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Motor vehicle registration - re-registration in case of change of owner

Service Description

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

In addition to the license plate number and the personal data of the purchaser, the notification must also include confirmation from the new keeper that the registration certificate and license plates have been handed over. The new owner must also be given the test reports for the main and exhaust emission tests and the test logbook (if the vehicle is subject to 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. Additional fees will be charged for a personalized 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 environmental zones and do not have an exemption permit, you should also apply for a new fine particulate sticker when you re-register.

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.

Personal application:

  • Check with your local registration authority to see if a form is available for download. Ask what 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 previous license plate on the 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 personalized license plate.
    • Tip: If you need new license plates, you can turn to private providers. You can usually find them near the registration office.
  • When you are assigned a new license plate, 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 new license plates. If you want to drive in environmental zones and do not have an exemption, you should also apply for a new fine dust sticker when you re-register.

Online procedure:

  • Call up the online portal of your local registration authority.
  • Identify yourself there using your new electronic ID card (nPA) or electronic residence permit (eAT) with the online ID function activated.
  • Enter the necessary data in the application mask of the portal.
  • Pay the fees using the e-payment system (means of payment vary depending on the responsible registration authority).
  • Provided previous license plates are retained:
    • The application is checked automatically in real time.
    • The registration notice is immediately made available online and can be retrieved within 30 minutes.
    • Your vehicle is re-registered when the registration notice is retrieved. You can put it into operation.
    • Print out the registration notice and carry it with you in your vehicle until you receive the registration certificate Part I.
    • You will receive the registration certificates Part I and II and an information letter from your registration authority by mail.
  • If new license plates are requested:
    • The application will be checked by a clerk.
    • You will receive the registration notice, the fee notice, the registration certificates Parts I and II, the stamp sticker holder and the sticker holder for the main inspection (HU) to be affixed to the license plate by mail from the registration authority.
    • Your vehicle is then re-registered. After receiving the registration documents, you can put the vehicle into operation.

Who should I contact?

Please contact the motor vehicle registration office of the county or city of your primary residence or place of business.

Requirements

  • You must not have any vehicle tax debts of EUR 5 or more. When calculating the amount, late fees, interest and late fees are also taken into account.

Note: If someone is to represent you in the registration of your vehicle, you must give this person a written power of attorney. This power of attorney must also include your agreement that the registration authority may inform the authorized person of any overdue fees and expenses owed by you.

Which documents are required?

Required documents in case of change of owner within the registration district:

  • Written form-bound application at the responsible registration authority with the specification of the owner and vehicle data. 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 necessary to determine the owner.
  • Registration certificate part I (or old vehicle registration certificate) and part II (or old vehicle title) or proof of the assignment of the license plate if the vehicle is not registered but has a license plate.
  • Inspection report of the last unexpired general inspection, if a general inspection was required.
  • Inspection report of the last unexpired safety inspection (if required).
  • Electronic insurance confirmation number (eVB number).
  • Insurance confirmation of a motor vehicle liability insurance (formerly double card).
  • Authorization to collect motor vehicle tax from an existing account or certificate from the responsible tax office stating that it is not necessary.

If the purchaser's place of residence is within another 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?

Varies depending on the scope of the registration process (for example, there are additional costs for optional license plates).

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

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

Processing duration

As a rule, there is no processing time.

Legal basis

Appeal

Please contact the vehicle registration authority of the county or independent city of your main 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

10.02.2022

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6PLus)

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