Introduction: why deregister a car while keeping the license plates?
Deregistration of a vehicle while maintaining license plates is a procedure that allows the owner to temporarily stop registering a vehicle without losing state registration plates. This option is relevant for those who plan to sell the car under a general power of attorney, take it abroad for a long period of time, or simply suspend operation without losing the license plates. In 2026, the rules of procedure underwent changes, and now it is important to take into account the new requirements of the traffic police.
The main advantage of such removal is the ability to return plates to the same car or another (provided that ownership is retained) without additional costs for the production of new plates. However, the procedure has strict limitations: e.g. numbers can be saved only when deregistered for disposal, export outside the Russian Federation or when sold by proxy. If the car is removed for subsequent re-registration to a new owner, the license plates are automatically cancelled.
In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step algorithm, the necessary documents, the cost and timing of the procedure, as well as typical mistakes that lead to refusal by the traffic police. We will pay special attention to the nuances of 2026: changes in the application form, new requirements for powers of attorney and an electronic queue through Public services.
Who can keep the numbers when deregistered?
Preservation of state registration plates (GRP) when deregistering a vehicle is not permitted in all cases. According to Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399 of June 26, 2018 (as amended in 2026), the right to retain numbers has:
- 🔹Owners renting cars for disposal (unless the numbers were lost or damaged).
- 🔹Owners removing the car outside the Russian Federation for a period of more than 6 months.
- 🔹 To citizens selling a car by general power of attorney (without re-registration to the buyer).
- 🔹 Legal entities transferring cars to non-operating status (for example, for a museum or collection).
Important: if the car is deregistered for re-registration to a new owner (for example, when selling with the signing of a contract), the numbers are automatically canceled and cannot be returned. It is also impossible to save signs if:
- 🚫 Numbers damaged (cracks, chips, corrosion more than 30% of the area).
- 🚫 Signs lost or stolen (a police report is required).
- 🚫 Car is in collateral from a bank or leasing company.
⚠️ Attention: From January 1, 2026, the traffic police refused to accept applications to retain license plates for cars over 30 years old, if they are not cultural heritage sites. This is due to massive cases of fraud in the sale of vintage cars.
Step-by-step instructions: how to deregister a car while keeping the license plates
The procedure consists of 5 key steps. Let's look at each in detail, taking into account the changes in 2026.
1. Preparation of documents
To deregister while keeping your numbers you will need:
- 📄 Owner's passport (original + copy).
- 📄 PTS (vehicle passport) or electronic PTS (if issued through Public services).
- 📄 Vehicle registration certificate (STS).
- 📄 Statement according to form No. 1 (you can download it on the website traffic police or fill out online via Public services).
- 📄 Power of attorney (if the procedure is carried out by a representative). Required from 2026 notarization even for close relatives.
- 📄 Documents for numbers (if signs were issued separately, for example, during replacement).
For specific cases you will additionally need:
- 🚗 When recycling: agreement with a recycling center.
- ✈️ When export abroad: customs declaration or contract with a foreign buyer.
- 📝 When sale by proxy: general power of attorney with the right to dispose of the vehicle.
2. Submitting an application
From 2026, an application can be submitted in three ways:
- Via Public services (recommended option):
- 🔹 Select the service “Deregistration of a vehicle” → “With preservation of numbers”.
- 🔹 Fill out the electronic form, attach scans of documents.
- 🔹 Pay the state duty with a 30% discount (1,050 ₽ instead of 1,500 ₽).
- 🔹 Choose a convenient traffic police department and time of visit.
☑️ Documents for submitting an application
3. Vehicle inspection
After submitting the application, the inspector will set a date for inspecting the vehicle. The car must be presented in its clean condition, with readable body and chassis numbers. Checked:
- 🔍 VIN number matches the data in the PTS.
- 🔍 No signs of number interruption.
- 🔍 Condition of registration plates (more than 30% damage is not allowed).
If the car not on the move, the inspection is carried out at its location (you must indicate the address in the application). There is an additional charge for this service - 1 200 ₽ (from 2026).
4. Payment of state duty
Cost of the procedure in 2026:
| Service | Cost (₽) | Discount via Public services |
|---|---|---|
| Deregistration while maintaining numbers | 1 500 | 1 050 |
| On-site inspection (if the car is not running) | 1 200 | — |
| Making a duplicate of the STS (if lost) | 800 | 560 |
| Reissue of numbers (if lost) | 2 000 | 1 400 |
You can pay online at Public services, through a bank or terminal at the traffic police department. Keep the receipt - you will need to show it to the inspector.
