First registration of a watercraft
First registration refers to the first registration of a watercraft in Finland. Register a new boat or a boat that has previously been deregistered before putting it into service. Check which documents you need and how to complete the first registration.
On this page
- Register your watercraft if
- Do the following:
- Processing time for the first registration of a boat
- Watch the instructional video
- Special cases
- Check the engine serial number
- Additional information
Register your watercraft if
- it is a sailboat or motorboat with a hull length of at least 5.5 metres
- the engine installed in the boat has a manufacturer's declared power output of at least 15 kilowatts, or more than 20 horsepower.
The registration requirement also applies to other motorised watercraft, such as jet skis. In addition, watercraft owned by the state or municipalities must also be registered.
In the first registration, provide the municipality where the watercraft will mainly be used. The watercraft must be used in Finland to be eligible for registration.
If your situation is one of the following, follow the relevant instructions.
Do the following:
- Step 1
Check that you have the correct documents
Deed of transfer
You will need a specific deed of sale or other deed of transfer for both the boat and its engine. The document must include the following information:
- make and model of the boat
- possible WIN or hull number
- make and serial number of the engine
- seller and buyer details.
The receipt for the sale can also be used as the deed of transfer if it contains all of the aforementioned information.
Declaration of conformity
Declaration of Conformity is a document signed by the manufacturer confirming that the boat or engine complies with the requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive (2013/53/EU). You need a Declaration of Conformity when completing the first registration of a recreational watercraft or its engine.
The Declaration of Conformity is usually included in the owner's manual or instruction manual. It may also be provided as a separate document. The seller or importer must provide the declaration on request.
Check that you have the engine’s serial number in the correct format
You can find the formats of serial numbers for the most common engine brands at the bottom of this page.
- Step 2
Scan or photograph the necessary documents before filling in the registration notification
Upload all required documents directly to the service. You will not be able to upload any documents after you have submitted your notification.
If necessary, you can save your application as a draft and complete it at a later date. Your draft application will remain available in the My Activities section for up to two weeks.
- Step 3
Be prepared to provide the boat’s and engine’s details
You can have a look at the registration form in advance to familiarise yourself with the required information. All information marked with an asterisk (*) on the form is also mandatory for electronic notifications.
- Step 4
Log in to our e-service and select “Watercraft and vessels”
Use of the service requires verifying your identity. You must be at least 15 years old. Select the “Submit a first registration” service.
- Step 5
Fill in the required information and upload the required attachments
Fill in the technical specifications of the watercraft and its engine.
You can search for the engine by first entering its make, followed by its serial number. If the engine cannot be found, enter the engine's information manually.
Add the owners and holders. As the person logged into the service, you are automatically designated as the owner of the boat, and this cannot be changed.
- Step 6
Check the details of your application and pay the registration fee at the end of the service
At the end of the service, click the Return to the seller's service button. You will receive a confirmation and can print a receipt.
Once the registration has been completed, your new Registration Certificate will be sent to your home address by post. You may use the watercraft before the certificate arrives. If necessary, the authorities can verify the validity of the registration in the register.
Processing time for the first registration of a boat
We usually process the notification within 1–2 weeks. We will contact you if we need additional information.
Watch the instructional video
(only in Finnish or Swedish)
If you are unable to submit your registration electronically, you may visit any registration office of your choice. Remember to bring proof of identity with you, in addition to the necessary documents.
- Check the location of the most suitable registration point.
- Fill in the notification form in advance. All mandatory information on the form is marked with an asterisk (*). Remember to check this information before your visit.
Special cases
Special case 1. The boat has never been registered
If you have a used boat that has never been registered, you must complete the first registration of the boat.
You need a Declaration of Conformity only if the boat is new, unused and is being registered for recreational use.
However, you must have a bill of sale or other equivalent document of transfer for the purchase of the boat and its attached engine.
Special case 2. The boat was deregistered before Traficom became the registration authority
If you have purchased a boat that was deregistered by the previous registration authority, complete the first registration of the boat.
You do not need to provide a Declaration of Conformity if the boat is not new and unused. You may use the Registration Certificate issued by the previous registration authority instead of a deed of transfer, provided that you are named as the owner in the certificate and you are registering the boat in your own name.
If you have purchased a boat that cannot be found in the register, you need a deed of transfer that identifies the boat from the seller.
The boat will be assigned a new registration number beginning with the letter P. You can apply to have the old registration number restored for a fee if it is available. Apply for it as a special registration number.