The procedure for changing vehicle registration plates in Russia has undergone significant changes with the introduction of digital services. Now car owners do not have to visit the traffic police department to submit an initial application and register at a convenient time. State Services Portal allows you to completely prepare documents remotely, which significantly saves time and nerves. In this article we will analyze a detailed algorithm of actions that is relevant at the moment.
The need to change numbers may arise for various reasons: from the desire to get a more “beautiful” combination of numbers to the loss of old characters or their physical wear and tear. Also, changing signs is required when changing the region of registration of the owner, if he wants to keep the region code on the numbers. It is important to understand that electronic service does not mean a complete absence of a visit to the department - the final inspection of the car and the issuance of new documents still take place in person.
To successfully complete the procedure, you will need a verified account, a valid MTPL policy and a diagnostic card (if the car is more than 4 years old). The application process is intuitive, but has its own nuances related to paying fees and choosing a unit. Let's look at all the steps in detail to avoid mistakes when filling out.
When is it necessary to replace registration plates?
The legislation clearly regulates situations in which replacing license plates is a mandatory or voluntary procedure. Most often, drivers are faced with the need to change signs when changing their place of residence to another region of the Russian Federation. If you moved from Moscow to Kazan, but want to keep the Moscow code on your numbers, you will have to go through the replacement procedure while maintaining the region code.
Voluntary replacement is possible at any time at the request of the owner. Many car owners strive to get numbers with “lucky” numbers or repeating symbols, although it is impossible to officially select a specific combination through State Services - it is assigned randomly from those available in the database. Replacement is also required if one of the characters is lost, stolen, or severe mechanical damage makes reading the characters impossible.
⚠️ Attention: If one of the license plates is lost or stolen, you must immediately file a police report. Driving with one license plate or with unreadable signs may result in a fine and detention of the vehicle.
It is worth mentioning separately the situation with dilapidated rooms. If the paint on the signs has peeled off so much that the traffic police inspector cannot count the symbols, this is equivalent to the absence of numbers. In this case, replacement becomes a compulsory measure to avoid problems with the law. Replacement is also required when the owner of the car changes, if the new owner does not want to leave the old signs.
Preparation of documents and requirements for the car
Before you start filling out the electronic form on the portal, you need to prepare a package of documents in digital and physical form. The main document is passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation, whose data will be required for authorization and filling out fields. It is also necessary to have a STS (vehicle registration certificate) and PTS (technical equipment passport). If the PTS is electronic, its number can be found in the statement or in the application.
The most important stage of preparation is obtaining a valid MTPL policy. In the State Services application, you will need to indicate the policy number, the date of issue and the name of the insurance company. If insurance is issued for old license plates, after receiving new plates you will have to make changes to the policy, which can also be done through the insurance website or the State Services.
☑️ Documents for changing numbers
The technical condition of the car is also important. If changing numbers occurs as part of the registration procedure (for example, when changing ownership or data), it may be necessary diagnostic card. For cars under 4 years old, it is not needed, but for older cars, a valid technical inspection is required. Without a valid diagnostic card, it will not be possible to obtain a replacement from the traffic police.
Step-by-step instructions: filling out an application on the portal
The application process begins with authorization on the portal gosuslugi.ru. In the service catalog, you must select the “Transport and Driving” section, and then go to the “Vehicle Registration” subsection. Here you are interested in the service “Changing registration data”, and specifically in the item “Replacing registration plates, vehicle passport, vehicle registration certificate and (or) making changes to registration data due to loss (theft)”. Even if you don't have a theft, the algorithm often leads through this branch or through "Other Changes".
In the form that opens, you must carefully select the type of operation. The system will ask you to clarify whether you are changing the owner, changing your personal information, or changing the numbers themselves. Select the option that suits your situation (for example, “Change of owner data” or “Loss of documents/numbers”). Next, the system will request vehicle data: VIN code, body number and chassis number. It is better to rewrite this data directly from the STS to avoid errors.
The next step is choosing a traffic police unit. The portal will offer a map or list of available branches. It is recommended to choose an MREO that is closer to your actual location, since you will have to travel there by car for inspection. After selecting a branch, the system will prompt you to select the date and time of your visit. Available slots are shown on the calendar and it is best to plan your visit in advance as popular days may be booked up.
What to do if there are no free places for registration?
If an electronic record for the selected date is not available, try choosing another traffic police department or a distant date. Sometimes spaces become available a day before your visit due to cancellations from other users. You can also try making an appointment for early morning or late evening.
After selecting the time, a form will open for entering personal data and vehicle data. Many fields may already be filled in automatically from your profile. Carefully check all the data, especially the VIN code and engine number. At the end of the form, the system will generate a final application, which will only need to be confirmed with an electronic signature (by clicking the “Submit Application” button).
Paying state fees and receiving receipts
One of the key advantages of using the State Services portal is the ability to pay state fees at a discount. However, it is important to know the current rules: at the moment, the 30% discount is not valid for all types of payments and not in all regions, so the final amount may differ from what was expected. You can pay fees directly on the website using a bank card, e-wallet or through a fast payment system.
