Registering a vehicle

Registering a vehicle in Germany

Moving to Germany and bringing your vehicle along? Or perhaps you’re buying a car locally? Either way, navigating the vehicle registration process can seem daunting, especially in a new country. Here’s a comprehensive guide tailored for South Africans to help you register your vehicle in Germany smoothly.

The basics

In Germany, all vehicles must be officially registered with the appropriate authority in the area where the owner lives. This requirement is mandatory and applies universally, even if you move to a different city or region within the country.

01 residence

If you change your residence, you may need to update your registration to reflect your new location accurately. German license plates feature a specific code that identifies the region of registration, such as “S” for Stuttgart or “NU” for Neu-Ulm.

02 Dealership

If you bought your vehicle from a dealership, they usually handle the registration process for you, sparing you the hassle of dealing with the paperwork. However, if you purchased the vehicle privately or imported it from another location, you’ll need to manage the registration process yourself.

03 Service providers

You can conveniently utilize a service provider to handle the entire vehicle registration process on your behalf, saving you time and effort. Search for “Zulassungsservice” in your local area to find the best options available to you.

04 Environmental Zones

Some cities in Germany have low-emission zones (Umweltzonen). Depending on your vehicle’s emission standards, you may need a sticker (Umweltplakette) to drive in these areas.

Personal Identification

Valid passport or ID card, along with proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung).

Proof of Vehicle Ownership

For new vehicles: Certificate of Conformity (COC) if applicable. Purchase invoice. Zulassungsbescheinigun Teil II For used vehicles: Previous vehicle registration documents (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II).

Proof of Emissions Standard Compliance

For vehicles subject to emissions testing, proof of compliance with the applicable Euro standard.

Vehicle Insurance

Electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number) from your insurance provider.

Technical Inspection Certificate (TÜV)

Proof of valid safety inspection. New cars typically have a valid inspection for three years; used cars require an inspection every two years.

Customs Clearance

If the vehicle is imported from outside the EU, customs clearance documents may be required

Registration Documents

The Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I or or Fahrzeugschein (Vehicle Registration Document) and Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II or or Fahrzeugbrief (Vehicle Title) are two distinct parts of the vehicle registration documentation system in Germany, each serving different purposes:

Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I - Vehicle Registration Document

Purpose: This document is primarily used for everyday identification and operation of the vehicle. It serves as proof of the vehicle’s registration and is required to be carried in the vehicle at all times.
Content: It includes essential details about the vehicle such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, technical specifications (e.g., weight, engine power), and other information relevant to the vehicle’s operation and compliance with regulations.
Usage: It acts as evidence that the vehicle is officially registered and authorized to be on public roads. It’s typically needed during roadside checks by authorities, or when the vehicle is involved in an accident or sold.
Requirement: Must be kept in the vehicle whenever it is being driven.

Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (Vehicle Title)

Purpose: This document serves as proof of ownership of the vehicle. It is more focused on the legal aspects of vehicle ownership rather than operational use.
Content: It contains the vehicle’s key identifying information, including the make, model, VIN, and detailed information about the current owner (and potentially the previous owner, if applicable). It also notes the total number of previous owners but without listing their names and addresses.
Usage: The Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II is needed during the transfer of ownership, such as when buying or selling the vehicle. It is also required for major administrative changes, like altering the registered owner’s information or re-registering the vehicle.
Requirement: This should be stored securely and not kept in the vehicle. It is a critical document in proving ownership and should be protected to prevent unauthorized transfer or theft.

The Registration Process

Insurance and eVB Number: Before registering your vehicle, you must have valid car insurance. The insurance provider will give you an electronic insurance confirmation number (eVB number), which is necessary for registration.
Visit the Local Registration Office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle): With all your documents in order, visit your local vehicle registration office. You may need to book an appointment in advance, as wait times can vary.
Registration Fees and Taxes: Be prepared to pay the registration fees and vehicle taxes. The amount varies based on the vehicle’s specifications, such as engine size and emissions.
Receive Registration Documents and License Plates: Upon successful registration, you’ll receive the new registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II) and vehicle license plates. You can have the plates made at nearby private vendors, typically located close to the registration office.
Displaying Your Plates: Once you have your license plates, they must be affixed to your vehicle. Ensure they are securely attached and clearly visible, as per legal requirements.

Additional Considerations

Language Barrier: While many officials may speak English, having a German-speaking friend or translator can be helpful during the registration process.
Familiarize Yourself with Local Driving Laws: German traffic laws can be quite different from those in South Africa. Understanding these laws is crucial for safe driving.

Road Rules

Driving on German roads is very well regulated and if you don’t adhere to the rules you will get penalty points against your name and hefty fines. Your licence can be suspended when you reach a certain amount of points (currently 8). Ignorance of road rules is not an excuse.

German license plates follow a specific format that helps to easily identify the region where the vehicle is registered. The standard format is:
XX YYYYY
- XX: A one to three-letter abbreviation indicating the registration district, based on the city or region. For example:
  - “B” for Berlin
  - “M” for Munich (München)
  - “HH” for Hamburg
  - “K” for Cologne (Köln)
- YYYYY: A combination of one or two letters followed by up to four digits, providing a unique identifier for the vehicle.
For example, a plate reading “M AB 1234” indicates a vehicle registered in Munich with a specific registration number.

Special Features and Types

a. TÜV and Emission Stickers:
German license plates include a space for displaying mandatory stickers:

TÜV Sticker: Indicates the next due date for the vehicle’s technical inspection (TÜV). The month and year are specified, and the color changes annually for easy identification.
Emission Sticker (Plakette): Shows the vehicle’s emissions rating, relevant for entering low-emission zones (Umweltzonen) in many German cities.

b. Variants and Special Plates:

Seasonal Plates: For vehicles used only during specific months, the registration period (e.g., “04/10” for April to October) is indicated on the right side of the plate.
Historic Plates (H-Plates): For classic cars over 30 years old, a small “H” at the end signifies historical status, providing tax benefits and exemptions from certain environmental regulations.
Diplomatic Plates: Special plates for diplomatic vehicles, starting with “0” and a specific format to indicate diplomatic status.
Export Plates: Temporary plates (with a red edge) used for vehicles intended to be exported, showing the expiration date.
Registration and Ownership: License plates are linked to the vehicle’s registration. When ownership changes or the vehicle is deregistered, the plates are returned, and the registration is updated.
Personalized Plates: While Germany does allow for some degree of customization (e.g., choosing certain numbers or letters after the district code), full personalization is not as common as in some other countries. Certain combinations, particularly those related to neo-Nazi symbolism, are prohibited.

Info on the web

Iamexpat – Registering a vehicle
ADAC – Auto online anmelden und direkt losfahren

South Africans in Germany