5. Receiving documents
After successful inspection and payment you will be given:
- 📋 Vehicle inspection report (confirms deregistration).
- 📋 Registration plates (if you save).
- 📋 PTS with a mark of deregistration.
- 📋 Certificate of deregistration (useful for selling by proxy).
If the numbers are saved, they sealed in an envelope with the inspector's signature. It is prohibited to open the envelope before re-registration - this is equivalent to damage to the signs.
Saved numbers can only be used to register a car to the same owner or his close relative (spouse, parents, children).
Timing and features of the procedure in 2026
The deadline for deregistration depends on the method of filing the application:
- 🕒 Via Public services: 1–3 business days (including appointment for inspection).
- 🕒 Through MFC: 5–7 working days (documents are sent to the traffic police).
- 🕒 Personally at the traffic police: 1 day (if there is no queue for inspection).
Important nuances of 2026:
- 🔄 Re-registration with saved numbers is possible within
180 daysfrom the moment of removal. If the deadline has expired, the signs are canceled. - 🚗 Sale by proxy: from 2026, the buyer is obliged to re-register the car in his name within
10 days, otherwise the power of attorney becomes invalid. - 📱 Electronic PTS: if you have electronic PTS, it does not need to be physically presented - the inspector will check the data in the database.
⚠️ Attention: If you deregister a car for export abroad, but do not export it within 6 months, the license plates will be automatically canceled and you may be fined 1 500–2 000 ₽ for inappropriate use of the procedure.
What to do if the inspector refuses to keep the numbers?
If the traffic police inspector refuses to keep the license plates, ask for a written justification. Common reasons: VIN mismatch, damaged plates or suspicion of fraud (for example, if the car is reported stolen). You can appeal the refusal through the department management or in court. In 80% of cases, the refusal is due to technical errors in the documents - check that the application is filled out correctly and the data in the PTS matches.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Errors during deregistration lead to delays in the procedure or complete refusal. Let's look at the most common ones:
1. Incorrectly completed application
In form No. 1 the following items are often confused:
- ❌ Indicate "withdrawal for sale" instead of “withdrawal while saving numbers” - this leads to the cancellation of signs.
- ❌ They don’t put it down a mark on the preservation of the GRZ in column 14.
- ❌ They are mistaken in VIN number or owner data.
How to avoid: fill out the application online via Public services — the system automatically checks the correctness of the data.
2. Problems with the power of attorney
From 2026, the requirements for powers of attorney have been tightened:
- ❌ Power of attorney without the right to sell not suitable for deregistration.
- ❌ Simple written power of attorney (without a notary) does not apply even to relatives.
- ❌ If a power of attorney has been issued until 2026, it needs to be re-registered according to new rules.
Solution: register general power of attorney from a notary indicating the right to “disposal of a vehicle, including deregistration”.
3. Problems with numbers
The inspector may refuse if:
- ❌ Numbers warped from time to time (even if they are readable).
- ❌ Signs painted or covered with film.
- ❌ The rooms have traces of glue from magnets or fasteners.
How to check: take the numbers and place them on a flat surface. If there is a gap of more than 2 mm between the sign and the surface, they are considered damaged.
If the license plates are in poor condition, but you want to keep them, order a duplicate in advance from the traffic police (cost: 2,000 ₽). The new signs will have the same number but will be in perfect condition.
4. Problems with the car
Refusal is possible if:
- ❌ Auto in collateral - First you need to get the bank's consent.
- ❌ By car fines have not been paid (check on the website traffic police).
- ❌ TS is wanted (even if you didn't know it).
Check the car history through the service Autocode or traffic police in advance!
What to do after deregistration?
After successful deregistration, you will have numbers in a sealed envelope and documents in your hands. Further actions depend on the purpose of the procedure:
1. If the car is sold by proxy
Give the buyer:
- 📄 General power of attorney (notarized).
- 📄 PTS (original).
- 📄 Certificate of deregistration.
- 🚗 Car (without numbers if saved).
Remember: from 2026, the buyer is obliged to re-register the car in his name within 10 days, otherwise the power of attorney will be revoked, and you may be fined for misuse of procedure.
2. If the car is exported abroad
For customs you will need:
- 📄 Vehicle inspection report from the traffic police.
- 📄 Customs declaration (to be filled in at the border).
