Vehicle Registration in Germany (Kfz-Zulassung): Complete Guide for Expats

What Is Vehicle Registration (Kfz-Zulassung) in Germany?

Kfz-Zulassung (vehicle registration) is the process of registering your car at the local Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office). You receive German licence plates and an official registration certificate. Driving an unregistered car can lead to fines, impoundment, and may void your insurance.

Whether you buy a car in Germany, import one from abroad, or re-register after moving cities, the core sequence is similar: insurance → inspection (if needed) → appointment → plates → vehicle tax setup.

Before you start: complete Anmeldung and hold a valid driving licence. Your registered address on the Meldebescheinigung must match where the car is registered. See the staying long-term path for driving and vehicle steps in order.

Register a car in Germany: at a glance

Use this if you searched vehicle registration Germany, Kfz-Zulassung, or register a car as an expat — the full steps and costs are below.

What is an eVB number?

The eVB (elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung) is a 7-character code from your Kfz-Haftpflicht (mandatory car liability) insurer. The Zulassungsstelle checks it electronically before registering the vehicle. Request it from your insurer — it is usually free and valid for about 3 months (confirm with your provider).

Who Needs to Register a Car in Germany?

Dealer-purchased new cars often come with temporary plates and the dealer handles initial registration. Used cars from private sellers usually require you to complete the process — the seller should provide the Fahrzeugbrief (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II).

Do you need a German driving licence first?

Not necessarily at the same appointment — but you must hold a valid licence to drive legally. EU/EEA licences are generally accepted. Non-EU licences may need conversion within a limited period after Anmeldung, depending on your country of origin. See our driving licence guide for conversion rules.

What Documents Do You Need for Vehicle Registration?

Requirements can vary slightly by city and whether the car is new, used, or imported. This checklist covers what most Zulassungsstellen ask for:

Bring originals unless the office explicitly accepts copies. The Fahrzeugbrief (Teil II) is proof of ownership — the seller should hand this over at purchase. If importing from outside the EU, customs clearance documents are typically required in addition to the items above.

How to Register a Car in Germany (Step by Step)

Step 1 — Get car insurance and your eVB number

Take out Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung (mandatory third-party liability insurance). Compare providers — premiums vary by car model, location, and often your Schufa score.

Once you have a policy, request an eVB number from your insurer. You do not usually need to own the car yet — provide the vehicle identification number (FIN/VIN) from the seller.

Note: Kfz-Haftpflicht covers damage you cause with your car. Personal liability insurance (Haftpflicht) is separate and covers other everyday risks — many expats hold both.

Step 2 — Book a TÜV/HU inspection (if required)

New cars from a dealer typically have a fresh inspection.

Used cars usually need a valid Hauptuntersuchung (HU) report — in many cases not older than 2 months. Book at TÜV, DEKRA, or GTÜ. The inspection checks roadworthiness: brakes, lights, emissions, tyres, and structural integrity.

Imported cars (especially from outside the EU) often need TÜV and may require modifications to meet German standards.

Typical inspection cost: €70–150 depending on vehicle type.

Step 3 — Gather vehicle documents

You need both parts of the registration certificate:

• Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I (Fahrzeugschein) — kept in the car
• Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (Fahrzeugbrief) — proof of ownership, kept at home

For a private purchase, the seller signs the back of Teil II to transfer ownership. In many cases both buyer and seller must complete Abmeldung of the old registration before you can register anew — confirm local practice at your Zulassungsstelle.

Also bring the Kaufvertrag (purchase contract) with date, price, and vehicle details.

Step 4 — Book a Zulassungsstelle appointment

Search "Kfz-Zulassungsstelle [your city]" or use the KBA office finder. Most cities require online booking — walk-ins are often not accepted.

Wait times vary: roughly 1–2 weeks in smaller cities, 3–4 weeks in Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg.

Some cities offer online registration (Internetzulassung) when the car was previously registered in Germany and you have security codes from Teil I — check whether your office supports this.

Step 5 — Register the car and get plates

At your appointment, the clerk typically:

1. Verifies your identity and Meldebescheinigung
2. Checks the eVB number electronically
3. Reviews the TÜV/HU report (if applicable)
4. Processes registration in the central vehicle register (ZFR)
5. Issues licence plates or stamps existing ones

Standard plates show your region code (e.g. B Berlin, M Munich). Wunschkennzeichen (custom plates) cost extra — order in advance if desired.

