Replacing state registration plates (GRP) on a car is a procedure that every owner faces sooner or later. The reasons may be different: from the banal loss or damage of numbers to a change in design within the framework of new regulations. But regardless of the motive, the key question remains: how much will you have to pay to replace numbers in 2026?

In this article we will analyze not only the current state duty rates (including changes in recent years), but also the nuances of payment for individuals and legal entities, possible benefits, as well as a step-by-step algorithm of actions. We will pay special attention controversial situationswhen changing numbers may result in additional costs - for example, if documents are lost or a change of owner. And yes, we’ll tell you how to save on state fees using legal means.

Spoiler: from January 1, 2026, the amount of state duty for replacing license plates unchanged compared to 2023, but new rules have appeared for payment through “State Services” with a 30% discount. Read on to avoid overpaying!

Current state duty rates in 2026

The amount of state duty for replacing numbers is regulated by article 333.33 Tax Code of the Russian Federation. The following tariffs are currently in effect:

  • 📋 Replacing one registration plate (for example, if lost or damaged): 2,000 rubles.
  • 🚗 Replacing a set of numbers (two plates for passenger cars): 3,400 rubles.
  • 🏍️ For motorcycles and trailers: 1,500 rubles per set.
  • 🚛 For trucks and buses: 5,100 rubles per set.

Important: these prices are valid upon payment directly to the traffic police or through a bank. If you pay through the portal Public services with a verified account, you will receive 30% discount - the total amount will be 2,380 rubles for a set of license plates for a passenger car. The discount is valid only for individuals!

From 2021, the state duty for production of numbers — it is now included in the replacement cost. Previously, you had to pay for this separately (about 2,000 rubles), but now the procedure has been simplified.

📊 Have you already changed the license plates on your car?
Yes, on your own initiative
Yes, due to loss/damage
No, but I plan to
No and I don't plan to

Not every change of numbers is a voluntary desire of the owner. There are cases when the procedure becomes mandatory by law. Here is the full list of reasons:

  • 🔧 Damage to numbers: cracks, chips, corrosion, unreadable characters (according to GOST R 50577-93).
  • 🗑️ Loss or theft one/both signs (a police report is required).
  • 🔄 Change of owner: the new owner can keep the old numbers or get new ones (optional).
  • 📜 Changing registration details (for example, changing vehicle category or fuel type).
  • 🎨 Introduction of new sample numbers (as was the case in 2023 with series "AA" for electric vehicles).
  • 🚔 Court decision (for example, when numbers are falsified by the previous owner).

If you change numbers voluntarily (for example, you don’t like the series or want a “beautiful” number), the state fee remains the same. But in this case the old numbers are canceled - it will not be possible to return them back.

⚠️ Attention: If you are lost one number from a pair, you will have to pay for a replacement set (3,400 rubles). The traffic police does not issue single signs - only paired ones!
Situation State duty (rub.) Do I need to change my PTS?
Damage to one number 3 400 (set) No
Losing both numbers 3 400 No
Change of owner (optional) 3 400 or 0 (if you keep the old ones) Yes
Changing vehicle data (for example, color) 3 400 Yes
Replacement by court 3,400 + possible fines Yes

Step-by-step instructions: how to replace numbers at minimal cost

To avoid overpaying and wasting your time, follow this algorithm:

  1. Check the basis for replacement (see section above). If the numbers are readable and not lost, there is no need to change them.
  2. Pay the state fee:
    • 💳 Via Public services (with 30% discount).
    • 🏦 In the bank (Sberbank, VTB, etc.) according to the details of the traffic police.
    • 🖥️ Through the terminal at the MFC or traffic police (without discount).
  3. Prepare your documents:
    • 📄 Owner’s passport.
    • 🚗 PTS or electronic vehicle passport (since 2023).
    • 🔑 Certificate of Registration (CTC).
    • 💰 Receipt for payment of state duty.
    • 📝 Application (filled out on the spot).
  • Submit your documents:
    • 🏛️ To any traffic police department (by appointment or on a first-come, first-served basis).
    • 📱 Via Public services (verified account required).
    • 🏢 At the MFC (if this service is available in your region).
    • Get new numbers. Production time is from 1 to 3 working days.

    Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation|PTS or electronic passport of a vehicle|STS (registration certificate)|Receipt for payment of state duty|Application (a sample will be issued on the spot)-->

    If you are submitting documents via Public services, after payment you will receive an invitation to the traffic police for a specific time. This will save you hours of waiting in line. In some regions (for example, Moscow, St. Petersburg) you can choose a convenient branch with minimal workload.

    ⚠️ Attention: If you change numbers due to change of ownership, at the same time you will have to pay the state fee for making changes to the PTS (350 rubles) and new STS (500 rubles). Total: 4,250 rubles instead of 3,400.

    In addition to the 30% discount via Public services, there are several more ways to reduce costs:

    • 🎁 Benefits for certain categories:
      • Veterans of the Great Patriotic War, disabled people of groups 1-2, heroes of the USSR/RF - exempt from state duty.
      • Large families (3+ children) - 50% discount in some regions (check with your local traffic police department).
    • 🔄 Exchange numbers when selling: If the buyer agrees to keep the old numbers, you will not have to pay for new ones.
    • 📅 Follow promotions: sometimes banks (for example, Sberbank or Tinkoff) offer cashback for paying for government services.
    • 📱 Use mobile apps: in some regions payment via Sberbank Online or Tinkoff gives an additional cashback of 1-3%.

