Car re-registration: St. Gallen → Nidwalden
When moving from St. Gallen to Nidwalden, you need to deregister your vehicle in the canton of St. Gallen and register it in the canton of Nidwalden. You will receive new licence plates with the code NW. The estimated costs are approximately CHF 218.
Processing time
approx. 10 working days
Estimated costs
CHF 218
New licence plates
NW
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
Frongartenstrasse 5
9001 St. Gallen
Phone
+41 58 229 22 22Opening hours
Mo-Fr 08:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00 (Schalter); Mo-Fr 08:00-11:30, 13:30-17:00 (Telefon)
Address
Kreuzstrasse 2
6371 Stans
Phone
+41 41 618 41 41Opening 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
SGNotes for St. Gallen
New motor vehicle tax from January 1, 2026 based on total weight and performance. Vehicle transactions can be conveniently handled by mail. Multiple inspection centres across the canton.
NWNotes for Nidwalden
Joint Traffic Safety Centre with the Canton of Obwalden (VSZ OW/NW). Nidwalden site in Stans, Obwalden site in Sarnen.