Registering a car

What this is about

A car must be registered in Germany before you drive it. The registration office (Zulassungsstelle) where you live is responsible.

• •You can't drive without registration and insurance.
• •Registration is tied to your registered address.
• •Many registration offices only work by appointment.

What you need

Bring all documents complete, otherwise you'll have to come back.

• •ID card or passport, proof of address (Meldebescheinigung) if needed
• •Vehicle registration certificate parts I and II (Zulassungsbescheinigung, the vehicle papers)
• •eVB number from your car liability insurance
• •Proof of a valid roadworthiness inspection (Hauptuntersuchung)
• •SEPA mandate for the vehicle tax (Kfz-Steuer)

Registering online

Many steps can also be done online via the internet-based vehicle registration service. You need an ID card with online function for this.

• •Registration, re-registration and de-registration are possible online, for example.
• •Whether everything works online depends on the vehicle and the process.
• •You still collect the number plates yourself or have them sent to you.

Ongoing costs

After registration, costs come up regularly.

• •Car liability insurance is required.
• •Vehicle tax is collected from your account.
• •The roadworthiness inspection is due every two years.
• •On top come fuel, maintenance and repairs.

Concrete steps

1. 1Book an appointment at the registration office or check online registration.
2. 2Take out insurance and get your eVB number.
3. 3Gather all documents.
4. 4Register the vehicle and attach the number plates.
5. 5Set up the SEPA mandate for the vehicle tax.