If you see a car on the road with a license plate where the letters in the series are indicated EKH, then in front of you is a vehicle registered in one of the regions of Russia with the appropriate code. Such combinations are not accidental - they are strictly regulated by GOST R 50577-2018 and are tied to specific subjects of the Federation. However, not all drivers know what exactly these letters mean, how they are formed and what nuances are associated with their use.

In this article we will look at EKH series in detail: from deciphering codes to practical tips for verifying the authenticity of numbers. You will find out which regions issue such signs, how to avoid problems when buying a used car with license plates EKH, and what to do if your number is included in the database of stolen vehicles. We will pay special attention to the changes of 2026 - they affected the rules for re-registration and issuance of duplicates.

What do the letters EKH mean on license plates?

Series EKH - this is part state registration plate (GRZ), which indicates that the car belongs to a certain region of Russia. According to the current standard, the number structure includes:

  • 🔤 1 letter (series) - in our case E;
  • 🔢 3 digits (number) - from 001 to 999;
  • 🔤 2 letters (series) - KH;
  • 🏳️ Region code - two or three digits (for example, 77 for Moscow).

Letters EKH do not carry independent meaning - they are simply part of a combination that is distributed by the traffic police as the previous series are exhausted. For example, after ECU coming EKH, then ECC and so on. It is important to understand that the EKH series can be found in different regions of Russia, but the code on the right will always indicate a specific subject of the Federation.

Since 2020, Russia has had a new system for distributing episodes, which helps avoid repetitions. Previously, combinations could be duplicated in different regions, which created confusion. Now the issuing algorithm is strictly controlled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

📊Have you ever noticed a series of numbers on the road?
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Which regions issue numbers with the EKH series?

Letters EKH are not tied to one region - they can be found in different subjects of the Federation. However, the region code (numbers on the right) will accurately indicate the place of registration. Below is a current list of regions where EKH series actively used in 2026:

Region code Subject of the Federation Note
23 Krasnodar region High demand for rooms due to a large fleet of cars
50 Moscow region Often found on used cars from the Moscow region
77, 97, 99, 177, 197, 199 Moscow The EKH series has been actively issued since 2022
66 Sverdlovsk region Mainly for commercial vehicles
116 Republic of Tatarstan The EKH series appeared in 2023

If you see a number with EKH and a region code that is not in the table, this does not mean it is fake. The series are distributed dynamically, and the traffic police can begin issuing them in a new region at any time. To check the relevance, check the number through the official service traffic police.

⚠️ Attention: If on a number with a series EKH the region code does not correspond to the place of registration of the owner (for example, the car is registered in Moscow, and code 23 is Krasnodar), this may indicate a fake or an error during registration. Check your car's history via Public services or Autocode.

How to check the authenticity of numbers with the EKH series?

Fake numbers with EKH - not uncommon, especially on the used market. Fraudsters often use such series because they are less known to drivers. To avoid problems, follow these instructions:

Inspect the sign for defects (ragged edges, blurry font)

Check the compliance of the region code and the place of registration of the vehicle

Check the number with the data in the STS and PTS

Use online services (Autocode, State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, Stolen Car Register)

Pay attention to the date of issue - if the number is new, but the car is old, this is suspicious-->

One of the most reliable ways is to check the number through traffic police database. To do this:

  1. Go to the site car checks;
  2. Enter series and number (for example, EKH 123 77);
  3. Make sure that the data matches the STS and PTS.

If the system gives an error or the data does not match, this is a reason to be wary. It is also worth paying attention to:

  • 🔍 Number color and material — fakes are often printed on cheap plastic;
  • 📅 Date of issue - if the issue was released before 2020, and the series EKH appeared later, this is suspicious;
  • 📄 VIN matching — the number must be tied to a specific car.
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If the seller refuses to provide the originals of the STS and PTS for verification with the number, this is a reason to refuse the transaction. Even if the license plate looks genuine, without documents the risk of buying a stolen car is too high.

