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Vehicle registration - re-registration in the event of a change of owner

Service Description

If there is a change of keeper, the previous keeper or owner must inform the registration authority immediately. This also applies in the case of a gift or if the vehicle was given to a car dealer. The new keeper must immediately re-register the vehicle with the registration authority responsible for their place of residence.

In addition to the license plate number and the personal details of the purchaser, the notification must also include confirmation from the new owner that the registration certificate and the license plates have been handed over. The new owner must also be given the test reports on the main and exhaust emission test and the test logbook (if the vehicle is subject to mandatory testing).


Throughout Germany, you have the option of retaining the previous license plates on the vehicle. If you do not wish to make use of the license plate transfer, you still have the option of applying for a new license plate. There is an additional charge for a special license plate.

If your vehicle has a fine dust sticker, this may become invalid due to new license plates. If you want to drive in low emission zones and do not have a special permit, you should also apply for a new fine dust sticker when re-registering.

Note: Vehicles can be registered to private individuals and legal entities or companies as vehicle owners, i.e. also to:

  • Companies,
  • authorities or
  • associations.

Process flow

You can apply for re-registration (in the event of a change of owner) online or in person at your local registration authority.

Applying in person:

  • Find out from your local registration authority whether a form is available for download. Ask which documents you need for the procedure.
  • Go to your local registration authority with the completed form and the required documents.
  • If you would like to keep the existing license plate on your vehicle, you can do so nationwide. If you do not wish to make use of the license plate transfer, you can continue to apply for a preferred license plate.
    • Tip: If you need new license plates, you can contact private providers. You can usually find these near the registration authority
  • When a new license plate is issued, the registration authority will affix the sticker (main inspection and new stamp sticker) to your new license plate.
  • If your vehicle has a fine dust sticker, it will become invalid due to the new license plates. If you want to drive in environmental zones and do not have a special permit, you should also apply for a new fine dust sticker when you re-register.

Online procedure:

  • Go to the online portal of your local registration authority.
  • Identify yourself there with your new electronic ID card (nPA) or electronic residence permit (eAT) with activated online ID function.
  • Enter the necessary data in the application mask of the portal.
  • Pay the fees using the e-payment system (payment methods vary depending on the responsible registration authority).
  • If previous license plates are retained:
    • The application is automatically checked in real time.
    • The registration certificate is immediately made available online and can be retrieved within 30 minutes.
    • Your vehicle is re-registered when you retrieve the registration certificate. You can put it into operation.
    • Print out the registration certificate and keep it in your vehicle until you receive the registration certificate Part I.
    • You will receive the registration certificate part I and II as well as an information letter from your registration authority by post.
  • If you are applying for new license plates:
    • The application will be checked by a clerk.
    • You will receive the registration certificate, the fee notice, the registration certificate parts I and II, the stamp sticker carrier and the sticker carrier for the main inspection (HU) for affixing to the license plate by post from the registration authority.
    • Your vehicle is then re-registered. Once you have received the registration documents, you can put the vehicle into operation.

Who should I contact?

Please contact the vehicle registration authority in the district or city of your main place of residence or company headquarters.

Requirements

  • You must not have motor vehicle tax debts of EUR 5 or more. Late payment penalties, interest and late payment penalties are also taken into account when calculating the amount.

Note: If someone is to represent you when registering your vehicle, you must give this person written power of attorney. This power of attorney must also contain your consent that the registration authority may inform the authorized person of any fees and expenses you have in arrears.

Which documents are required?

Documents required for a change of keeper within the registration district:

  • Written formal application to the responsible registration authority stating the owner and vehicle details. The application can also be completed at the registration authority.
  • Valid identity card (not a copy) of the vehicle owner or passport with registration certificate from the registration office of the place of residence. The registration certificate must not be older than three months.
    If the vehicle owner is not a natural person, further documents are required to identify the owner.
  • Registration certificate Part I (or old vehicle registration certificate) and Part II (or old vehicle registration document) or proof of license plate allocation if the vehicle is not registered but has a license plate.
  • Inspection report of the last main inspection that has not yet expired, if a main inspection was required.
  • Inspection report of the last safety inspection that has not yet expired (if required).
  • Electronic insurance confirmation number (eVB number)
  • Insurance confirmation of motor vehicle liability insurance (formerly double card).
  • Authorization to collect motor vehicle tax from an existing account or a certificate of non-necessity from the responsible tax office.

If the purchaser's place of residence is within a different registration district, the following are also required

  • License plate number

If further documents are required, the registration authority will inform you.

What are the fees?

This varies depending on the scope of the registration process (for example, additional costs are incurred for special license plates).

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

The re-registration of your vehicle must be reported immediately.

Processing duration

As a rule, there is no processing time.

Legal basis

Appeal

Please contact the vehicle registration authority in the district or city of your main place of residence or company headquarters.

Some authorities provide forms on their website or use an online service.

Author

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

Thuringian Ministry for Infrastructure and Agriculture

Professionally released on

27.08.2024

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6PLus)

No competent authority found