- 📄 Sales and purchase agreement (if the car is sold to a foreigner).
If you do not remove the car within 6 months, the license plates will be canceled and you will be required to re-register the car.
3. If the car is scrapped
Give to the recycling center:
- 📄 Inspection report.
- 📄 Disposal agreement.
- 🚗 Car without license plates (if you save the signs).
After disposal you will receive certificate of disposal — it will be needed to refund the transport tax.
4. If the car is temporarily not in use
Keep documents in a safe place:
- 🔐 Envelope with numbers (do not open!).
- 📂 PTS and inspection report.
- 📄 Receipt for payment of state duty.
To re-register, contact the traffic police with these documents within 180 days.
Saved numbers can only be used to register a car to the same owner or his close relative (spouse, parents, children).
How much does it cost to deregister while keeping the numbers?
The total cost of the procedure in 2026 consists of several payments:
| Expense item | Cost (₽) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State duty for deregistration | 1,500 (1,050 after Public services) | To be paid before inspection |
| On-site inspection (if the car is not running) | 1 200 | To be paid on the spot |
| Notarized power of attorney | 1 500–3 000 | If the procedure is carried out by a representative |
| Making duplicate numbers | 2,000 (1,400 after Public services) | If the originals are damaged |
| Disposal fee (if the car is older than 3 years) | 0 (cancelled from 2026) | Previously it was 20,000 ₽ |
Total minimum cost: 1 050 ₽ (via Public services without additional services). Maximum - up to 7 000 ₽ (with on-site inspection and power of attorney).
Canceled from 2026 recycling fee, but there remains an obligation to hand over cars older than 3 years only to licensed recycling centers.
Is it possible to keep the license plates when selling a car?
This is one of the most controversial issues. According to the law, When selling a car with a signed contract, the license plates are canceled automatically. However, there are two legal ways to get around this rule:
1. Sale by general power of attorney
How it works:
- You are deregistering your car with numbers saved.
- Issue it to the buyer general power of attorney with the right to control and dispose of the vehicle.
- You give the buyer the car, title and deregistration certificate.
Pros:
- ✅ The numbers remain with you.
- ✅ The buyer can drive a car without re-registration (but risks fines).
Cons:
- ❌ You stay legal owner and are responsible for fines and accidents.
- ❌ The buyer may not re-register the car, and you will have to pay transport tax.
2. Sale with subsequent re-registration
Algorithm:
- You are deregistering your car without saving numbers (they are cancelled).
- The buyer registers the car in his name and receives new numbers.
- you restore old numbers through the traffic police (if they were not lost) and use them for another car.
It's legal, but the numbers will be different — it is impossible to return exactly the signs that were on the sold car.
⚠️ Attention: If you sold a car by power of attorney, and the buyer did not re-register it within 10 days, you have the right terminate the power of attorney through a notary and return the numbers to yourself. However, this does not relieve you from liability for fines accumulated during this time.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Can I keep the license plates if the car is pledged?
No. According to Art. 350 Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the mortgagee (bank or leasing company) must give written consent to any registration actions. In practice, banks rarely agree to preserve the numbers, as this complicates control over the collateral. The exception is if you repay the loan immediately before the procedure.
How many times can I save my numbers when deregistering?
The law does not limit the number of saves, but in practice the traffic police may suspect fraud if you often remove/register your car. Optimally - no more often 1 time every 2 years. Also keep in mind that numbers can only be saved if they are have not been previously canceled (for example, if lost).
Is it possible to keep the plates if the car is deregistered for disposal, but I change my mind?
Yes, but only if you did not take the car to a recycling center. To do this you need:
- Write a statement to the traffic police about restoration of registration.
- Present the saved numbers in a sealed envelope.
- Pay the state fee for re-registration (
800 ₽).
If the car has already been scrapped, it is impossible to restore the registration.
What happens if I open the envelope with numbers?
Opening an envelope is equivalent to damage to registration plates (Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code). There is a fine for this 2 500 ₽, and the numbers will be cancelled. If you need to check the integrity of signs, do it in the presence of a traffic police inspector.
Can I use the saved plates for another car?
Yes, but only if:
- 🔹 The new car is registered to your name or a close relative.
- 🔹 No more has passed
180 daysfrom the moment of deregistration. - 🔹 The numbers were not canceled (for example, due to expiration).
To do this, when registering a new car, indicate in the application that you want to use the saved signs and present a sealed envelope.