Where to Apply

To get German export plates, you must visit a local Vehicle Registration Office (Zulassungsbehörde or Straßenverkehrsamt) in Germany. You can generally use the office located in the district where:

  1. You purchased the vehicle, or

  2. The seller resides / the vehicle is currently located.

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Purchase Export Insurance (eVB-Nummer)

Before going to the registration office, you must purchase special temporary export liability insurance (Ausfuhr-Haftpflichtversicherung).

  • Insurance providers will issue an eVB number (elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung), which serves as electronic proof of insurance for export.

2. Valid Technical Inspection (TÜV)

The vehicle must have a valid German safety inspection (Hauptuntersuchung / TÜV) that remains valid for the entire duration of the export plates (minimum 14 days, up to 90 days or 1 year).

3. Visit the Registration Office (Zulassungsbehörde)

Bring the vehicle and all required documentation to the office. Note: In many German cities, you must book an appointment online in advance.

4. Vehicle Identification Inspection

In most municipalities, the registration official must physically inspect the vehicle’s VIN (Chassis Number) to verify that the car is physically present in Germany.

5. Pay Taxes and Fees

  • Motor Vehicle Tax (Kraftfahrzeugsteuer): You must pay German road tax for the period the plates are active. This is typically handled directly at the office via SEPA direct debit or a cash/card payment terminal.

  • Administrative Fee: Registration processing fees usually cost around €30 to €50.

6. Stamp and Print the Plates

Once approved, you will take the authorization slip to a nearby plate-printing shop (Schilderdienst, usually located right outside the registration office) to manufacture the physical metal plates with the red strip on the right side. You then return to the counter to have the official seals applied.

Required Documents Checklist

To ensure a smooth registration process, bring the following documents:

  • Valid Passport or National ID card of the applicant.

  • Vehicle Registration Documents:

    • Certificate Part I (Fahrzeugschein / Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I)

    • Certificate Part II (Fahrzeugbrief / Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II)

  • Proof of Insurance: Valid export eVB number.

  • Proof of Safety Inspection: Valid TÜV report (HU-Prüfbericht).

  • Proof of Ownership: Bill of Sale (Kaufvertrag) or commercial invoice.

  • SEPA Direct Debit Mandate or Payment Card for paying German vehicle tax and administrative fees.

  • Power of Attorney (Vollmacht): Required if you are applying on behalf of someone else, along with a copy of their ID.