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Re-registering the car after a move: duties and procedure

If you move, the vehicle papers must show the new address. Depending on a change of jurisdiction, an address change or a complete re-registration is needed. Within many registration districts you can keep your desired or old license plate.

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After a move the address in the vehicle papers must be adjusted (Vehicle Registration Ordinance). With a change of residence into another registration district, a re-registration at the new registration office is required.
Since license-plate portability, you can in many cases keep your previous license plate, even if you change the registration district. That saves the cost of new plates.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Register the residence

    First register your new residence at the citizens' office.

  2. 2

    2. Collect documents

    Have registration certificate part I and II, an identity card and, if applicable, an eVB ready.

  3. 3

    3. Visit the registration office

    Have the address changed or the vehicle re-registered; many offices offer online procedures.

  4. 4

    4. Inform the insurer

    Also notify your car insurer of the new address.

How to spot the scam

  • The vehicle papers still show the old address.
  • Important mail from the registration office does not reach you.
  • The car insurer is not informed of the move.

Frequently asked questions

Must I re-register my car after the move?

You must at least adjust the address in the vehicle papers. If you move into another registration district, a re-registration at the new registration office is needed. The address change can often be combined with the residence registration.

Can I keep my license plate?

In many cases yes. Through license-plate portability you may often keep your previous license plate, even when changing the registration district. That is usually cheaper, because no new plates are needed.

What does the re-registration cost?

For the re-registration or address change a fee of the registration office is charged; with a new license plate the costs for plates are added. The exact amount is set by the authority. Online procedures can be cheaper.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.