Car registration certificate – laying up, starting up and change of ownership

All registered vehicles have a registration certificate issued by the Swedish Transport Agency (previously the Swedish Road Administration). Since 2004, the registration certificate has been EU-adapted and consists of 2 parts.

Part 1 – information about the vehicle

Contains

• Technical information about the vehicle.
• Information on leasing and purchase on credit.
• Authorisation code for internet and telephone services.
• Other general information about the vehicle.

Used for

• Starting up.
• Laying up.
• Ordering registration plates.
• Ordering Part 2.

Example

The below is an extract from Part 1 which contains technical information about the vehicle. The information found here includes, for example, the maximum permitted weight for a trailer.

Part 2 – certificate of ownership and change of ownership (document of value)

Contains

• Ownership information.
• The 3 most recent owners of the vehicle.
• Other general information about the vehicle.

Used for

• Change of ownership.
• Deregistration.

As Part 2 is used for change of ownership, it is important that you store this part of the registration certificate somewhere safe. The glove compartment is a bad place to keep Part 2!

How change of ownership for vehicles works

1. Fill in the buyer’s personal details in Part 2 of the registration certificate:
   • Personal identity number (or organisation number).
   • Name.
   • Address.
   • Date of change of ownership.
2. Both buyer and seller must sign the registration certificate.
3. The registration certificate must be sent to the Swedish Transport Agency within 10 days of the date stated.

Important details for the change of ownership

• The new owner must take out third-party insurance which applies from the date specified for the change of ownership in Part 2.
• Check one another’s personal details using a personal data check service. If the information is incorrect, the Swedish Transport Agency will be unable to complete the change of ownership, which leads to complications and additional costs.
• It is only possible to perform a change of ownership by filling in the original of Part 2; copies are not accepted.
  • Exception: Car dealerships can often action the change of ownership electronically via a direct connection to the Swedish Transport Agency. This only applies if you purchase a car, however.

Laying up and starting up

By laying up your car you avoid having to pay vehicle tax and third-party insurance. There are 3 different methods of laying up and starting up the vehicle:

• Internet.
• Telephone.
• Part 2 of the registration certificate.

If a driving ban is imposed on the vehicle, this does not mean that it is automatically laid up. You must always actively lay up the vehicle yourself.

A laid up vehicle may only be driven to and from the roadworthiness test, provided third-party insurance is paid and there are no motor vehicle tax arrears.

It is also forbidden to tow a laid up vehicle.

Last updated 2021-01-22.