Road Traffic Office – Information, deadlines, documents

1. What does the Road Traffic Office actually do?

Road Traffic Offices (StVA) are cantonal authorities. They are responsible for the administration and monitoring of road traffic in Switzerland. Their main tasks include:

• Vehicle registration

• Driving tests (theory tests and practical tests)

• Managing driving licences and vehicle registration documents of various categories

• Monitoring road safety and technical regulations

• Regulation of traffic offences

2. Contacting the Road Traffic Office: Do I have to go there in person?

In many cantons, you can conveniently submit documents by post, for example to register a vehicle or apply for a driving licence. In some places, you can also send documents by email if you don’t need to submit the original. You can also apply for vehicle inspection appointments online.

3. Vehicle inspection at the Road Traffic Office

The authorities regularly check the road safety of cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks and ships. Vehicle owners must therefore present their vehicle for inspection at the Motor Vehicle Inspection (MFK) upon request.

When importing cars, a check at the Motor Vehicle Inspection (MFK) is mandatory before registration, regardless of whether the vehicle is new or an older one.

4. Vehicle registration document: when do I have to go to the Road Traffic Office?

Cancelling a vehicle registration document

To cancel the vehicle registration document, hand it in in person at the counter or send it by post to the Road Traffic Office. For postal submissions, write «cancel» on a note and include it.

If a new vehicle is not registered within 14 days, the old number plates must be handed in. This can be done in person or by post.

Vehicle registration document lost or stolen

If the vehicle registration document is lost, please fill in the loss report form. This form is available on the websites of the Road Traffic Offices. You may collect the replacement document in person by presenting an identity card, or the office will send it to you directly by post.

Important: You must report the theft of a vehicle registration document to the police.

Registering a new car

To register a new vehicle, you need various documents. These include a registration form or the electronic proof of insurance.

New vehicle registration document when changing car insurance

Have you changed your car insurance? You must notify the Road Traffic Office. The new insurance will then be noted in the vehicle registration document.

Important: You will only receive a new vehicle registration document once the electronic proof of insurance has been received by the Road Traffic Office. Your insurance company will normally inform you when this occurs.

5. Change of keeper and vehicle re-registration

Are you planning to change vehicles or replace your old car with a new one? The office requires, among other things, the following documents:

• Registration form

• Electronic proof of insurance (eVn), which is sent by the insurance company

• Original vehicle registration documents

6. Applying for a day plate and day permit: what do I need?

Day plates are temporary number plates that are issued in Switzerland for the short-term use of a vehicle. They are mainly used for transfer journeys, technical tests or test drives. The plates are valid for a maximum of 96 hours, depending on your needs. To apply, you will need:

• Application form

• Vehicle registration document or the test report

• ID, passport or residence permit

• For company cars: extract from the commercial register

The costs vary depending on the canton and the period of validity of the plates. Sometimes you have to pay a deposit. Important: cars with day plates only have liability insurance. Damage covered by casco insurance is therefore not insured. After the deadline, you must return the licence plates and vehicle registration document to the Road Traffic Office.

Good to know: Do you have several cars, but only want one set of number plates? You can apply for interchangeable plates at the Road Traffic Office.