Traficom, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, has announced a significant reform in the ordering of vehicle registration plates. Effective immediately, owners can now submit requests for damaged or lost registration plates through Traficom's online service, known as Oma asiointi. This change aims to streamline the ordering process and provide vehicle owners with more flexibility when dealing with registration plate issues, as payments are made online and plates can be collected from designated inspection locations, following provided instructions.

However, for cases where registration plates have been stolen or both plates are missing, online ordering is not permitted; individuals must visit inspection locations to place their order. This reform represents a significant step away from the previous requirement that mandated all orders to be made in person at these locations. According to Mari Andersson, an expert at Traficom, moving to an electronic system is intended to enhance convenience for vehicle owners and simplify administrative interactions related to vehicle registration plates.

The initiative reflects a growing trend towards digitization within public services in Finland, aimed at improving user experiences and operational efficiency. By allowing online orders for registration plates, Traficom hopes not only to reduce waiting times but also to make it easier for vehicle owners to navigate bureaucratic processes. Further information regarding the ordering of registration plates and the Oma asiointi service is available on Traficom's website.