Number plate entered incorrectly or changed: what applies to the e-vignette?
The e-vignette is tied to the number plate. You can correct a typo once, and for foreign number plates only within 24 hours of purchase. It can only be transferred to a new number plate if the vehicle and keeper stay the same.
Which situation applies to you?
What matters is whether only the spelling, the plate, the vehicle or both have changed.
| Situation | What applies | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Typo, Swiss number plate | Can be corrected once | Correct it in the e-vignette ticket at the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) |
| Typo, foreign number plate | Can be corrected once, only within 24 hours of purchase | Correct it in the ticket straight away |
| Only hyphens or spaces differ | Irrelevant | Nothing |
| New number plate, same vehicle and same keeper | Transfer possible on request | Submit a request with documents to the FOCBS; valid only after the FOCBS has confirmed it |
| New number plate because a company is set up or taken over | No transfer possible | New vignette for the new number plate |
| New vehicle, same number plate | Remains valid automatically | Nothing |
| New vehicle and new number plate | No transfer possible | New vignette for the new number plate |
| Swiss interchangeable plate | One e-vignette per plate for all vehicles registered with it | Nothing, as long as the plate stays the same |
| German interchangeable plate (Wechselkennzeichen) | Not confirmed | Ask the FOCBS before buying |
How do I correct a typo?
In the e-vignette ticket, via the pencil icon and “Change number plate”, and only once.
For foreign number plates, the correction is only possible within 24 hours of purchase. The FOCBS does not specify such a deadline for Swiss number plates.
Incorrect hyphens or spaces are irrelevant and do not need correcting. So it makes no difference whether you enter “M-AB 1234” or “MAB1234”.
Because the correction is only possible once, check the new number plate character by character before you save it. Characters that are easily confused include O and 0 or I and 1.
What applies with a new number plate?
If the vehicle and keeper stay the same, for example after moving house or losing the plate, you can have the e-vignette transferred to the new number plate.
The legal basis is Art. 5 NSAV: the transfer is possible once the registration authority has replaced the original number plate. A change of number plate is not possible in connection with setting up or taking over a company.
- Submit the request in the e-vignette ticket or via the form Transfer e-vignette to new licence plate with your Via receipt. Without a ticket and without a receipt, no transfer is possible. If you ordered through us, the ticket is held by us: please contact our support team for this.
- You must enclose supporting documents, for example the old and new vehicle registration documents.
- Wait for confirmation from the FOCBS. Processing can take several working days; only then is the e-vignette valid for the new number plate.
Is the e-vignette valid for a new vehicle?
Yes, if the number plate stays the same. If both the vehicle and the number plate change, the e-vignette cannot be transferred.
Because the e-vignette is tied to the number plate, it automatically applies to the new vehicle if you change vehicles without getting a new plate. You do not need to do anything.
If the new vehicle gets a different number plate, you need a new vignette for that number plate. There is no refund for the old one. The vignette sticker, by contrast, is tied to the vehicle, not to the plate.
What applies to interchangeable plates?
With Swiss interchangeable plates, one e-vignette per plate is enough for all vehicles lawfully registered with it (Art. 7a(2) NSAG).
With vignette stickers, each of the vehicles would need its own vignette.
German interchangeable plates (Wechselkennzeichen) result in two different complete registration numbers. Whether one e-vignette is enough for both has not been confirmed. Ask the FOCBS before you buy, for example via the FOCBS contact form.
I ordered from schweiz-vignette.ch. What should I do if there is a mistake?
Contact our support team immediately, by chat or at [email protected]. For foreign number plates, the FOCBS 24-hour deadline applies.
We register your number plate in the electronic vignette system. The FOCBS rules therefore apply to corrections: only once, and for foreign number plates only within 24 hours. The deadline starts when we register the number plate, not when you place your order.
When you contact support, give your order, the number plate you entered and the correct one. Please also contact support first if you have a new number plate. For your next order, check the number plate in the order summary before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How often can I correct the number plate?
An input error can only be corrected once, and for foreign number plates only within 24 hours of purchase.
Do I have to enter hyphens and spaces exactly as they appear on the plate?
No. According to the FOCBS, incorrect hyphens and spaces are irrelevant and do not need correcting.
Can I transfer the e-vignette to my partner's car?
No. A transfer is only possible if the vehicle and keeper stay the same and only the number plate changes.
I have sold my car. What happens to the e-vignette?
It stays with the number plate. If you drive another vehicle with the same number plate, it remains valid there. There is no refund.
Do I get my money back if the vignette cannot be transferred?
No. Refunds are only given in exceptional cases, such as a proven duplicate purchase or vignettes bought by mistake for vehicles that do not need one.