Motor Vehicle; Application for Transfer of Title or Re-registration

If the owner’s information for a motor vehicle changes—for example, due to a change of residence or business address, sale, gift, etc.—you are required to have the owner and vehicle information updated with the registration authority. If you move or there is a change of owner within Germany, you may keep the previous license plate (for a registered vehicle). However, you may also apply for a license plate from the new registration district.

A license plate that you have retained upon moving or changing ownership to a different registration district cannot be reissued to you after the vehicle has been deregistered.

For more information, contact your local registration authority; see “Further Links.”

When a license plate is assigned as part of the registration process, you are generally assigned a combination of letters and numbers over which you have no control. 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 personalized license plate for a fee.

Transfer of ownership and re-registration can also be completed online. You can access these online procedures on your registration authority’s portal, where you’ll also find further information.

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

When you move, you must present the Vehicle Registration Certificate, Part I, to the registration authority; if you want or need to change the license plate, you must also present the Vehicle Registration Certificate, Part II.

If the owner changes or if the vehicle is re-registered for use on public roads after being taken out of service, you’ll need an electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number).

If the license plate number changes, any existing license plates that have not yet been stamped must be presented for deactivation.

If the registration certificate does not show a valid general inspection, a new inspection report must be submitted.

Generally, none.
The general inspection deadline must be observed.

• Certificates of Registration I and II (Vehicle Title and Registration Certificate)
• Purchase agreement or other proof of authority to dispose of the property
  (if proof of authority to dispose of the assets is required)
• official identification document
• License plates
• Annual Inspection Report (HU Report)
• Confirmation of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Coverage (Insurance Confirmation - "eVB")
• if applicable, an expert opinion from an officially recognized expert in motor vehicle traffic (in Bavaria: TÜV Süd) or from a technical service authorized in accordance with the EC Vehicle Type-Approval Regulation
• Power of attorney, if applicable
• If applicable, a SEPA direct debit authorization for the collection of vehicle tax (in the event of a change in vehicle owner or registration district)
  Customs Online - Payment of Vehicle Tax
• If applicable, consent from the legal guardians when registering a vehicle in the name of a minor

The fees are based on the schedule of fees for traffic-related measures.

Description

• Relocation or change of owner for a registered vehicle while retaining the license plate: 23.60 EUR
• Transfer of ownership without retaining the license plate: 30.00 euros (plus 10.20 EUR for a personalized license plate)
• Reactivation after deactivation within the same registration district—without a change of owner and using the identification number reserved at the time of deactivation: 23.00 EUR

The fees for online transactions range from 10.90 to 13.10 EUR.

These fees are increased by the fees charged by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (between 1.20 and 4.40 EUR, depending on the transaction), the cost of adhesive seals (0.30 EUR each), and a fee for registering non-standard vehicles (15.30 EUR).

In addition, the registration authority may charge for postage expenses incurred.

NOTE: In addition to the scenarios listed here, there are others that may require the submission of additional documents and, in some cases, result in different fees. In such cases, please contact your local registration authority.

The costs for producing license plates are not listed here. These services are offered by private companies affiliated with the vehicle registration authorities. Prices are not set by law.