Registering a motorcycle in Switzerland: information on registration
To drive a motorcycle or scooter on Swiss roads, you need a vehicle registration certificate, number plates and liability insurance. Comparis shows you how to register or deregister your motorbike.
08.07.2022
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1. Why do I have to register my motorcycle?
Do you want to ride your motorcycle? If so, you will have to register it. To ride a motorcycle on Swiss roads, you need a valid vehicle registration certificate and number plates.
You must also take out motorcycle liability insurance. The benefits are practically the same with all insurance providers. Comparing premiums is especially worthwhile here.
You must register your motorcycle with the Road Traffic Office for your canton of residence. Registering your vehicle gets you a registration certificate.
2. Registering a motorcycle: what documents do I need?
Depending on your situation, you may need different documents. You can register it in person and often also by post. When registering by post, you usually have to fill out a form (“Registration of a Vehicle” or similar) and attach it to the other documents. If you would like to register a motorbike or a scooter, you will need:
Proof of identity: Swiss passport, identity card or residence permit
Confirmation of place of residence or of receipt of citizenship documents (only for first registration)
If you are registering the vehicle for a business or organization: copy of the entry in the commercial register or confirmation of self-employed activity from the Social Insurance Institution
Electronic proof of insurance: in Switzerland, it is compulsory to take out liability insurance for every motorcyle that is driven on public roads. Request the insurance certificate from your insurance provider and indicate the relevant Road Traffic Office. Your provider will then send the document directly to the Road Traffic Office.
Registering a new motorcycle
If you are registering a brand new motorcycle, you need Inspection Report Form 13.20A in addition to the documents mentioned above. You can get the form directly from the car dealer or brand representative.
Good to know: sometimes the car dealer takes care of registering the scooter or motorcycle.
Registering a used motorcycle
To register a used motorcycle, you will also need:
Original vehicle registration certificate: when purchasing the motorcycle, you will receive the vehicle registration certificate from the previous owner. You should insist on this document. After registration, a new vehicle registration certificate will then be issued in your name.
In some cases, a confirmation of road safety: is the motorcycle more than five years old? If so, by law (VTS, Art. 33), you must take it for a technical inspection (MFK). Check whether this has already been done before you buy it. The report is valid for one year.
If your motorcycle has undergone a follow-up inspection: Form. 13.20B
Other insurance for your motorcycle
Apart from compulsory liability insurance, there are different optional motorcycle insurances. Not every type of additional cover is worth it for older vehicles. This means it's worth comparing the options.
3. Is it possible to register a motorcycle without a driver's license?
You do not need a driving licence in order to buy a motorbike. You can still be listed as a keeper on the vehicle registration certificate. Your motorcycle insurance company will provide proof of insurance – even if you have not yet passed your motorcycle test. However, you may only drive the motorcycle if you have a learner's licence.
4. How do I change the address under which my motorcycle is registered?
After moving house, you must inform the Road Traffic Office of your new place of residence. This must be done within 14 days. Are you moving to a new canton? If so, you must change the licence plates. Register the vehicle extracantonally. 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 swap your plates at the local post office in your new place of residence.
5. Registering a motorcycle after importation
Swiss domicile
If you bought a vehicle abroad, you must register it in Switzerland within one month of importing it. A motor vehicle inspection is compulsory for all vehicles imported into Switzerland.
Sale agreement/receipt
Foreign vehicle paperwork/registration certificate
Proof of identity
Import declaration (also online, not available in English)
CO2 emissions certificate (for new cars less than 6 months old)
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 six months before moving to Switzerland, you can import it as personal property. You'll find more details in the following article: importing and registering a vehicle.
6. Registering a motorcycle and scooter: costs
The fees can vary from canton to canton, but generally speaking license plates and a vehicle registration certificate 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.
7. How do I de-register my motorcycle?
Are you planning to sell your motorcycle? Then you need to hand over the vehicle registration certificate to the new owner.
Many motorcycle riders do not use their motorbikes in winter. In this case, think about depositing your license plates. This way you can save on liability insurance and motor vehicle tax.
If you no longer need your vehicle and wish to dispose of it, cancel the vehicle registration certificate at the Road Traffic Office.
This article was first published on 14.04.2021
