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Changing car ownership in Switzerland: what do I need to be aware of?
If you buy a used vehicle, you must register yourself as the new owner of the car and transfer the vehicle registration document. Comparis takes you through the process of changing owners.
21.05.2025
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1. What do I need to do in the event of a change in ownership?
What is a change of ownership?
change of ownership usually means that the owner of a vehicle changes. You might also hear "change of vehicle", as the terms are closely related. This is because when you change your vehicle, the owner of this vehicle always changes at the same time.
This specifically means that if you have bought or leased a car, the first thing you should do is have the vehicle registration document transferred. Most of the time, you will receive the vehicle registration document from the previous owner. This will allow you to register yourself as the new owner of the car at the Road Traffic Office.
Changing ownership in Switzerland: which documents do you need?
The Road Traffic Office needs the following documents from you:
vehicle registration document for the new vehicle. Form 13.20A for brand new cars. You can usually get this from the dealership.
By post: "temporary road permit". This allows you to drive the vehicle until the new vehicle registration certificate arrives, but only for a maximum of 30 days. You must have the form to hand in the car at all times.
Some cantons require you to submit an additional road permit application for the vehicle. Find out more from your local Road Traffic Office.
Electronic proof of insurance from your insurance company.
Your ID – i.e. identity card, passport or residence permit. You only need to send a copy of this document by post.
If you are registering a car for the first time: a confirmation of your place of residence or receipt of citizenship documents.
When changing vehicles original copy of the vehicle registration document for the old vehicle.
Make copies of all documents and completed forms. Keep these copies close to hand until you receive the new vehicle registration document.
You can bring the documents to the Road Traffic Office in person. You can also send them by post. Posting them may be cheaper, as some cantons charge a processing fee if you submit them at the counter.
Digital proof of insurance
Contact your car insurance company. You can request digital proof of insurancethere. Your insurance company will send this directly to the Road Traffic Office.
Do you not yet have insurance, or are you looking to change provider? At Comparis, you can compare the premiums of different providers – and thus find the right car insurance for you.
2. Changing car ownership in Switzerland: how much does it cost?
The cost of changing ownership or vehicle varies from canton to canton. Find out more from your local Road Traffic Office. You usually pay for the new vehicle registration document and the number plates. In total, this usually costs between 50 and 100 francs.
Good to know: some dealers charge you a flat delivery fee. In return, the professionals take care of registering the vehicle at the Road Traffic Office. However, the fee may be significantly higher than if you do it yourself.
3. Change of vehicle: what happens to my insurance?
As a new owner of the vehicle, you can take out a new insurance policy. You are free to choose the insurer. The insurer will then issue proof of insurance for the Road Traffic Office.
If you buy a used vehicle, the previous owner's liability insurance is transferred to you. You can then decide whether or not you want to continue taking out the insurance.
If you want to change your insurance when you change your vehicle, you will need to cancel in writing. This is cancellation letter from Comparis. Your old car insurance will expire as soon as your old car is deregistered.
If you buy a new vehicle, should you change your insurance at the same time?
A new car is a good opportunity to look for a change of insurance. Car insurance has become cheaper in Switzerland in recent years. This means that nowadays you tend to get more benefits for less money.
In addition, there are major differences in premiums between providers. You can often find an insurance policy that is cheaper than your previous one by simply shopping around.
4. Change of vehicle owner: can I transfer my vehicle, including number plates, to another person?
Transferring a vehicle and its number plates to another person is only possible in certain cases:
Change of owner within the family in Switzerland
When a company is restructured
The exact person to whom you can transfer the vehicle with number plates varies from canton to canton. Examples: in the canton of Basel-Stadt, you can also hand over the number plates to a cohabiting partner. In Zurich, this is only possible for direct relatives and spouses. Some cantons allow number plates to be transferred to anyone.
If you transfer ownership of a car and its number plates within the family, the new person must take over the insurance policy. They cannot cancel it. For a private transfer, you will need the following documents:
Original vehicle registration document
Proof of insurance
Surrender or transfer application form
5. Registering a new owner for a leased vehicle: what should I look out for?
For leased vehicles, you will find code 178in the vehicle registration document. This prohibits a change of ownership. If you take over a vehicle at the end of the lease, you must have the code deleted.
Is another person taking over your lease? Then the leasing company will electronically transmit the approval for the change of owner to the Road Traffic Office.
This article was first published on 12.02.2019
