Selling a car in Switzerland requires deregistering the vehicle from your canton and the buyer re-registering in theirs. The process is cantonal but follows a consistent national framework.
Essential Documents
- Vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugausweis): Both parts must be present. Part I goes with the vehicle; Part II stays with the cantonal road traffic office until transferred.
- Seller's Swiss ID or passport: Required for cantonal deregistration.
- Signed sale agreement (Kaufvertrag): Strongly recommended — records the agreed price, vehicle details, and both parties' details.
- MFK roadworthiness inspection: A recent MFK (Motorfahrzeugkontrolle) inspection certificate adds significant buyer confidence. Not always mandatory for transfer but highly expected.
- Cantonal vehicle plates: Swiss plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. The seller must deregister and take back the plates; the buyer arranges new plates in their canton.
Cantonal Deregistration Process
The seller must deregister the vehicle at their cantonal road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt) and return the plates. The buyer then registers the vehicle in their own canton. Both steps must be completed — an unregistered vehicle on public roads is illegal.
Cancel Insurance
Contact your insurer to cancel the motor liability insurance (Motorfahrzeug-Haftpflichtversicherung) after deregistration. Request a pro-rata refund.
Finance Settlement
If the vehicle is under a leasing or loan agreement, confirm it is fully settled and any lien released before selling. Swiss buyers are diligent about this.
