Registration of a motor vehicle with a foreign registration number
If you buy a new or 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.
Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO)
Act on the Payment of Arrears of Costs and Late Payment Penalties for Motor Vehicle Registration
- current identity card or passport
- SEPA Direct Debit Mandate for the Collection of Motor Vehicle Tax
- Electronic insurance confirmation (eVB)
- if the vehicle is still registered abroad
foreign registration papers and license plates - if the vehicle was registered abroad but was deregistered in Germany before importation
foreign registration documents - If applicable: Reservation confirmation for the desired license plate
- Proof of ownership: bill of sale or original invoice
- If necessary. VAT return
Vehicles whose first registration in another EU member state was not more than 6 months ago or whose previous mileage is less than 6,000 km are considered new vehicles according to § 1b UStG. - Proof of examination according to § 29 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (usually main and exhaust gas inspection) - (e.g. from the foreign registration papers) -
- if the vehicle was imported from countries outside the EU (applies to both new and used vehicles) additionally:
- Clearance certificate from the customs office (available at the border)
- for vehicles with EC type approval: Proof of inspection according to § 29 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (usually general and exhaust gas inspection)
- for vehicles without EC type approval: Expert opinion from an officially recognised expert for motor vehicle traffic or from a technical service designated in accordance with § 30 of the EC Vehicle Approval Regulation for the inspection of complete vehicles of the respective vehicle class (full report according to § 21 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations)
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 responsible vehicle registration authority.
Contact the local licensing authority of your district or city.
Territorial responsibility is usually
• in the case of natural persons, the authority of the vehicle owner's place of residence (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 branch or department involved.
Note: In order to be able to conclude the procedure quickly, it is above all necessary to be able to submit all the necessary documents or documents to the responsible authority as completely as possible
According to the Code of Administrative 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 court to which the appeal is to be brought, the registered office and the time limit to be observed.
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.
The text was automatically translated based on the German content.
Lower Saxony Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport
02.02.2021
The responsibility lies with the local licensing authorities of the districts and independent cities.
• in the case of natural persons, the authority of the vehicle owner's place of residence (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 branch or department involved.
