QUESTION: Documents and taxes: how to register a car, change license plates, and transfer ownership?
Registering a vehicle with the state, replacing license plates, and changing ownership are mandatory procedures for every car owner in our country. By law, the new owner has exactly ten calendar days from the moment of signing the purchase and sale agreement to register the vehicle in their name at the State Traffic Inspectorate (Gosavtoinspektsiya) office.
Before starting the registration procedure, you must prepare a full package of documents. This includes the passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation, the vehicle passport (PTS), the vehicle registration certificate (STS), a valid purchase and sale agreement, and a compulsory motor third-party liability insurance policy (OSAGO) already issued in the name of the new owner.
To save time and get a discount on the state fee, it is recommended to submit an application via the Gosuslugi portal. Follow this simple algorithm to successfully complete the procedure:
On the appointed day, drive the car to the inspection area of the selected State Traffic Inspectorate office. The inspector will check the compliance of the VIN number, engine and body numbers with the data specified in the documents, and will also ensure that there are no illegal structural modifications. After successfully passing the inspection area, submit the documents to the reception window and wait for the issuance of new license plates and the certificate.
Replacing state registration license plates may be required not only when buying a used car, but also in case of their loss, theft, or severe damage. In case of loss or theft of license plates, you have the right to make duplicates at a specialized certified organization without going through the full vehicle re-registration procedure, provided the car documents are in order.
When changing ownership, the old license plates can be kept on the car if the buyer does not mind and they match the registration region of the new owner, or they can be deposited for storage at the traffic police (GIBD). Timely fulfillment of all legal requirements regarding vehicle registration will save you from fines and problems when driving on public roads.