Car re-registration: Geneva → Obwalden
When moving from Geneva to Obwalden, you need to deregister your vehicle in the canton of Geneva and register it in the canton of Obwalden. You will receive new licence plates with the code OW. The estimated costs are approximately CHF 223.
Processing time
approx. 10 working days
Estimated costs
CHF 223
New licence plates
OW
Step-by-step guide
Register new address at the residents' registration office
In-person requiredRegister within 14 days at the residents' registration office of your new municipality. You will receive a residence confirmation needed for vehicle re-registration.
Deregister vehicle in the old canton
In-person requiredBring your license plates and vehicle registration to the road traffic office of the old canton. The plates will be collected and you will receive a deregistration confirmation.
Obtain insurance certificate for the new canton
Available onlineContact your insurance and request an insurance certificate for the new canton. The premium may change when switching cantons.
Register vehicle in the new canton
In-person requiredRegister your vehicle at the road traffic office of the new canton. You need: vehicle registration, deregistration confirmation, insurance certificate, ID/passport and residence confirmation. You will receive new license plates.
Mount new license plates
In-person requiredMount the new license plates on your vehicle. The new plates carry the cantonal abbreviation of your new canton of residence.
Required documents
- Required
The original vehicle registration certificate (blue card)
- Required
Both license plates from the old canton to be returned
- Required
Valid ID card or passport
- Required
Current insurance certificate for the new canton
- Required
Residence confirmation from the new municipality as proof of domicile
- Required
Deregistration confirmation from the old road traffic office
- Situational
Inspection report if the vehicle is older than 6 years and the new canton requires an inspection
Road traffic offices
Address
Route de Veyrier 86
1227 Carouge
Phone
+41 22 388 30 30Opening hours
Mo 09:00-16:00; Di-Fr 07:30-16:00 (Schalter); Mo 09:00-12:00, Di-Fr 08:30-12:00 (Telefon)
Address
Enetriederstrasse 1
6060 Sarnen
Phone
+41 41 666 66 00Opening hours
Mo-Fr 07:45-11:45, 13:45-17:00; vor Feiertagen bis 16:00
Previous Canton
New Canton
All prices in CHF. Fees may vary depending on vehicle type.
Important tips
- Register first at the residents' office at your new address.
- Check with your insurance whether the premium changes.
- Check whether you can book an appointment online.
Canton-specific notes
GENotes for Geneva
Later opening on Mondays (09:00 instead of 07:30) since January 5, 2026. Located in Carouge, not in the city of Geneva. Comprehensive online services (OCV en ligne) for address change, license duplicate, exam appointments and owner verification. French-speaking canton.
OWNotes for Obwalden
Joint Traffic Safety Centre with the Canton of Nidwalden (VSZ OW/NW). Obwalden site in Sarnen, Nidwalden site in Stans.