Guide and tips
Anyone who wants to use a vehicle in Germany needs a vehicle licence. This involves checking whether the car is technically in order, is insured and has all the necessary documents. Whether registration, re-registration or deregistration - here you will find all the important information about vehicle registration.
Whether a new car, used car or re-registration after a move - no vehicle is allowed on the roads in Germany without a vehicle registration. Among other things, the registration process checks whether the car is insured and registered for tax purposes. You can find out which steps are necessary, which documents you need and more here, clearly summarised.
To register your vehicle, you usually have to go to the local registration office or road traffic office in person. You will need to present certain documents there. You then fill out the necessary forms and pay the corresponding fees.
After checking the documents and the technical inspection of the vehicle, you will receive the new licence plates and papers and your vehicle is officially registered.
It is best to make an appointment online or by telephone at your local registration office. Please note the opening hours and any specific requirements for making appointments.
The following documents are usually required for vehicle registration or re-registration:
For new vehicles: vehicle registration certificate (registration certificate part II) and COC document. The CoC certificate proves that the vehicle complies with the standards required within the EU. Since autumn 2015, vehicle manufacturers have had to enclose the CoC documents with every new car.
On 1 September 2023, the new Vehicle Registration Ordinance came into force and with it stage 4 of the Federal Ministry of Transport's i-Kfz project, which has been implemented in stages since 2015. Since then, you have been able to register your vehicle online and take part in road traffic with your vehicle immediately after digital registration. You no longer have to wait for vehicle documents and stickers to be sent to you by post. You can drive without them for up to ten days. The provisional digital registration certificate is sufficient as proof.
Please note: You must affix the sticker - which will continue to be sent by post - to your licence plate within ten days. Otherwise you will have to expect a fine.
Since September 2023, the federal states and local authorities have been providing i-Kfz portals. The portals can be accessed via the website of the relevant registration authority. The basic requirement for using digital vehicle registration is registration with an electronic ID card.
When you register a vehicle online, various vehicle-related data is requested in the online portal of the responsible registration authority. As part of the procedure, data on the valid main inspection (HU) or safety inspection (SP) is compared with the KBA's Central Vehicle Register.
The test data required for the comparison is transmitted regularly and in encrypted form to the Central Vehicle Register.
If you sell a vehicle, you should deregister it. This is the only way to end the registration and thus your obligation to pay vehicle tax. If you sell your car with an active registration, you must notify the registration office and your insurance company of the sale, unless the buyer informs the registration office themselves.
To be on the safe side, you should deregister the vehicle before handing it over if the buyer does not re-register the car promptly. This will save you further inconvenience.
If you want to deregister your vehicle, you will need
The registration office automatically informs the main customs office and the insurance company that the vehicle has been deregistered. Please note that you may no longer drive the vehicle or park it on public roads after deregistration.
Do you have a deregistered vehicle and want to re-register it? You are not allowed to drive an unregistered vehicle on public roads. Transfer it on a suitable vehicle transporter or trailer.
Alternatively, there is the option of transferring the vehicle with a short-term licence plate:
Apply for the short-term licence plate at the road traffic office. To do this, you will need your identity card and confirmation of cover from an insurance company. You will receive a blank vehicle licence in which you enter the vehicle data. The short-term licence plate is valid for a maximum of 5 days and does not have to be returned.
Yes, if you have permission from the registration office.
Various aspects must be taken into account when registering vehicles from abroad:
Find out about the exact regulations and processes at an early stage to ensure a smooth process when registering vehicles from abroad.
You must re-register your vehicle if you
When re-registering your vehicle, you will need the same documents as for a normal vehicle registration.