The procedure for deregistering a car with the traffic police: complete instructions for

Deregistration of a car is a mandatory procedure when selling, disposing of or exporting a car outside of Russia. Despite the simplification of processes thanks to electronic services, many car owners are still faced with questions: what documents are needed, how much it costs, and whether everything can be done online. In 2026, the rules have undergone a number of changes, so even experienced drivers are at risk of making mistakes.

This article will help you understand all the nuances: from preparing documents to obtaining new numbers (if they are saved). We will look in detail three main deregistration scenarios - for sale, disposal and export abroad, - and we will also talk about typical mistakes that lead to refusals by the traffic police. We will pay special attention electronic services (Government Services, Autocode portal), which save time and avoid queues.

Important: on January 1, 2026, new rules for vehicle registration came into force (RF Government Decree No. 1765 of 2023), which affected the processing time for applications and the list of required documents. For example, now when deregistering for disposal, you do not need to present the car itself to the traffic police, if it is listed in the register of recycling companies. More on this and other novels below.

1. When to deregister a car: 3 main cases

In Russia, deregistration of a car is mandatory in three situations. Each of them has its own nuances and package of documents.

• 🔄 Selling a car. If you sell a car to another individual, the new owner must transfer it to himself within 10 days. However, deregistration old owner not necessary - it is enough to conclude a purchase and sale agreement (SPA). Exception: sale under a general power of attorney (such transactions are now practically not used due to high risks).
• ♻️ Disposal. If a car is sent for dismantling or scrapping, it must be deregistered within 30 days from the moment of signing the disposal certificate. From 2026, this can be done entirely online through State Services, if the recycling company is accredited in the EAISTO system.
• 🌍 Export abroad. When moving a car to another country on a permanent basis (for example, when moving), deregistration in Russia is required. Temporary export (up to 6 months) is processed through customs transit and does not require deregistration.

There are also less common cases: the death of the owner (heirs need to re-register the car within 6 months), loss of documents (recovery through the traffic police is required), or theft (in this case there is no need to deregister - a statement to the police is enough).

⚠️ Attention: If you sold the car, but the new owner did not re-register it within 10 days, fines for traffic violations will be sent to your name. To avoid this, submit an application to terminate registration through State Services - it will take 1 day and will not require a visit to the traffic police.

2. Documents for deregistration: complete list for 2026

The list of documents depends on the reason for deregistration. Below is the current table taking into account the latest changes:

Reason for withdrawal	Basic documents	Additional documents	Do I need to show my car?
Sale	Owner's passport, PTS, STS, purchase and sale agreement (3 copies)	General power of attorney (if sale by proxy), receipt of payment of state duty (350 rubles)	No
Disposal	Passport, PTS, STS, recycling certificate from an accredited company	Power of attorney (if a representative acts), certificate of no prohibitions on registration	No (from 2026)
Export abroad	Passport, PTS, STS, application for deregistration, customs declaration	Power of attorney (if necessary), receipt of payment of the fee (850 rub.)	Yes
Death of the owner	Death certificate, will/inheritance certificate, PTS, STS	Heir's passport, notary's decree	Yes

Important clarifications:

• 📄 PTS must be original. If there is no free space for records, a replacement will be required (cost: 800 rubles).
• 💳 State duty for deregistration is 350 rub. (upon sale) or 850 rub. (when exported abroad). When paying through State Services there is a 30% discount.
• 🔍 Certificate of absence of prohibitions not required if you submit an application through State Services - the system automatically checks for restrictions.

If the car is pledged to the bank, deregistration will require the written consent of the lender. Without this document, the traffic police will refuse to carry out the procedure.

Owner's passport (original + copy)|PTS (original)|STS (original)|Purchase and sale agreement (3 copies)|Receipt for payment of state duty (350 rub.)-->

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to deregister a car in 2026

The procedure for deregistration depends on the chosen method: through the traffic police, MFC or online (Government Services). Let's consider the most universal option - through government services portals.

Step 1. Preparing documents

Collect a package of documents according to the table above. Make sure that:

• 📋 There is free space in the PTS to mark deregistration.
• 🖋️ The purchase and sale agreement (if sold) is filled out without errors and signed by both parties.
• 💰 The state duty has been paid (when paying through State Services there is a 30% discount).

Step 2. Submitting an application through State Services

Log in to the portal Public services and do the following:

1. Go to section Transport and driving → Vehicle registration → Deregistration.
2. Select the reason for withdrawal (sale, disposal, export abroad).
3. Fill out an electronic application, indicating the vehicle details (VIN, STS number) and your contact information.
4. Attach scans of documents (PTS, passport, DCP, etc.).
5. Choose a convenient traffic police department to receive documents (if a personal visit is required).

Step 3. Payment of state duty

After checking the data, the system will offer to pay the state fee. The cost depends on the reason for withdrawal:

• 💵 350 rub. - upon sale or disposal.
• 💵 850 rub. - when exporting abroad.

Payment is possible by credit card, mobile banking or e-wallets. Keep your receipt - you will need it for confirmation.

Step 4. Receiving documents

Application processing time: from 1 to 3 business days. After approval:

• 📄 Upon sale or disposal you will receive new PTS with a deregistration mark (if you save numbers) or certificate of deregistration (if you rent out rooms).
• 🚗 When exported abroad, you will be given transit numbers (valid for 20 days) and an international registration certificate.

If you are deregistering a car for disposal, you can go through the entire process without visiting the traffic police — the documents will be sent to your personal account at State Services.

