The exchange of license plates between cars of different owners is a topic that raises a lot of questions among car owners. On the one hand, keeping the “nice” or familiar license plates on a new car seems like a logical solution. On the other hand, the procedure is surrounded by myths about its illegality, high fines and bureaucratic delays. In practice, exchanging numbers possible, but only with strict adherence to traffic police regulations and tax laws.

In this article, we will look at how to legally change license plates between cars of different owners in 2026: from collecting documents to registering changes with the traffic police. Let's consider pitfalls, which may lead to refusal of the procedure, as well as alternative ways to save numbers - for example, through personal account for government services or contact the MREO by appointment. We will pay special attention new rules that came into force on March 1, 2023, which simplified the procedure, but tightened control over “gray” exchange schemes.

1. Legislative framework: what do the traffic police and the Tax Code say?

The main document regulating the exchange of license plates is Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia No. 605 of June 26, 2018 (as amended in 2023). According to him, changing license plates between vehicles allowed, but subject to two conditions:

  • 📋 Both cars must be registered on the territory of the Russian Federation and not be wanted or under arrest.
  • 🔄 Exchange is possible only between individuals (legal entities and individual entrepreneurs cannot participate in such a procedure).
  • 💰 State duty for re-registration of numbers is 2 000 ₽ (as of 2026).

Important: starting from 2023, the requirement to hand over old numbers upon exchange has been abolished. Now they can save on new car or transfer to another owner without additional fees. However, if the numbers were lost or damaged, you will have to order duplicates - this will cost 1 500 ₽ for a couple of signs.

⚠️ Attention: If one of the cars was purchased under a general power of attorney (without re-registration), exchange of numbers prohibited. First, you need to register the car to the new owner at the traffic police.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to exchange numbers in 1 day

The exchange procedure takes from 2 to 4 hours if you prepare the documents in advance. Here algorithm of actions for two owners:

  1. Agreement of conditions. Draw up a written agreement (in any form) on the mutual exchange of license plates. Indicate in it:
    • 📝 Makes, models and VIN numbers of both cars;
    • 🔢 Registration plate numbers;
    • 📅 Date and signatures of the parties.
  • Preparation of documents. Each owner will need:
    • 📄 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
    • 🚗 PTS and STS for a car;
    • 💳 Receipt for payment of state duty (2 000 ₽ from each participant).
    • Visit to MREO. Both owners must appear at the traffic police station personally (replacement by proxy is not allowed).

    Russian passport (original)

    PTS and STS for a car

    Receipt for payment of state duty (RUB 2,000)

    Exchange Agreement (in writing)

    OSAGO policy (current)

    -->

    The MREO will give you new STS indicating the exchanged numbers. Old signs can be install directly on another car - no additional checks are required. However, if the numbers were damaged, they will have to be recycled and new ones ordered.

    Yes, everything went well

    Yes, but there were problems with the traffic police

    No, but I plan to

    No and I don't intend to-->

    3. Alternative ways to save numbers

    If an exchange is not possible for some reason (for example, one of the owners is a legal entity), consider these options:

    Method Cost Deadlines Features
    Re-registration of a car to a relative 800 ₽ (state duty) 1 day The plates remain on the car, but an actual sales transaction is required.
    Purchasing numbers through auction From 5 000 ₽ up to 50 000 ₽ 1–2 weeks You can choose a “beautiful” number, but the procedure is expensive.
    Registration of duplicates 1 500 ₽ 3–5 days Suitable if old numbers are lost or damaged.

    The most reliable way is re-registration of a car to a close relative with subsequent return to ownership. For example, if you are selling a car and want to keep the license plates, temporarily register it in the name of your spouse, and then return it to yourself with a new car. The main thing is don't forget to pay sales tax (if the car was owned for less than 3 years).

    What happens if you exchange numbers without an agreement?

