The Stammnummer on a Swiss car
Short answer: The Stammnummer is the unique, lifelong identification number of a vehicle in Switzerland. It consists of three digits, a dot and six further digits (e.g. 123.456.789), sits at the top left of the Fahrzeugausweis (the Swiss vehicle registration document) and is issued to imported vehicles for the first time after the MFK (Motorfahrzeugkontrolle, the Swiss roadworthiness test).
Rates as at July 2026: automobile tax 4 %, Swiss VAT 8.1 %
What the Stammnummer is for
- Unambiguous identification of the vehicle across every change of keeper (unlike the licence plate, which follows the keeper).
- Reference for proof of insurance, the used-car trade, recalls and official registers (MOFIS/IVZ).
- When selling: with the Stammnummer the buyer can look up the vehicle's history and type data.
The Stammnummer on an imported vehicle
An imported vehicle does not yet have a Stammnummer. It is issued by the cantonal road traffic office at the first registration after the MFK and entered in the new Swiss vehicle registration document. It is based on the type data from the COC document (Certificate of Conformity) and on the customs clearance certificate Form 13.20 A.
Stammnummer vs. type approval number vs. VIN
| Number | What it identifies | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Stammnummer | the individual vehicle in Switzerland | vehicle registration document, top left |
| Type approval (TG) | the approved vehicle type | vehicle registration document, field 24 |
| VIN / chassis number | the vehicle worldwide (17 characters) | on the vehicle and in every document |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Stammnummer on a car?
The Stammnummer (type certificate number) is the unique identifier of the Swiss type approval held at the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO, in German ASTRA). It identifies the variant, version and equipment level of the model and is a prerequisite for any Swiss registration.
Where do I find my car's Stammnummer?
In the vehicle registration document under "Typenscheinnummer" (type certificate number) — a six-character identifier such as 1AB123. It does not yet exist in the COC document of an EU vehicle; it is assigned at the Swiss registration.
Do I get the Stammnummer automatically when I import?
Yes — for models that already hold Swiss type approval, the Stammnummer is assigned automatically in the course of customs clearance (Form 13.20 A) and registration, at no extra cost.
What if no Stammnummer exists?
Then an individual approval by a recognised testing body is required (CHF 800–2'500 depending on the work involved). With common models from Germany this is rare — most already hold Swiss type approval.
Figures and deadlines at a glance
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Format of the Stammnummer | six characters, for example 1AB123 |
| Where it appears in the vehicle registration document | the "Typenscheinnummer" field |
| Allocation on import | automatic at customs clearance and registration |
| Extra cost where type approval already exists | CHF 0 |
| Individual approval if none exists | CHF 800–2'500 |
| Competent authority | FEDRO; registration through your canton of residence |
Sources and legal basis
The information on this page is based on the official publications listed below. The wording of the legislation in force is always what counts.
- FOCBS – Importing vehicles into Switzerland
- FOCBS – Customs declaration and taxes on a vehicle import
- Automobile Tax Act (AStG, SR 641.51)
- Value Added Tax Act (MWSTG, SR 641.20)
- Ordinance on the Admission of Persons and Vehicles to Road Traffic (VZV, SR 741.51)
- asa – Association of the cantonal road traffic offices
Further information
- Car import calculator – work out customs duty, automobile tax, VAT and CO₂
- Have a car imported for you – full service from the search to the registration
- All services – import, customs, sourcing, documents, advice
- Guides – seventeen articles on importing a vehicle
- CO₂ calculator – work out the penalty using the SFOE formula
- Transport calculator – guide price for delivery within Switzerland
- Thayngen customs office – opening hours, directions and procedure
- Importing in the canton of Schaffhausen – customs, MFK and registration on the spot
- For German dealers – selling vehicles to Swiss buyers
- About Finsler Customs – company, location and how we work
- Contact and advice