To sell a car in Switzerland you need the vehicle registration document, your ID and all the keys – plus, ideally, the service book and latest MFK report. This checklist explains what each document is for, what goes in a sales contract and what to do if something is missing.
| Document | Why you need it | Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle registration document | Proves the car is registered in your name. The buyer needs it to register the car. | Required |
| Passport, Swiss ID or residence permit | Identifies you as the seller in the sales contract. | Required |
| All keys and remotes | A missing key lowers the price – replacements can be expensive. | Required |
| Written sales contract | Records the price, the car's condition and the time of handover. | Strongly recommended |
| Leasing release | If the car is leased, the leasing company must agree to the sale (code 178). | Required if leased |
| Service book and invoices | Shows the car has been maintained and supports a better price. | Recommended |
| Latest MFK report | Shows when the car last passed its official inspection. | Recommended |
| Owner's manual, spare tyres | A second set of wheels or tyres adds value. | Nice to have |
The registration document is the grey card called Fahrzeugausweis in German, permis de circulation in French and licenza di circolazione in Italian. It shows who is registered as the holder of the car, its technical data and any special entries – for example code 178, which means the car is leased and cannot change holder without the leasing company's approval.
When you sell, you hand your number plates and the registration document to your cantonal road traffic office (or send them by post). The office cancels the document and returns it to you; the buyer then needs this cancelled document to register the car in their name. Our guide on returning your plates and deregistering your car explains the steps canton by canton.
Always put a private car sale in writing. A good contract includes:
When you sell your car to SellCar, we prepare the contract for you and take care of the change of ownership.
Not sure whether you have everything? Mention it in your valuation request and we will tell you what is needed.
Yes. A car with an expired MFK can still be sold, but the price is usually lower because the buyer has to arrange the inspection and any repairs. SellCar buys cars whether or not the MFK is up to date.
No. In Switzerland, number plates belong to the holder, not to the car. You remove them at handover and either use them on your next car or hand them in to your road traffic office.
Yes. You can sell your car anywhere in Switzerland. Your plates and registration document are handled by the road traffic office of the canton where the car is registered.
Ask your cantonal road traffic office for a replacement before the sale; there is usually a fee. If you sell to SellCar, mention it in your valuation request and we will tell you how to proceed.
It is not required by law, but it is strongly recommended. A written contract records the price, the car's condition and the exact time of handover, which protects both seller and buyer.
Why your plates stay with you, how to hand them in, and how Geneva, Vaud and Zurich compare – plus insurance and tax refunds.
Read the guide →GuideWhen the MFK is due, how it affects the price, whether to do it before you sell and what "fresh from MFK" really means.
Read the guide →GuidePrice, speed, effort and risk of each way to sell your car – and how to choose the right one for you.
Read the guide →
