Finnish temporary plates: transfer permit and transfer plates

In Finland, temporary plates are transfer plates (siirtomerkit) issued with a transfer permit (siirtolupa). A transfer permit is granted for a vehicle not yet registered in Finland, taken out of use, under a use ban or a driving ban, for the period the use requires – at most seven days.

Key facts

Name: siirtolupa (transfer permit), siirtomerkit (transfer plates), Traficom form B401
Duration: up to 7 days; longer only while a car tax case is pending or for another particularly weighty reason (Vehicles Act, section 117)
Where to apply: an inspection station or Finnish Customs; the route and purpose are stated day by day
Insurance: transfer traffic insurance (Finnish Motor Insurers' Centre) or the vehicle's own motor insurance
Abroad: Sweden, Norway and Denmark under the Nordic agreement; elsewhere at the applicant's responsibility

Driving in other countries

According to Traficom, a vehicle with Finnish transfer plates may visit Denmark, Norway and Sweden under the Nordic agreement. The vehicle must be roadworthy, and the dimension and tax rules of the visited country apply. A transfer permit can also be granted for other countries, but the applicant is then responsible for the permit and the motor insurance being valid in each country – this is checked with that country's registration authority. The start or end point of the route must be in Finland.

Export registration is different

For exporting a vehicle from Finland, Traficom grants an export registration (export plates). It is a separate procedure and should not be confused with the transfer permit.

Need Finnish temporary plates?

We apply for the Finnish transfer permit on your behalf with a power of attorney for up to 7 days, and post the plates or send them as a scan. The route can, for example, start or end at Hanko Free Port.

Order Finnish temporary plates →

FAQ

How long is a Finnish transfer permit valid?

For the period the use requires, at most seven days. A longer permit is possible only while a car tax case is pending or for another particularly weighty reason.

Can I drive to Sweden with Finnish transfer plates?

Yes. Under the Nordic agreement you can visit Sweden, Norway and Denmark with transfer plates, provided the vehicle is roadworthy.

Does the route have to start in Finland?

Either the start or the end point of the route must be in Finland.

Country guides

Sources

Checked against official sources on 10 November 2026. Rules and fees change – always check the current information with the authority before driving.