Skip to content

Applying for the re-registration of a vehicle to a new owner

If you have purchased a vehicle and it is still deregistered, you must re-register it if you want to use it on the road.

This is a re-registration to another owner if there has been a change of owner. You can apply for this in person or through a representative at the registration authority responsible for you.

Related forms and processes

Prerequisite

  • The vehicle is currently out of service.
  • There has been a change of keeper.
  • You must not have any outstanding fees and expenses from previous registration processes of more than EUR 30.
  • You must not have any motor vehicle tax debts of EUR 5 or more. This also includes late payment penalties, interest and late payment penalties.

Responsible department

Your local competent licensing authority

Procedure

You can apply for re-registration in the name of another holder at the local vehicle registration office or online.

If you wish to apply for re-registration on site at the registration authority:

  • You or your representative visit the registration authority during opening hours.
  • You present the necessary documents on site.
  • You can decide whether you want to continue using the vehicle's previous licence plate or whether you want to select a new licence plate.
  • The registration authority will check the documents.
  • After a successful check, the registration authority will issue a new registration certificate Part I and give it to you together with the new stickers (main inspection and stamp sticker).
  • The licensing authority issues or amends the registration certificate Part II and hands it over to you.
  • You pay the fees incurred for the re-registration at the registration authority.
  • The registration authority then automatically informs your insurance company that the vehicle has been re-registered.

If you want to apply for re-registration online:

  • you apply for re-registration online via the internet-based vehicle registration (i-Kfz). To do this, you go through the process step by step and enter the correct data.
  • You prove your identity using one of the following identification methods:
  • Natural persons with an identity card (nPA), an electronic identity card (eID card or an electronic residence permit, eAT) with activated eID function including six-digit PIN and smartphone with free "AusweisApp2" or via card reader. Alternatively, the BundID with ELSTER certificate or nPA/eID/eAT authentication can be used.
  • Legal entities require the BUND company account with ELSTER certificate.
  • The online process must be completed with immediate payment via the respective payment service provider to which you will be automatically forwarded.
  • The authorisation authority checks your entries and validates them.
  • After a successful check, the registration authority will assign a licence plate to your vehicle. You will receive a provisional registration certificate.
  • Drive off immediately: You can download and print out the registration certificate and the provisional registration certificate. The temporary registration certificate must be affixed to the vehicle behind the windscreen. If additional embossed licence plates with the vehicle's assigned number plate are attached to the vehicle and the printed registration certificate is carried along, you can drive off immediately or take part in road traffic. The provisional registration certificate is valid for 10 days.
  • The registration authority will prepare the registration documents and send them to you by post together with the stickers (main inspection and stamp sticker) within ten days. After receiving the documents, you immediately affix the stickers to the licence plate with the number plate allocated by the registration authority.

The registration authority will automatically inform your insurance company that the vehicle has been registered.

Deadlines

none

Required documents

  • Registration certificate part I (vehicle registration document)
  • Registration certificate part II (vehicle registration document)
  • valid electronic insurance confirmation (eVB)
  • valid general inspection and, if applicable, safety inspection
  • valid identification document, e.g. identity card or passport of the vehicle owner; if the passport is presented, a current registration certificate is also required
  • Account details or SEPA mandate for collecting the vehicle tax of the vehicle owner
  • if available: completed application forms

If necessary, the following must also be submitted:

If you wish to use a new licence plate:

  • if already available: new (desired) licence plate reserved in advance including PIN

If you are represented by a third party:

  • written power of attorney and original identification document of the holder; the authorised person must be able to identify themselves with a valid identity card or passport.

In the case of re-registration for minors:

  • the written declaration of consent from the legal guardians and their original identity cards; if applicable, a certificate of sole custody ("negative certificate") for single parents

Depending on the individual case, the licensing authority may request further or other proof from you.

Costs

The amount of the costs for re-registration to another holder depends on whether the administrative process is carried out on site or online.

The costs for re-registration to another holder may be supplemented by costs for special licence plates and registration documents.

Processing time

If you apply in person at the licensing authority, the application is usually processed immediately.

Miscellaneous

It is only a re-registration to another owner if there has been a change of owner. If there has been no change of keeper, it is referred to as a re-registration to the same keeper.

Appeal

Contradiction

Legal basis

Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung (FZV)

  • § 16 Außerbetriebsetzung, Wiederzulassung
  • § 29 Internetbasierte Wiederzulassung
  • § 33 Großkundenschnittstelle

Anlage zu Gebührenordnung für Maßnahmen im Straßenverkehr (GebOSt)

Release note

machine generated, based on the German release by: Verkehrsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 14.06.2024