    Without a written agreement, the traffic police inspector may refuse the procedure, citing a lack of evidence of a voluntary exchange. In the worst case, this could result in a fine of up to 5 000 ₽ for the unlawful use of registration plates (Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

    4. Risks and pitfalls: what should you be wary of?

    Even if all the rules are followed, there are nuances that can ruin the process:

    • 🚨 Tax consequences. If the car has been owned for less than 3 years, when exchanging plates, the question of sales tax may arise (13% of the transaction amount). To avoid problems, keep documents confirming that the exchange took place without monetary compensation.
    • 🔍 Check for restrictions. If there are unpaid fines on the car or it is in collateral, the number plates will be exchanged blocked until restrictions are lifted.
    • 📛 Region mismatch. You can exchange numbers only within one subject of the Russian Federation. For example, Moscow license plates cannot be transferred to a car registered in St. Petersburg.
    ⚠️ Attention: If you are exchanging numbers with an owner who recently purchased a car (less than 10 days ago), the inspector may request additional documents to verify the legality of the transaction. This is due to the increasing number of cases of fraud involving the transfer of license plates to stolen cars.

    Another trap - "gray" schemes through intermediaries offering the exchange of numbers “without visiting the traffic police.” Most often this is a scam that may end deprivation of rights for 1–2 years for using counterfeit documents (Article 12.7 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

    5. Exchange of numbers through State Services: is this possible?

    To date completely remotely Numbers cannot be exchanged between owners. However, through personal account on State Services you can:

    • 📋 Make an appointment with the traffic police (saves up to 3 hours of time);
    • 💳 Pay state duty with a 30% discount (1 400 ₽ instead of 2 000 ₽);
    • 🔍 Check the car for restrictions before visiting the MREO.

    To register through State Services:

    1. Log in to the site gosuslugi.ru;
    2. Select a service “Vehicle registration” → “Changing registration data”;
    3. Specify the date and time of your visit to a convenient MREO;
    4. Pay the state fee online (the discount is valid only for non-cash payments).
    💡

    If you are exchanging license plates with an owner from another region, first re-register his car in your subject of the Russian Federation. This will take 1-2 days, but will eliminate the refusal of exchange.

    6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even experienced car owners make mistakes when exchanging license plates. Here are the most common:

    • ❌ Late payment of fines. If one of the owners has unpaid traffic fines, the inspector will refuse an exchange. Check your debts on the website traffic police.rf in advance.
    • ❌ Attempted exchange with a stolen car. If a car is wanted, its VIN will be blocked in the database. Before the transaction, check the history through the service Autocode or CarVertical.
    • ❌ Using damaged numbers. If signs are bent, scratched or unreadable, they will have to be returned and new ones ordered. The traffic police does not accept license plates with defects.

    Another common mistake is incorrect completion of the exchange agreement. The document must indicate:

    • 📌 Passport details of both owners;
    • 📌 Complete vehicle data (VIN, make, model, year of manufacture);
    • 📌 Registration plate numbers before and after exchange;
    • 📌 Date and signatures of the parties.
    💡

    Exchange of numbers between owners is a legal procedure, but only with the personal presence of both participants at the traffic police. This cannot be done remotely or by proxy.

    Is it possible to exchange plates if one of the cars is leased?

    No. A leased car belongs to a leasing company (legal entity), and the exchange of license plates is allowed only between individuals. In this case, you will have to either buy the car out of lease or use alternative methods of preserving the license plates (for example, purchasing through an auction).

    How many times can you exchange numbers between cars?

    The legislation does not limit the number of exchanges. You can change numbers at least every month if you find a willing owner. However, frequent re-registrations may arouse suspicion among traffic police inspectors - they have the right to request additional documents to verify the legality of transactions.

    What should I do if, after exchanging numbers, I received a summons for a fine for an old car?

    If a fine has been issued until the exchange, responsibility lies with the previous owner of the car. You need:

    1. Write a statement to the traffic police with a request to redirect the fine to the real offender;
    2. Attach a copy of the agreement on the exchange of numbers and an extract from the MREO register;
    3. Send documents by registered mail or through your personal account on State Services.

    If the fine has arrived after the exchange, but for a violation committed on another machine, it is a database error. It can be challenged through court proceedings.

    Is it possible to exchange plates if one of the cars has foreign plates?

    No. Exchange is possible only between vehicles registered in Russia. Foreign license plates must first be reissued to Russian ones (this takes up to 20 days and requires payment of customs duties), and only then the exchange can begin.

    How to check if a car is listed as collateral before exchanging it?

    Check the car through official services:

    If the car is pledged, the exchange of numbers will be blocked until the loan is repaid.