Motor vehicle; application for transfer or re-registration

If the owner details of a motor vehicle change, for example due to a change of residence or place of business, sale, donation, etc., you are obliged to have the owner and vehicle details updated by the registration authority. If you move or change the owner within Germany, you can keep the previous license plate (for a registered vehicle). However, you can also apply for a license plate from the new registration district.

A license plate that you have transferred to another registration district when you move or change owner cannot be reassigned to you after the vehicle has been taken out of service.

Further information can be obtained from your local registration authority under "Further links".

When a license plate number is allocated as part of the registration procedure, you are generally allocated a combination of letters and numbers over which you have no influence. However, if you would like a specific combination of letters and numbers (e.g. your initials or year of birth), you can apply for a special license plate for a fee.

Transfers and re-registrations can also be carried out online. You can access the internet-based processes on the portal of your registration authority. You will also find further information there.

Information on the online procedures of the registration authorities can also be found under "Further links".

If you move, you must present the registration certificate part I to the registration authority, and if you want or need to change the license plate number, you must also present the registration certificate part II.

If the owner changes or if the vehicle is re-registered after being taken out of service, you will need an insurance confirmation in electronic form (eVB number).

If the license plate number changes, existing license plates that are still stamped must be presented for validation.

If no current main inspection can be verified with the registration certificate, a new inspection report must be submitted.

Basically none.
The main inspection deadline must be observed.

• Registration certificate I and II (vehicle registration document and registration certificate)
• Purchase contract or other proof of the right of disposal
  (if authorization to dispose must be proven)
• official identification document
• License plates
• Main inspection report (HU report)
• Confirmation of the existence of motor vehicle liability insurance (insurance confirmation - "eVB")
• If applicable, an expert opinion from the officially recognized expert for motor vehicle traffic (in Bavaria: TÜV Süd) or a technical service authorized in accordance with the EC Vehicle Approval Regulation
• Power of attorney, if applicable
• SEPA mandate for the collection of vehicle tax, if applicable (in the event of a change of owner or registration district)
  Customs online - Payment of vehicle tax
• If applicable, consent of the legal representatives when registering the vehicle to a minor

The fees are based on the scale of fees for road traffic measures.

Change of registration

• Relocation or change of owner with registered vehicle and continuation of the license plate: EUR 23.60
• Transfer of registration without continuation of the license plate: EUR 30.00 (plus EUR 10.20 for allocation of desired license plate)
• Re-registration after decommissioning within the same registration district - without change of holder and to the identification number reserved during decommissioning: EUR 23.00

The fees for internet-based processes are between EUR 10.90 and EUR 13.10.

The fees are increased by the fees of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (between EUR 0.60 and EUR 3.80 depending on the process), costs for adhesive seals (EUR 0.30 each) and for the registration of non-typed vehicles (EUR 15.30).

The registration authority may also charge for postage costs incurred.

NOTE: In addition to the cases mentioned here, there are others that require the submission of additional documents and may result in other fees. In these cases, please contact your local licensing authority.

The costs for the production of license plates are not specified. These are offered by private companies in the vicinity of the vehicle registration authorities. The prices are not specified by law.