    If you belong to a preferential category, do not forget to provide the traffic police with a document confirming your right to a discount (for example, a veteran’s ID or a disability certificate). Without it, the discount does not apply!

    💡

    Before paying the state duty, check the traffic police details on the official website traffic police.rf — Fraudsters often create fake payment pages.

    Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even in such a simple procedure as changing numbers, owners often make mistakes that lead to refusal of service or additional expenses. Here are the most common:

    • 📝 Filling out the application incorrectly: If the documents contain incorrect information (for example, a VIN number with an error), you will be denied a replacement. Always double-check the data from the PTS.
    • 💰 Payment using old details: Traffic police details may change. Payment using outdated data will lead to the money being stuck in the system, and the state duty will have to be paid again.
    • 🚗 Non-compliance of the vehicle with documents: if the car has non-standard bumpers that cover the places where the license plates are attached, the inspector may refuse to replace it until the violation is eliminated.
    • 📅 Skipping the validity period of the STS: If your registration certificate is expired, you will first have to renew it (state fee is 500 rubles).
    • 🔧 Changing numbers yourself: if you tried to "tweak" the characters on old numbers, this qualifies as fake (fine up to 2,500 rubles or deprivation of rights).

    To avoid problems, check in advance:

    1. Does the VIN number in the title match and on the car body?
    2. Are there any unpaid fines (their presence will not prevent replacement, but may raise questions from the inspector).
    3. Are the mounting points for the license plates in good working order (is there any rust, bent brackets).
    What to do if the traffic police refused to replace the license plates?

    If you are refused, request a written justification with reference to the regulatory act. Frequent reasons for refusals:

    - Inconsistency of data in documents (for example, discrepancy in VIN).

    - Suspicion of falsification of numbers (expertise will be required).

    - Presence of restrictions on registration actions (for example, arrest of a car).

    In most cases, the problem can be solved by providing additional documents (for example, a certificate from the traffic police about the absence of restrictions).

    If the car belongs to a company, the procedure for replacing license plates has its own nuances:

    • 📋 State duty remains the same (3,400 rubles per set), but 30% discount through State Services is not valid.
    • 🏢 Documents:
      • Certificate of registration of a legal entity (OGRN).
      • Company INN.
      • Power of attorney for a representative (if the documents are not submitted by the manager).
      • Representative's passport.
    • 💼 Payment: only by bank transfer (through a bank or terminal at the traffic police department).
    • ⏳ Deadlines: May take up to 5 business days due to verification of company documents.

    Legal entities are often refused to replace numbers due to outdated data in the Unified State Register of Legal Entities or problems with power of attorney. To avoid this, request an extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities in advance (available for free on the website Federal Tax Service) and check that the power of attorney is:

    • ✍️ Designed on company letterhead.
    • 📅 Valid at the time of submission of documents.
    • 🔍 Contained complete vehicle data (make, model, VIN, license plate number).
    ⚠️ Attention: If the car is in leasing, changing numbers will require the consent of the lessor (usually this is stated in the contract). Without this consent, the traffic police will refuse the service.

    New rules for 2026: what has changed?

    In 2026, several changes came into force that relate to the replacement of numbers:

    • 🆔 Electronic PTS: From November 1, 2023, all new cars will be registered with an electronic passport. If your car is older, you can voluntarily switch to electronic PTS (state duty 600 rubles). When changing numbers, it is now enough to present an electronic document through the application Public services Auto.
    • 🔄 Simplified replacement if lost: If you have lost your numbers, you no longer need to provide a police certificate. It is enough to write a statement about the loss to the traffic police.
    • 📱 Online registration: Now in most regions you can sign up for a replacement number through Public services or GIBDD.rf without visiting the MFC.
    • 🚫 Ban on “beautiful” numbers: from 2026 in some regions (for example, Moscow, Sochi) it is prohibited to choose numbers with “beautiful” combinations (for example, A777AA) upon voluntary replacement. This is done to combat number speculation.

    Another important innovation: from 2026, when replacing numbers no need to return old ones (if they are lost or damaged). Previously, they could have been fined 500 rubles for this, but now the requirement has been abolished.

    💡

    Since 2026, changing numbers through State Services has become even more profitable: in addition to a 30% discount, it is now possible to sign up for any convenient time without queuing.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to replace only one number if the second one is whole?

    No, the traffic police only issues license plates as a set. Even if one sign is damaged or lost, you will have to pay for the replacement of both (3,400 rubles). The exception is if the second number is stolen (a police report is required).

    How long is a receipt for payment of state duty valid?

    The receipt is valid indefinitely, but only for the type of service for which you paid. For example, if you paid for the replacement of numbers, but decided to change the owner, you will have to pay again.

    Is it possible to get a refund if I change my mind about changing numbers?

    Yes, but only if you have not yet submitted documents to the traffic police. To return, write an application to the department where you paid the state fee, and attach the details for the transfer. The review period is up to 30 days.

    Do I need to change numbers when changing my registration?

    No, starting from 2020, when changing the owner’s place of residence, it is not necessary to replace the numbers. It is enough to update the data in the STS (state duty is 500 rubles).

    Is it possible to drive without license plates while new ones are being manufactured?

    No, this qualifies as driving a vehicle without license plates (fine 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1-3 months for Part 2 Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses). During the replacement period, the inspector will issue a temporary number on paper (valid for 20 days).