4. Deregistration upon sale: nuances and risks

Many car owners mistakenly believe that when selling a car they must deregister it. Actually this is not true: since 2013 the responsibility for re-registration lies with the buyer. However, there are cases when deregistration old owner still necessary.

When to deregister upon sale:

• 🔐 If the car is sold at general power of attorney (a risky option, since the car remains with you until it is re-registered).
• 🚨 If the buyer has not re-registered the car within 10 days - in this case, you can apply to terminate registration to avoid fines.
• 📝 If there is no room in the PTS for new entries, a replacement document will be required (cost 800 rubles).

How to protect yourself when selling:

1. Check the buyer through the service Autocode - this will help avoid scammers.
2. Conclude a purchase and sale agreement in 3 copies (one for you, one for the buyer, one for the traffic police).
3. Notify the traffic police about the sale through State Services - it will take 5 minutes and will save you from problems in the future.

⚠️ Attention: If you sold the car under a power of attorney, and the buyer did not transfer it to himself, you remain responsible for fines and taxes. In this case, the only way to protect yourself is deregister the car through the courtby presenting evidence of the sale (agreement, receipt of money, correspondence).

5. Deregistration for recycling: how to do it quickly and for free

Since 2026, the car disposal procedure has become easier: now no need to present the car to the traffic police if it is listed in the register of accredited recycling companies. This saves time and eliminates the need to transport a faulty vehicle.

Step-by-step algorithm:

1. Find accredited recycling company (the list is on the website EAISTO).
2. Sign a recycling agreement with her and receive acceptance certificate.
3. Submit an application for deregistration through State Services, attaching a scan of the act.
4. Wait for processing (usually 1-2 days) and get certificate of deregistration in electronic form.

Important points:

• 💰 There is no state fee - disposal is free.
• 📅 You need to deregister the car within 30 days after signing the disposal certificate.
• ♻️ If the car is handed over for spare parts (and not for complete dismantling), you will need to present it to the traffic police to verify the license plates.

If the car was pledged, the bank's consent will be required for disposal. Without this document, the traffic police will refuse to deregister.

What to do if the recycling company is not accredited?

If you handed over your car to an unaccredited company, you will have to present it to the traffic police to verify the license plates. In this case, the procedure will take up to 5 days, and you will need to pay a state fee of 350 rubles. We recommend checking the company through the EAISTO registry in advance to avoid unnecessary hassle.

6. Deregistration for export abroad: transit numbers and customs

If you plan to take the car outside of Russia on a permanent basis (for example, when moving to another country), it must be deregistered with the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate. To do this you will need:

• 📝 Application for deregistration (filled out on the State Services portal or at the traffic police department).
• 📄 Passport, PTS, STS, customs declaration (to be filled out at the border).
• 💵 Receipt for payment of state duty (850 rub.).

Step by step procedure:

1. Submit an application through State Services or at the traffic police department.
2. Present the car for inspection (VIN and number plates will be checked).
3. Get transit numbers (valid for 20 days) and international registration certificate.
4. At the border, fill out the customs declaration and pay duties (their amount depends on the country of destination).

Important: transit numbers are valid only 20 days. If during this time you do not have time to remove the car, you will have to extend them or apply for new ones.

⚠️ Attention: If you are exporting a car to the countries of the Customs Union (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan), transit numbers are not needed - just register international vehicle passport (PTS-M). It can be obtained from the traffic police for 1,600 rub..

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when deregistering a car. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Didn't check the buyer before selling	Fraud, problems with re-registration	Check the buyer’s passport details through Autocode or the Ministry of Internal Affairs service
Did not meet the 10-day deadline for re-registration	Fines and taxes remain with the old owner	Submit an application for termination of registration through State Services
Did not pay the state duty or paid the wrong amount	Refusal to carry out the procedure	Pay the fee through State Services (there are the correct amounts and a 30% discount)
Didn't check for registration bans	Refusal from the traffic police, the need to lift the ban through the court	Order a certificate of absence of prohibitions through State Services or Autocode
Did not keep copies of documents after the sale	Difficulties with proving a transaction in case of disputes	Take a photo of the DCP, PTS and the buyer’s passport

Another common mistake is attempt to deregister a car with unpaid fines. In this case, the traffic police will refuse to carry out the procedure until the debts are repaid. Check the fines in advance on the website traffic police or through State Services.

8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

❓ Do I need to deregister the car if I sell it?

No, it is necessary to deregister the car no need. The responsibility for re-registration lies with the buyer (within 10 days). However, if the buyer has not re-registered the car, you can apply to terminate the registration through State Services to avoid fines.

❓ How much does deregistration cost in 2026?

The cost depends on the reason:

• Upon sale or disposal - 350 rub. (state duty).
• When exporting abroad - 850 rub..
• When disposed of through an accredited company - free.

When paying through State Services there is a 30% discount.

❓ Is it possible to deregister a car without presenting it to the traffic police?

Yes, in two cases:

1. When disposed of through accredited company (from 2026).
2. When selling, if you submit an application to terminate registration through State Services.

In all other cases (export abroad, death of the owner), presentation of the car is mandatory.

❓ What happens if you don’t deregister the car after disposal?

If you have not deregistered your car within 30 days after disposal, you may be fined 1,500–2,000 rub. (Article 19.22 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). In addition, transport tax will be charged as long as the car is registered with you.

❓ Is it possible to return numbers after deregistration?

Yes, if you are deregistering a car for sale or disposal, you can save numbers for future use. To do this, when submitting your application, indicate that you want to keep the numbers. They will be valid for 365 days - during this period you can put them on another car.