Buying a license plate from the traffic police: how to choose, where to buy and how much it costs in

Purchasing a license plate through the traffic police is a process that requires not only financial investments, but also an understanding of the legal intricacies. In 2026, the rules remain the same, but new services and restrictions have appeared, which are important to know about in advance. Beautiful or “beautiful” numbers (with repeating numbers, letters or rare combinations) are in steady demand, and their cost can vary from several thousand to hundreds of thousands of rubles.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods of purchasing numbers - from official purchase through Public services before participating in auctions, and we will also tell you about the pitfalls that a buyer can expect. You will learn how to check the number for “purity”, what documents are required, and why some combinations are several times more expensive than others. Whether you're planning to buy a license plate for a new car or just want to update your registration plates, this guide will help you save time and money.

1. Why do they buy beautiful numbers and what combinations are in demand?

Car license plates have long ceased to be just a vehicle identifier. For many owners, it is a way to express individuality, status, or even superstition. For example, numbers with repeating digits (111, 222, 777) or letters (AAA, OOO) are considered “lucky” and can cost 5–10 times more than standard ones. And combinations associated with dates of birth, initials or brands (BMW 777, AUDI 001), often purchased by collectors.

According to traffic police, the most expensive rooms in 2026 are:

• 🔢 Triple reps (for example, 777 AA 777 or 999 OO 999) - from 50,000 to 500,000 rubles.
• 🅰️ Letter combinations (for example, AAA, VIP, BOSS) - from 30,000 to 300,000 rubles.
• 📅 Dates and initials (for example, 0101 AA 01 for January 1) - from 10,000 to 100,000 rubles.
• 🚗 Regional rarities (numbers with code 77 (Moscow) or 78 (St. Petersburg) is always more expensive than 99 or 199).

Interesting fact: in 2023 there will be a record price per room A 001 AA 77 at the auction amounted to 2.3 million rubles. Such numbers are purchased not only for personal use, but also as an investment - they can be resold at a higher price in a few years.

2. Official methods of purchasing a license plate from the traffic police

In Russia there are three legal ways to purchase a beautiful number: through Public services, on traffic police auction or when car re-registration. Let's look at each of them in detail.

2.1. Purchasing through State Services

The easiest and most transparent way is to choose a number when registering a new car or replacing old plates. The algorithm is like this:

1. Go to Public services and select the “Vehicle Registration” service.
2. In the “Selecting a registration plate” section, the system will offer available combinations (including paid ones).
3. You pay the cost of the room (from 2,000 to 200,000 rubles depending on the combination).
4. You receive a number at the selected traffic police department.

⚠️ Attention: Not all numbers are available on State Services - only those that were not sold at auction. If the desired combination is missing, you can try to find it through an auction.

2.2. Participation in the traffic police auction

Auctions are held regularly on the platform State Property. The rarest and most expensive numbers are sold here. To take part:

Register on the State Property website|Top up your account for an amount greater than the starting price|Study the lot (check the history of the number)|Participate in the auction at the specified time-->

The starting price at an auction usually starts from 10,000 rubles, but popular lots go for hundreds of thousands. For example, number M 777 MM 77 in 2023 it went for 450,000 rubles.

2.3. Purchase upon re-registration of a car

If you change the owner of the car or register it in another region, you can choose a new number (including a paid one). To do this:

• 📄 Prepare your passport, PTS and registration certificate.
• 💻 Make an appointment with the traffic police through State Services.
• 💰 Pay the cost of the room and the state fee (2,000 rubles for making signs).

⚠️ Attention: If you buy a license plate for a car that is already registered, you will have to turn in the old plates to the traffic police. They will not be reusable.

3. How much does it cost to buy a traffic police license plate in 2026?

The cost of a room depends on its “beauty”, region and method of purchase. Below is a table with current prices for 2026:

Additionally you will have to pay:

• 💵 State duty for making signs - 2,000 rubles (if you order new signs).
• 📝 Registration fee — 850 rubles (if the data in the PTS is changed).
• 🔄 Auction commission — 5–10% of the cost of the lot (if you buy through State Property).

4. How to check the number before purchasing

Before purchasing a number, be sure to check its history to avoid problems with the law. Here's what to do:

4.1. Checking for traffic police restrictions

Some combinations are prohibited. For example:

• 🚫 Numbers with letter combinations that may offend (XXX, SSS).
• 🚫 Combinations that match service numbers (for example, 001, 002 for special vehicles).
• 🚫 Numbers that were previously wanted or involved in crimes.

You can check the number on the official website of the traffic police in the section "Car check" or through the service Autocode.

4.2. Checking for “purity” through databases

If you buy a number secondhand or at auction, request:

• 📋 Extract from the registration history (can be obtained through the traffic police).
• 🔍 Check for participation in an accident (via services Autocode or CarVertical).
• 🚔 No fines (checked on the website traffic police).

⚠️ Attention: If the seller refuses to provide documents or the check shows that the number was wanted, refuse the transaction. Such numbers can be confiscated by the traffic police even after purchase.