Vehicle Registration in Germany
Die Regeln für eine KFZ-Zulassung gelten bundesweit einheitlich - festgelegt in der Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung (FZV). Die Umsetzung liegt bei über 400 kommunalen Zulassungsstellen in Landkreisen und kreisfreien Städten. Here you will find all important information, sorted by city.
Stand: April 14, 2026 · Automatisch erfasst
Key Case Types
| Process | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| New Registration | Register a brand-new vehicle for the first time. COC/ABE + eVB number required. | approx. 26-42 EUR |
| Change of Owner | Used car purchase: transfer vehicle to new owner. Deadline: immediately (Section 13 FZV). | approx. 26-60 EUR |
| Re-registration | Moving to a different district: re-register. Deadline: immediately, fine up to 100 EUR. | approx. 17-28 EUR |
| Deregistration | Take a vehicle out of service. Plates can be reserved for 1 year. | approx. 10 EUR |
| Re-activation | Re-register a deregistered vehicle within 7 years. | from 12.40 EUR (online) |
| Special Cases | Seasonal, alternating, short-term, historic (H) and electric (E) plates. | varies |
Required Documents
New Registration (New Vehicle)
- ID card or passport
- EC Certificate of Conformity (COC) or General Operating Permit (ABE)
- eVB number (electronic insurance confirmation)
- SEPA direct debit mandate for vehicle tax
- Power of attorney (if someone else appears)
Change of Owner / Used Car Purchase
- ID card or passport (new owner)
- Registration Certificate Part I (vehicle registration document)
- Registration Certificate Part II (vehicle title)
- Proof of last general inspection (HU)
- eVB number of the new insurance
- SEPA direct debit mandate
Re-registration After Moving
- ID card with new address (register at the citizens' office first!)
- Registration Certificate Part I and II
- eVB number (if changing insurance)
- SEPA direct debit mandate
Deregistration
- ID card
- Registration Certificate Part I and II
- Both license plates (will be stamped)
Costs and Fees (Nationwide)
Fees vary by city. These are nationwide reference values.
| Process | Reference Value | Online (i-Kfz) |
|---|---|---|
| New Registration | 26-42 EUR | approx. 12-22 EUR |
| Re-registration without plate change | approx. 17 EUR | approx. 10 EUR |
| Re-registration with plate change | approx. 28 EUR | approx. 12 EUR |
| Change of Owner / Transfer | 26-60 EUR | approx. 12-22 EUR |
| Deregistration | approx. 10-17 EUR | approx. 2-3 EUR |
| Re-activation | min. 24.40 EUR | min. 12.40 EUR |
| Custom Plate (surcharge) | 10.20 EUR | - |
| License Plates (pair, embosser) | 30-50 EUR | - |
Online Registration: i-Kfz
Most major German cities have implemented i-Kfz Stage 4. The following processes are available online. No appointment needed, 24/7, often cheaper than at the counter.
| Process | Online (i-Kfz) |
|---|---|
| Deregistration | Yes |
| Re-registration after moving | Yes |
| Change of Owner (used car purchase) | Yes |
| Re-activation | Yes |
| New registration of new vehicles | Yes |
| Short-term plates | No |
| Export plates | No |
| Historic vehicle plates (H) | No |
| Individual approvals / Classic cars | No |
Requirements for i-Kfz
- ID card with activated eID function
- Smartphone with AusweisApp or NFC card reader
- Security code on Registration Certificate Part I
- eVB number from your insurance
- BundID account
Choose Your City
Wait Times Comparison
| Region | Typical Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Small towns / rural districts | 3-14 days |
| Mid-size cities | 2-4 weeks |
| Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne | 3-8 weeks |
| Berlin | up to 10 weeks |
| Online (i-Kfz) | instant, no appointment needed |