Registration numbers | Traficom
Skip to main content
Transport and Communications Agency

Registration number of a watercraft

A watercraft is assigned a registration number at first registration. The number is also shown on the registration certificate. The registration number consists of the letter P followed by at least five digits. For boats used in the Tenojoki river area, the letter is L. For test plate certificates issued to business operators, the letter is E.

On this page

Requirements for the registration number

  • The letter and numbers must be clearly distinguishable from the background.
  • The height of the letter and numbers must be at least 7.5 centimetres and the line width at least 1.5 centimetres.
  • The spacing between numbers must be at least 2 centimetres and the spacing between the letter and number part at least 4 centimetres and no more than 10 centimetres.
  • If a separate plate is used, it must be rectangular, at least 12 centimetres high and extend at least 2.5 centimetres beyond the identifier on both sides.

Mark the registration number on both sides of the watercraft so that it is clearly visible when the watercraft is in motion.

Special registration number

As the owner of a boat, you can apply for a special registration number from Traficom. If you are a holder, you need the owner’s written consent as an attachment to the application.

A fee of 350 euros is charged for registering a special registration number and for transferring an existing registration number to another boat.

Format and restrictions of a special registration number

  • The special number consists of one letter followed by 1 to 7 digits. You cannot choose numbers that start with P, E or L. The first digit after the letter cannot be zero.
  • Hyphens and other special characters are not allowed.
  • The number must not contain expressions that are inappropriate or contrary to public order

We assess each application individually. The same registration number cannot be used for two boats in the register at the same time.

How to reserve a special registration number

  • Step 1

    Check availability

    Send an email to venepaatokset@traficom.fi. Include your contact details and your preferred registration numbers. We recommend suggesting several options.

  • Step 2

    You will receive a reservation confirmation

    You will receive a reservation confirmation for the selected number. The reservation is valid for three months.

    You must register the number during the validity period. Otherwise, the reservation will expire and the number will become available again.

  • Step 3

    Request registration of the special registration number

    Request the change from Traficom once the boat is registered in your name. Send the identifying details of your boat to venepaatokset@traficom.fi. This can be the watercraft identification number or the current registration number.


    You will receive a separate decision on the special registration number in addition to the registration certificate. If your boat still displays the old number, replace it with the new one as soon as you receive the decision.

How to transfer a registration number to another boat

  • Step 1

    What to do before selling a boat

    You can also transfer the registration number of your current boat to your new boat. In that case, make the change before you sell your boat.

    Send an email to venepaatokset@traficom.fi. Include your contact details and the registration number to be transferred. Your old boat will be assigned a new registration number starting with P.

     

    If the matter is urgent, you can agree on the transfer of the registration number when making the sale. Add a separate note in the deed of sale stating that registration number XX will remain with the seller. This ensures that the new owner agrees to the transfer.

  • Step 2

    You will receive a reservation confirmation

    You will receive a reservation confirmation valid for three months. You must complete the registration during this period. Otherwise, the reservation will expire.

  • Step 3

    Request registration of the special registration number

    Request the change once your new boat is registered in your name. Send the identifying details of your boat to venepaatokset@traficom.fi

    If the agreement is only included in the deed of transfer, attach it to your request. We will assign a new registration number starting with letter P to the sold boat and send a new registration certificate to its owner.

     

    You will receive a separate decision on the special registration number in addition to the registration certificate. If your boat still displays the old number, replace it with the new one as soon as you receive the decision.

Processing time

The processing time is 14 working days. The registration certificate will be sent to your home within two weeks.

Further information

Sailing boats may have both a sail number and a registration number. Sail numbers are issued by the Finnish Sailing and Boating Federation.

You can use your watercraft with the new registration number before receiving the registration certificate if you have received the decision. Authorities can verify in the system that the watercraft has been registered and that the registration certificate has been ordered.

Page was last updated