How to register a vehicle in Switzerland
To drive a car in Switzerland, you need a vehicle registration certificate, number plates and third-party liability insurance. Comparis explains how to register your vehicle and what to do about de-registering an old one.
06.05.2022
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1. How do I register my car in Switzerland?
You must register your vehicle with the Road Traffic Office for your canton.
Whether you are registering a new or used car in Switzerland, you'll need to present the following documents:
Proof of identity: Swiss passport, identity card or residence permit
Business owners: copy of the entry in the commercial register or confirmation of self-employed activity from the social insurance institute
Confirmation of place of residence or of receipt of citizenship documents (for first registration)
Proof of insurance: in Switzerland, third-party liability insurance is compulsory for every motor vehicle driven on public roads. The insurance company automatically sends the insurance certificate to the relevant Road Traffic Office.
Inspection report form 13.20A: only necessary for brand new vehicles. You can get this form from the car dealer, if the dealer isn't registering the vehicle.
Vehicle registration certificate: for used cars only.
Registering a vehicle without a motor vehicle inspection
If you are registering a new vehicle, you do not need an inspection report from the motor vehicle inspection. If you are registering a used car, you do not need this inspection report if less than 10 years have elapsed since the car was first registered. Imported vehicles are an exception.
If the vehicle is more than 10 years old, it must be undergo a technical inspection. Check whether this has already been done before you buy it. The inspection report is valid for one year.
Registering a vehicle without a vehicle registration certificate
You do not need a vehicle registration certificate if you are registering a new vehicle. For used cars, you should hand in the old vehicle registration certificate – the original, not a copy – at the Road Traffic Office. A new vehicle registration certificate will then be issued in your name.
Important: if the old vehicle registration certificate has not yet been invalidated, the vehicle and its number plates must be taken off the road before re-registration.
Registering a car if you have no driving licence in Switzerland
You do not need a driving licence in order to buy a car. You can still be listed as a keeper on the vehicle registration certificate. Your car insurance company will have no issue providing proof of insurance – even if you have not yet passed your driving test.
Switching car insurance
If you change your car, you may also switch or cancel your insurance. A change of keeper is therefore the perfect opportunity to review your car insurance. In most cases, you can find an insurer that is cheaper than your previous one by simply shopping around.
2. How much does it cost to register a car?
The cost of registering a vehicle varies from canton to canton. You will be required to pay the Road Traffic Office for your number plates and vehicle registration certificate. Together, they will cost around 50 to 100 francs.
Your vehicle may have to be inspected first. This will cost in the region of 35-50 francs depending on the canton.
3. How do I register a car if I am importing it or am moving to Switzerland?
If you purchased the car abroad, you must register it in Switzerland. The following scenarios are possible when registering a car from outside Switzerland:
Import vehicles
If you bought your car in Germany, for instance, you must register it in Switzerland within one month of importing it. A motor vehicle inspection is generally compulsory for all vehicles imported into Switzerland.
Sale agreement/receipt
Foreign vehicle paperwork / registration certificate
Proof of identity
Import declaration (also possible online in German, French and Italian only)
Application to register the vehicle with your Road Traffic Office
Proof of insurance
Foreign vehicle paperwork / registration certificate
Inspection report from the customs office including customs stamp (form 13.20A)
VAT certificate from the customs office
EU Certificate of Conformity (available from the importer, from the main importer in Switzerland or from the manufacturer)
Moving to Switzerland
If you owned your vehicle for more than 6 months before moving to Switzerland, you can import it as personal property. For more details on registering a car in Switzerland, see the article on importing and registering your vehicle.
4. How do I re-register my car if I move within Switzerland?
If you move home and wish to register your car at a new address, you have 14 days in which to notify the Road Traffic Office. If you move within the same canton, this simple notification normally suffices. If you move to another canton, a different procedure applies. You'll need to submit the following documents:
Application form: the application form for registering a vehicle can be obtained either from your Road Traffic Office directly or via its website.
Original vehicle registration certificate
Proof of insurance
Old number plates
Tip: you can submit the documents to the Road Traffic Office online or post them. The plates can be swapped at the local post office for your new place of residence.
5. How do I de-register my vehicle?
If you sell your car, hand over the vehicle registration certificate to the new owner. If you no longer need your vehicle and wish to dispose of it, cancel the vehicle registration certificate at the Road Traffic Office to de-register the car.
If you want to stop using your car for a short time, you can deposit the number plates to de-register the vehicle temporarily.
This article was first published on 19.06.2018