Registration of a second-hand motor vehicle from an EU country
The registration of a vehicle that has already been registered in the EU or EEA is possible upon application. Authorisation shall be granted by the competent licensing authority. If you buy a new or used vehicle abroad or move to Germany with a vehicle registered abroad, you must apply for registration for this vehicle.
The registration of a vehicle that was previously registered abroad is more complex compared to the new registration or re-registration, as more documents are required.
Competent authority
The responsibility lies with the local licensing authorities of the districts and independent cities.
• in the case of natural persons, the authority of the place of residence of the vehicle owner (main residence according to the identity card),
• in the case of legal persons, traders and self-employed persons with a fixed place of business or public authorities, the authority of the registered office or place of the establishment or department involved.
Which documents are required?
- Application forms, if any, completed
- valid identity document (identity card or passport of the vehicle owner; upon presentation of the passport additionally a current registration certificate)
- possibly foreign vehicle documents,
- foreign license plates (if available)
- Purchase contract/invoice
- CoC papers (incl. emission class / emission key) or if not available: expert opinion according to § 21 StVZO
- electronic insurance confirmation (eVB)
- Bank details for vehicle tax (SEPA direct debit mandate)
- Proof of examination according to § 29 StVZO (usually main and exhaust gas inspection)
For further information, please contact your local licensing authority.
If applicable, further documents, e.g.:
- in the case of representation by a third party: your written power of attorney and your identity document (original); the authorised representative himself must be able to identify himself with his valid identity card/passport.
- in the case of admission to minors: the written declaration of consent of the legal guardian and their identity cards (original); if applicable, a certificate of sole custody (so-called "negative certificate") for single parents
What are the fees?
The fee is levied in accordance with the scale of charges for road transport measures (GebOSt). Their amount depends on various factors. Information can be obtained in individual cases from the locally competent licensing authority.
Legal basis
Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV)
Scale of charges for road transport measures (GebOSt)
Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (-StVZO-)
Appeal
According to the Code of Administrative Court Procedure, the time limit for an appeal or other remedy begins to run only if the party concerned has been informed in writing or electronically of the appeal, the administrative authority or the court to which the appeal is to be lodged, the registered office and the time limit to be observed.
As a rule, the legal remedy is to bring an action.
Section 58 (1) of the Code of Administrative Court Procedure (VwGO)
What else should I know?
If there are motor vehicle tax arrears or if you have arrears of fees and expenses from previous registration procedures, the registration authority will refuse registration until you have paid them.
If someone registers your vehicle for you, the authorized representative must provide a written power of attorney from you. This must also contain a declaration of consent that the licensing authority may inform the authorised representative about these possibly outstanding fees and expenses.
Technically approved by
Lower Saxony Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport
Author
The text was automatically translated based on the German content.
