How to Register a Car in Germany
Registration (Zulassung) happens at the Zulassungsstelle of the district where you live. With the right documents it takes under an hour. Without one of them you will be sent home.
What to bring
- Your ID card or passport plus Meldebescheinigung
- Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II
- Valid HU report
- eVB-Nummer — a 7-character insurance confirmation code from your insurer
- SEPA-Mandat for the Kfz-Steuer (the tax office debits it directly)
- The old plates, if the car is still registered
- Kaufvertrag, if the keeper is changing
- Your Führerschein is not required, but bring it anyway
The eVB number is the thing people forget
You cannot register without proof of insurance. Get an eVB number online from any German insurer — usually instant and free, and it does not commit you to that insurer. It is valid for a limited period, so request it in the days before your appointment.
What it costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Registration fee (new keeper) | €30–60 |
| Re-registration within the same district | €20–30 |
| Plates (pair) | €20–35 |
| Wunschkennzeichen reservation | €10–15 |
| Feinstaubplakette (green sticker) | €5–20 |
Book an appointment
Most Zulassungsstellen are appointment-only, and in cities like Berlin, Munich and Hamburg slots can be weeks out. Book online before you agree a handover date. Alternatively, a Zulassungsdienst (registration agency) will do it for €50–120 and usually get it done the same day.
i-Kfz: doing it online
The i-Kfz system now allows online registration, re-registration and deregistration for private individuals. You need an ID card with the eID function activated, a card reader or the AusweisApp on your phone, and the security codes from Teil I and Teil II. It works well when it works; the codes must be unscratched and the car must not be a special case.