The amount of state fees consists of several components. You will have to pay for the issuance of new license plates (if you get new hardware), the issuance of a new STS and changes to the PTS (or the issuance of a new PTS if the old one runs out of space). Amounts may vary, but the standard set for replacing plates with the issuance of new plates includes:
- 🚗 Issuance of registration plates (2 pcs.) - 2000 rubles (or 500 rubles for “Motorcycle” type plates).
- 📄 Issuance of STS - 1500 rubles (new sample plastic document).
- 📝 Making changes to the PTS - 350 rubles (or 800 rubles for issuing a new EPTS/paper).
Save electronic payment receipts in your phone or send them to yourself by email. Although payment data is automatically sent to the GIS GMP, having a paper or digital copy of the check in hand at the traffic police can speed up the resolution of controversial issues.
After successful payment, the application status in your personal account will change. You will receive a notification that your application has been accepted and paid for. It is this status that allows you not to stand in a general queue, but to go to the window or terminal at the appointed time. If you don't pay your fees before your visit, you'll have to do it on the spot, possibly without a discount and waiting in line at the ticket office.
Visit to the traffic police: inspection and receipt of documents
On the appointed day and time, you must arrive at the selected traffic police department by car. The car should be parked in a special inspection area so that the inspector can easily check the license plates. Take with you the originals of all documents: passport, STS, PTS, MTPL policy, diagnostic card (if needed) and old license plates (if you have them in your hands and you are returning them).
The inspection procedure includes checking the VIN code on the body and the engine license plate. The inspector checks this data with those indicated in your application and database. If the numbers on the body are difficult to read, have signs of corrosion or are broken, the inspector may order an additional forensic examination. In a standard situation, the inspection takes 10-15 minutes, after which the inspector puts a mark on the application.
| Procedure stage | Owner actions | Required documents |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival at the traffic police station | Parking at the inspection site | Passport, STS, application |
| Vehicle inspection | Provide access to VIN and engine | Car, old license plates |
| Submission of documents | Transferring a package of documents to the reception window | Full package of originals |
| Receipt | Waiting for production, receiving STS and numbers | Passport to receive |
After a successful inspection, you go to the MREO building to submit documents. Depending on how busy the department is, the wait for new documents to be issued can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours. You will be given a new STS, new license plates and (if necessary) a new PTS or an entry in the EPTS. Old numbers (if they were handed over) are disposed of.
The most critical point of the visit is that the VIN code and engine number match the data in the database. Any dirt or damage to the markings may result in refusal of registration until the circumstances are clarified.
Features of saving old numbers
Since 2019, Russia has had a regulation that allows old license plates to be preserved when ownership or data changes. If you want to keep your current license plates (for example, with a beautiful region code), when submitting an application to the State Services, you must select the appropriate option “Saving registration plates.” In this case, the state duty for issuing new hardware (RUB 2,000) is not paid.
However, there is an important condition: old license plates must comply GOST R 50577-2018. If your license plates are old (with a small flag and the inscription RUS, issued before 2019) or are damaged, the inspector has the right to refuse to keep them and demand replacement with new ones. In this case, you will have to pay the full cost of the new signs.
⚠️ Attention: You can save only those numbers that are registered with you in the traffic police database at the moment. If you bought a car with plates, but have not yet registered it in your name, you cannot “save” them for yourself in the future - they will remain with the car when you re-register, unless you decide to change them.
The process of obtaining saved numbers is similar to obtaining new ones, with the exception of the stage of issuing hardware. You will only be given documents (STS, PTS), and the physical numbers will remain in your hands. You just need to attach them to the car. The storage period for reserved numbers is 360 days, during which you can install them on another vehicle.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change numbers through State Services without personal presence?
No, you cannot change numbers completely remotely. The personal presence of the owner and the car itself at the traffic police is mandatory for checking license plate numbers and taking photographs. Government services serve only as a tool for submitting an application, paying fees and making an appointment at a convenient time.
What to do if the PTS runs out of space for entries?
If the paper PTS has run out of space for making new entries, when submitting an application to the State Services, you need to select the option “Issue a new PTS”. In this case, the state duty will be 800 rubles instead of 350 rubles for making changes. The old PTS will be confiscated and a new one will be issued.
Do I need to change OSAGO after changing numbers?
Yes, after receiving new registration plates, it is necessary to make changes to the MTPL policy. This can be done through the insurance company's website or by contacting an agent. Driving with license plates not specified in the policy (if they differ from STS) is formally a violation, although the databases are updated quickly.
Is it possible to get numbers with specific numbers through State Services?
No, the portal does not allow you to select a specific combination of numbers and letters. The number is assigned automatically from the pool of free characters in the selected traffic police department. To obtain “thieves” or “beautiful” numbers, there are unofficial purchase schemes, but this cannot be done through State Services.