Budget €60–80 at the office for registration fee and standard plates. You receive an updated Teil I (Fahrzeugschein) — keep it in the car while driving.

Step 6 — Set up Kfz-Steuer (vehicle tax)

Vehicle tax is not paid at the Zulassungsstelle. After registration, the Hauptzollamt typically sends a Kfz-Steuer assessment by post within 2–4 weeks.

Tax depends on engine displacement, CO₂ emissions, and first registration date. Typical annual tax for a standard petrol car is often €100–300 — diesel and high-emission vehicles can be higher. Electric vehicles currently benefit from tax exemptions under transitional rules — confirm current law on the official Kfz-Steuer guidance.

Payment is usually by SEPA direct debit — provide your IBAN at registration or in the follow-up letter.

How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost?

Fees change and depend on vehicle type, city, and insurer. Treat totals as planning estimates, not guarantees.

How Long Does Vehicle Registration Take?

1. Get car insurance and request eVB number

   Same day from most online insurers

2. Book TÜV/HU inspection (if buying used or importing)

   1–2 weeks for appointment

3. Book Zulassungsstelle appointment

   1–4 weeks wait — varies heavily by city

4. Register car and receive licence plates

   Usually same day at appointment

5. Kfz-Steuer assessment from Hauptzollamt

   Typically 2–4 weeks after registration

6. Import from non-EU: customs clearance

   Often adds 1–4 weeks before registration

The Zulassungsstelle appointment is often the longest wait — book as early as possible once you have the eVB number and vehicle papers.

Registering an Imported or Used Car

Buying a used car from a private seller

Confirm the HU/TÜV date, that Teil II transfers correctly, and whether the seller must Abmelden before you register. Both parties may need to attend, or the seller deregisters first — ask your local office.

Importing a car from outside the EU

Additional steps usually apply:

1. Customs clearance at the Zoll — import VAT (19%) and any applicable duties
2. TÜV inspection — verify German safety and emissions standards
3. CoC document (Certificate of Conformity) — if available, can simplify TÜV; without it, individual inspection is often required
4. Standard registration — insurance, eVB, Zulassungsstelle appointment

Allow 1–4 extra weeks for customs and compliance. Cars imported as part of a household move (Umzugsgut) may qualify for tax relief — ask the Zoll about Freizügigkeitsrecht exemptions for your case.

What If You Move or Sell Your Car?

Ummeldung (moving within Germany)

When you update your Anmeldung at a new address in another city, you typically must re-register the car within 2 weeks:

1. Book at the new city's Zulassungsstelle
2. Bring Meldebescheinigung, Fahrzeugschein, and current plates
3. Receive plates with the new region code
4. Kfz-Steuer records are usually updated automatically

Return or destroy old plates as instructed. Some cities offer online Ummeldung.

Abmeldung (selling or leaving Germany)

When you sell your car or leave Germany permanently:

1. Seller and buyer often visit the Zulassungsstelle together — or the seller deregisters first
2. Plates are surrendered and invalidated
3. Insurance and Kfz-Steuer usually stop after processing
4. Keep the Abmeldebescheinigung as proof

If you skip Abmeldung, you may remain liable for insurance and vehicle tax after the sale.

Common Vehicle Registration Problems

I do not have an eVB number yet

Registration at the Zulassungsstelle usually cannot proceed without a valid eVB. Get Kfz-Haftpflicht insurance first and request the code from your insurer — same day from most online providers.

My TÜV/HU report is expired

An expired HU report typically means booking a new inspection before registration. Check the sticker on the plate or the Fahrzeugschein for the next due date.

The seller will not hand over the Fahrzeugbrief

Without Teil II, registration is usually blocked. Do not pay in full until ownership transfer is clear in the Kaufvertrag and registration papers.

Can I register without a German address?

You typically need a registered address in Germany (Meldebescheinigung from Anmeldung). The car is registered to your Wohnort, which determines your Zulassungsstelle and plate region code.

I still have foreign plates — how long can I drive?

Rules depend on whether you are a resident, EU/non-EU status, and how long you have been in Germany. Many residents must register within 12 months of establishing residence; temporary visitors may have different rules. See our driving licence guide and confirm with your Zulassungsstelle if unsure.

Other common mistakes

• Driving without valid plates and insurance — fines and impoundment are possible
• Choosing the wrong plate region — tied to your registered address, not preference
• Forgetting Abmeldung when selling — tax and insurance may continue
• Skipping Schufa check before insurance — premiums vary significantly