If upon inspection it turns out that the car with the license plate EKH listed in the stolen database, you need to act quickly and clearly. Here is the algorithm of actions:

  1. Don't hand over money — even if the seller shows “original” documents;
  2. Take a photo number, VIN, documents and seller (if possible);
  3. Submit your application to the police or through the portal Ministry of Internal Affairs;
  4. Check the history through Autocode or CarVertical — sometimes the numbers are faked to disguise the real status of the car.

If you have already purchased a car and it later turns out that the number EKH hijacked, you face:

  • 🚔 Seizure of the vehicle - even if you did not know about the fraud;
  • 💸 Financial losses — it will be extremely difficult to return the money;
  • ⚖️ Administrative responsibility - if you cannot prove a bona fide purchase.
⚠️ Attention: Since 2026, new rules for re-registration of cars with “problem” license plates have come into force. Now, if discrepancies are detected, the traffic police is obliged to suspend registration actions until inspection. This means that even if you bought the car in good faith, it may be blocked for 30 days.

Is it possible to change the EKX series to another?

Yes, replace the number with EKH on the other hand, it is possible, but this requires good reasons. The traffic police meets owners halfway in the following cases:

  • 🔄 Lost or stolen numbers - a police report will be required;
  • 🚗 Selling a car — the new owner can request new numbers;
  • 📝 Error in documents — if the series does not correspond to the region of registration;
  • 💔 Damage to number - if the sign has become unreadable.

To replace you need:

  1. Contact MREO traffic police or through Public services;
  2. Provide a passport, STS, PTS and application;
  3. Pay the state fee (2,000 rubles for new numbers in 2026).

If you want to change your number just like that (for example, don’t like the series EKH), the traffic police may refuse. Replacement without reason is possible only when there is a change of owner or registration in another region.

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From January 1, 2026, for changing numbers without objective reasons (for example, due to aesthetic preferences), an increased fee will be charged - 3,500 rubles instead of the standard 2,000.

Frequent fraudulent schemes involving EKH numbers

Series EKH often used by scammers due to its relative novelty. Here are the most common deception schemes:

  • 🔧 "Duplicate" numbers — the seller claims that the originals are lost, but in fact the car is stolen;
  • 📑 Fake STS - the documents look like real ones, but the number EKH not listed in the database;
  • 🚘 VIN interruption - a car with stolen license plates EKH disguised as someone else;
  • 💰 Pledge cars — the car is pledged to the bank, but is sold with “clean” license plates.

How to protect yourself?

  • 🔍 Check your history via Autocode or CarVertical;
  • 📸 Take photos of VIN and numbers before purchasing;
  • 📞 Call the previous owner (if he is listed in the PTS).
What to do if you have already bought a problem car?

If the transaction has already been completed, immediately contact the police to report fraud. Also file a lawsuit against the seller - there is a chance of getting your money back if you can prove that you acted in good faith. In some cases, insurance helps (if it was taken out before purchase).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about EKH numbers

Is it possible to travel abroad with an EKH number?

Yes, numbers with series EKH are valid in all countries that recognize Russian registration marks (for example, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia). However, questions may arise in the EU - it is better to have with you green card and translation of STS.

What does it mean if there is no area code on the EKX number?

This 100% fake. According to GOST R 50577-2018, all Russian license plates must contain a region code. If it is not there, the sign was made illegally.

Can EKX numbers be issued for motorcycles?

Yes, series EKH It is also used for motor vehicles, but the format of the number will be different - smaller in size, with a different arrangement of symbols.

How can I find out how many cars with EKH number are registered in my region?

Exact statistics are not published, but you can send a request to your local MREO traffic police or use open data on the portal data.gov.ru.

What happens if you do not change the damaged EKH number?

If the sign becomes unreadable, you may be fined 500 rubles (Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code). In case of repeated violation - up to 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights.