Registration of a used motor vehicle from a non-EU country (abroad)
Registration of a vehicle that has already been registered abroad (non-EU country) is possible upon application. Approval is granted by the competent licensing authority. If you buy a used vehicle abroad or move to Germany with a vehicle registered to you abroad, you must apply for registration for this vehicle.
The registration of a vehicle that was previously registered abroad is more complex compared to a new registration or transfer, as more documents are required.
The responsibility lies with the district, the independent city and the municipality, joint municipality and city entrusted with this task.
In this case, the main residence according to the identity card is decisive. In the case of legal entities, this is the registered office of the principal place of business or the seat of the branch.
- Completed application forms, if applicable
- Valid identification document (identity card or passport of the vehicle owner; upon presentation of the passport, also a current registration certificate - not older than three months)
- possibly foreign vehicle documents,
- foreign license plates (if available)
- Purchase Contract/Invoice
- Expert opinion according to § 21 StVZO or CoC papers (incl. emission class / emission code) (the submission of a COC or a data confirmation by the manufacturer is only sufficient if the vehicle documents of the third country show that the EC type approval number has been recognized for the registration there)
- Electronic insurance confirmation (eVB)
- Bank details for vehicle tax (SEPA direct debit mandate)
- Proof of inspection according to § 29 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (usually main and exhaust gas inspection)
- Customs clearance certificate/proof of customs clearance
Further information can be obtained from your local licensing authority.
If necessary, further documents, e.g.:
- if represented by a third party: your written power of attorney and your identity document (original); the authorised representative 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 guardians and their identity cards (in the original); If applicable, a certificate of sole custody (so-called "negative certificate") for single parents
The fee is levied in accordance with the Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt). Their amount depends on various factors. In individual cases, information can be obtained from the locally competent licensing authority.
Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV)
Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt)
As a rule, the legal remedy is to bring an action.
If there are 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 on your behalf, the authorised representative must provide a written power of attorney from you. This must also include a declaration of consent for the licensing authority to inform the authorised representative of any arrears of fees and expenses.
Lower Saxony Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour, Transport and Digitalisation
The text was automatically translated based on the German content.
