Registering a motorcycle in Switzerland: information on registration

1. Why do I have to register my motorcycle?

Without registration, you are not permitted to drive a motorcycle on public roads. When you register, you’ll receive the vehicle registration document and number plate. Only then will your motorbike be authorized for Swiss roads.

2. Registering a motorcycle in Switzerland: which documents do you need?

Depending on your situation, you may need different documents. If you’d like to register a motorbike or a scooter, you’ll generally need the following documents:

• Proof of identity: Swiss passport, identity card or residence permit

• A confirmation of place of residence or receipt of citizenship documents, if applicable. This is only relevant if you are registering a vehicle for the first time.

• If a company is the vehicle owner: a copy of the entry in the commercial register

• Electronic proof of insurance for compulsory liability insurance: request the proof of insurance from your insurance company. Also let the insurer know the relevant road traffic office. Your provider will then send the document directly to the road traffic office. Important: the proof of insurance is only valid for 30 days.

You can register in person at the counter or sometimes also by post. When registering by post, you usually have to fill out an additional form and enclose the other documents. Find out more on the website of your canton’s road traffic office.

Registering a new motorcycle

Are you registering a brand-new motorcycle? Then you usually need an inspection report (form 13.20A) in addition to the documents mentioned above. You can typically get this from your garage.

Registering a used motorcycle

To register a used motorcycle, you will also need:

• Original vehicle registration document: when purchasing the motorcycle, you will receive the vehicle registration document from the previous owner. You should insist on this document. After registration, a new vehicle registration document will then be issued in your name.

• In some cases, a confirmation of roadworthiness: if your vehicle is more than ten years old, it may have to undergo a vehicle inspection. You can find out whether and when this is the case on the website of your road traffic office.

• If your motorcycle has undergone a follow-up inspection: form 13.20B

3. Is it possible to register a motorcycle without a driver’s licence?

You don’t need a motorcycle licence to buy a motorbike. You can still be a keeper on the vehicle registration document.

Your motorcycle insurance company will provide proof of insurance even without a licence. However, you are not allowed to drive the motorbike.

4. How do I re-register my motorcycle after moving?

After moving house, you must inform the road traffic office of your new place of residence within 14 days. This is also the case if you change canton.

If you change cantons, you will also need the appropriate number plate. Register the vehicle in the new canton. You will need to submit the following documents:

1. Registration application form. For this purpose, you’ll need the vehicle registration application document. You can get it on the relevant website or directly from your road traffic office.

2. Original vehicle registration document

3. New proof of insurance for compulsory liability insurance

4. Depending on the canton, a confirmation of residence from the commune

5. The old number plates

Tip: you can usually send the documents by post to the road traffic office.

5. When do I have to register my motorcycle after importing it?

Swiss domicile

Did you buy a vehicle abroad? Then you need to register your motorcycle in Switzerland within one month of importing it.

Moving to Switzerland

Are you importing your motorcycle while moving to Switzerland? Once the motorcycle is imported, you have one year to register it with the road traffic office.

6. Registering a motorcycle or scooter: costs

The costs vary from canton to canton. As a rule, number plates and a vehicle registration document cost between 50 and 100 francs.

Your vehicle may have to be inspected first. This usually costs around 60 francs. However, the exact costs vary depending on the canton.

7. How do I de-register my motorcycle?

Selling your motorcycle? Deregister the vehicle at the road traffic office. Then hand over the cancelled vehicle registration document to the new owner.

If you don’t want to use your motorcycle in winter, you can deposit the number plates. This way you can save on liability insurance and motor vehicle tax. However, you can also save on insurance by waiving a suspension. If you dispose of your motorcycle, you must cancel the vehicle registration document at the road traffic office.