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Applying for a (new) vehicle registration

In most cases, you must register your vehicle in advance if you wish to drive on public roads. You can obtain the stamped registration documents and registration number from the licensing authority.
The Vehicle Registration Ordinance (Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung, FZV) stipulates which vehicles must be registered.
Note: You can only apply for a registration number containing a specific combination of letters and digits (vanity plate) or for a specific distinguishing sign (in cases where “old” registration numbers have been reintroduced in a rural district) as part of the registration procedure. Once a registration number has been allocated, subsequent changes may only be made against payment of a corresponding fee.

Prerequisite

  • You must not have any fees and expenses outstanding from previous registration processes.
    In case of payment arrears of more than 30 euros, the licensing authorities may not register your vehicle until you have settled the amount. In case of payment arrears of less than 30 euros, the licensing authorities can decide whether they will register the vehicle anyway or not.
  • You may not have any vehicle excise duty debts of 5 euros or more. When calculating the amount, default supplements, interest and lateness surcharges are taken into account.
  • Should somebody represent you during the registration process of your vehicle, you must issue them with written power of attorney. This power of attorney must contain a statement of consent that the licensing authorities may inform the representing person of outstanding fees and charges on your part. Your representative must show the power of attorney and identify himself or herself.

Responsible department

The registration authorities in whose area you have your principal place of residence, company headquarters or branch office.

The authorities are

  • for an urban district (Stadtkreis): the city council (Stadtverwaltung)
  • for a rural district (Landkreis): the rural district office (Landratsamt)

Standard port

Geben Sie in der Ortswahl Ihren Hauptwohnsitz, Betriebssitz oder Ort der Niederlassung ein.

Procedure

You or your representative must apply for the registration of the vehicle at the competent licensing authority.

Depending on what is offered by your licensing authority, a form for downloading or an online service via the Internet are available.

The licensing authority may request that you show the vehicle.

The licensing authority will issue your vehicle with a licence plate and attach the stickers (main inspection and stamp) to it.

Should you wish to drive in environmental zones and should you not have an exemption permit, you should also apply for a particle emissions sticker during the registration process.

Tip: You can obtain the registration plates from private providers. You can usually find these near the licensing authorities.

The licensing authority will automatically inform your insurance company of the registration of the vehicle.

Required documents

  • Valid personal identity document or passport
  • Additionally in case of representation:
    • written power of attorney
    • valid personal identity document or passport of the representative
  • In case of minors: additional declaration consent and identity documents of the parents/guardians
  • For legal entities/companies:
  • SEPA direct debit mandate for payment of vehicle tax (Erklärung zum Einzug der Kraftfahrzeugsteuer (SEPA-Lastschriftmandat))
  • Proof of power of disposition of the keeper to be registered:
    • In case of first registration of vehicles with EC type permit:
      • registration certificate part II and
      • certificate of conformity (COC paper)
    • In case of first registration with national type approval:
      • registration certificate part II with registered type and variant/version key number in accordance with § 20 Paragraph 3 Sentence 6 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) or
      • data confirmation in accordance with § 20 Paragraph 3.a Sentence 1 (StVZO).
    • In case of vehicles with EC type approval (EC certificate of conformity /COC), national type approval (general operating permit/ABE), individual approval or an expert report in accordance with § 21 StVZO for which no registration certificate part II was filled in so far: additional sales contract or original invoice
  • Confirmation of insurance (eVB code)
  • Proof of reservation should you have applied for a vanity plate.

The competent body may request further documents.

Note: Disabled persons with the mark "H", "BI" or "aG" in their disabled person's identity document continue to be exempted from vehicle excise duty. They do not need to provide a direct debit mandate.

Note: The confirmation of insurance concerning the third party liability policy can be obtained from the insurance company of your choice. You can usually request this by telephone. The insurance will be automatically informed of the re-registration of the vehicle.

Costs

Depending on time taken for administration: from 26.80 EUR

Note: Additional costs will be charged for the registration plates.

Release note

The German original version of this text was drafted in close cooperation with the relevant departments. The Verkehrsministerium released it on 16.08.2021. Only the German text is legally binding. The Federal State does not assume any liability for the translated texts.

In cases of doubt or if you have any questions or problems, please contact the relevant authorities directly.