Selling a car in Finland requires notifying Traficom (the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency) of the ownership change. The process is digital and straightforward.
Essential Documents and Information
- Registration certificate (Rekisteriote) — Part II: The section of the registration certificate to be handed to the buyer. Part I stays in the vehicle.
- Finnish personal ID number (henkilötunnus): Required for the Traficom ownership notification.
- Suomi.fi / Finnish Authenticator login: Required to access Traficom's online service for the transfer notification.
- Signed sale agreement (Kauppakirja): Strongly recommended — records the agreed price, vehicle details, and both parties' information.
- Valid periodic inspection (Katsastus): Finnish buyers expect a current katsastus. A recently passed inspection prevents buyers from using expiry as a negotiating lever.
Traficom Notification
Both buyer and seller must notify Traficom of the ownership change within 7 days via the traficom.fi online service. Until the notification is filed, the seller may retain liability for fines and tax obligations.
Cancel Insurance
Contact your insurer to cancel the motor liability insurance (liikennevakuutus) after the Traficom notification is confirmed. Request a pro-rata refund.
Finance Settlement
If the vehicle is under a car loan, settle the outstanding amount and confirm the lien is released. Buyers check for finance encumbrances — outstanding finance prevents the Traficom transfer from completing cleanly.
