Vehicle License Plates; Applying for a Classic Car License Plate

A motor vehicle that was first put into service—i.e., registered—thirty years ago or longer, may be driven with ared license plateexclusively for participation in events that serve to showcase classic cars and preserve automotive cultural heritage, in accordance with the provisions of Section 43 of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV).

Test drives and transport trips are also permitted. The license plates are also assigned for use on different vehicles. As with dealer license plates, a maximum of two plates are issued per identification number.

If the requirements are met, the registration authority issues a special vehicle registration certificate for these vehicles. When conducting such trips, the vehicle must comply with the provisions of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), but does not require registration and therefore does not need an operating permit. The vehicle is also not subject to regular vehicle inspections. Before the vehicle registration certificate is issued, an expert opinion pursuant to § 23 StVZO confirming the vehicle’s classic car status must be submitted, among other requirements. Red license plates for classic cars are issued on a personal basis.

This is to be distinguished from the registration of anindividual vehicle withahistoric license plate (H license plate). Such a vehicle must also have been first put into service at least 30 years ago, but in addition to the expert opinion pursuant to § 23 StVZO, it also requires a certificate of roadworthiness.

A vehicle registered in this manner also serves to preserve automotive cultural heritage but has no restrictions regarding the purpose of use. The vehicle is also subject to regular vehicle inspections.

Once a vehicle has been issued an H-license plate for the first time, applications for all subsequent registration procedures can also be submitted digitally.

You can access the online procedures on your registration authority’s portal. You can also find further information there.

Information about the registration authorities’ online procedures can be found under “Related Links.” 

• Inspection Report Pursuant to Section 23 of the StVZO
  in addition to the usual registration documents

• Additional H-license plate registration:
  
  • Certificate of Registration, Part I (Vehicle Registration Certificate)
  • Certificate of Registration, Part II (Vehicle Title)
  • Inspection Certificate
  • License plates
  • For vehicles taken out of service: additionally, proof of insurance and a direct debit authorization for vehicle tax
• For a red classic car license plate, there is an additional fee:
  
  • Vehicle Registration Certificate, Part II, or Proof of Ownership
  • Certificate of Good Conduct
  • Insurance confirmation for a red license plate
  • Direct debit authorization for vehicle tax

Registration fees for the assignment of a red license plate amount to a maximum of 205 EUR, plus 10.20 EUR for the vehicle registration booklet. 

When assigning a classic car license plate, the fees amount to 30.00 EUR (plus 10.20 EUR for a personalized license plate, if applicable).

In addition, there are fees charged by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (0.60–3.80 EUR) and for document seals used (0.30 EUR each). The registration authority may also charge for postage costs incurred.

The motor vehicle tax is 191.73 EUR; for motorcycles, it is 46.02 EUR per year.

Registration with an "H" license plate: 27.80 euros
Red classic car license plate: 74.00 euros