purpose of selling is punishable by a fine of up to 2,500 rubles (Article 19.22 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Hand it over to the nearest traffic police department.

    Many car owners take the transfer of a Tarkov lightly, not understanding the consequences. Meanwhile, failure to comply with the rules is fraught not only with fines, but also with more serious problems:

    • 🚨 Fines for late notification of the traffic police:

      If you sold a car, but did not report it to the traffic police within 10 days, you may be fined 1,500–2,000 rubles (Part 1 of Article 19.22 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

    • 📜 Tax problems:

      While the car is registered in your name, you are required to pay transport tax. Even if you don't actually use it.

    • 🚔 Responsibility for an accident:

      If the new owner gets into an accident and you still have the car, you may be held responsible (until you prove the sale).

    • 🔍 Problems with recycling collection:

      If the car is scrapped without your knowledge, you will not be able to get the recycling fee (if any was paid at the time of purchase) back.

    To avoid risks, always:

    • Make up purchase and sale agreement in 3 copies;
    • Pass it on original PTS (or access to EPTS) against signature;
    • Report the sale to the traffic police within 10 days.
    ⚠️ Attention: If the buyer refuses to register the car, and you have already handed over the tarkov to him, write an application to the traffic police to terminate the registration on your initiative. This will relieve you of responsibility.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Tarkov in the car

    Is it possible to sell a car without Tarkov?

    Technically yes, but the new owner will not be able to register it. Such transactions are often fraudulent (for example, a car is stolen or under arrest). If the Tarkov is lost, first restore it to the traffic police.

    What to do if there is no space in the PTS for a new entry?

    You need to obtain a duplicate PTS from the traffic police. To do this, submit an application, pay the state fee (800 rubles) and provide your passport, vehicle registration certificate and purchase and sale agreement. A new PTS will be issued within 1–3 days.

    How to check if a car is stolen in Tarkov?

    Check the VIN number on the title with the one on the body of the car (usually under the windshield or on the door pillar). Then check the machine through the services:

    If the data does not match or the car is wanted, refuse the transaction.

    Do I need to transfer tarks when donating a car?

    Yes, the procedure is the same as when selling. An entry about the new owner is made in the PTS, and an application for a change of owner is submitted to the traffic police. The only difference is that instead of a purchase and sale agreement, a gift agreement.

    Is it possible to drive with an electronic PTS instead of a paper one?

    Yes, since 2020, EPTS has the same legal force as a paper one. However, the traffic police inspector may ask to show access to the document through the mobile application "State Services Auto" or portal EPTS. It is recommended to have a printout of the EPTS extract with you.