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Apply for motor vehicle registration for used cars from non-EU country

Service Description

When you buy a used vehicle abroad (non-EU country) or move to Germany with a vehicle registered to you abroad, you must apply for registration of this vehicle.
The registration of a vehicle that was previously registered abroad is more complicated than a new registration or transfer, as more documents are required.

Exceptions or special regulations apply, for example, to work machines, forklifts, vehicles for agricultural and forestry purposes, light and mopeds, ambulances, four-wheeled light vehicles and special trailers.

Registration is effected by issuing the registration certificate (Part I and Part II) and sealing the registration number(s).

The registration authority is entitled to order the presentation of the vehicle.

Who should I contact?

If you have any questions, please contact your local licensing authority.

  • Natural persons:
    Please contact the registration authority (district or independent city) of your place of residence. In case of several residences of the place of your main residence
  • Legal entities, commercial enterprises or public authorities:
    Please contact the registration authority of your registered office or the place of the branch or office involved.
    If there is no registered office, branch or office in Germany, the registration authority of the place of residence or place of stay of an authorized recipient is responsible.

Requirements

  • The vehicle must be of an approved type or have an individual permit.
  • Existence of motor vehicle liability insurance
  • Non-existence of motor vehicle tax arrears.
  • The vehicle must not be registered as stolen.

In general, the registration procedures are very diverse, so these explanations do not claim to be exhaustive.

Which documents are required?

If necessary, further documents, e.g.:

  • Written formal application to the relevant registration authority with details 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 II or vehicle title
    If this has not yet been issued, then COC paper (EC certificate of conformity incl. pollutant class / emission key) or a type data confirmation from the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (Federal Motor Transport Authority) or an expert opinion from a technical inspection body for motor vehicle traffic.
  • the presentation of a COC or a data confirmation by the manufacturer is only sufficient if the vehicle documents of the third country show that the EC type approval number has been recognized for the registration there
  • electronic confirmation of insurance (eVB) from the liability insurer
  • Bank details for vehicle tax (SEPA direct debit mandate) or certificate of non-necessity from the responsible tax office
  • Proof of customs clearance (customs receipt or customs certificate of exemption from customs duty or customs clearance certificate).
    If this cannot be presented, the registration authority will notify the responsible main customs office.
  • Test report of a new main and exhaust emission test
  • Purchase contract or original invoice
  • Registration documents of the country in which the vehicle was previously registered
  • Test report for a safety inspection (if required)
  • Vehicle registration number (if available)

Further information can be obtained from your local registration authority.

If necessary, further documents, e.g.:

  • if you are represented by a third party: Your written power of attorney and your identification document (original); the authorized representative himself must be able to identify himself with his valid identity card/passport.
  • in the case of admission to minors: the written declaration of consent of the legal guardians and their identity cards (in the original); if applicable, a certificate of sole custody (so-called "negative certificate") in the case of single parents.

What are the fees?

The fee is charged in accordance with the Gebührenordnung für Maßnahmen im Straßenverkehr (GebOSt). The amount depends on various factors. Information can be obtained in individual cases from the local registration authority.

Legal basis

What else should I know?

If there are vehicle tax arrears or if you have arrears of fees and expenses from previous registration processes, the registration authority will refuse registration until you have paid them.

If someone is registering your vehicle for you, the authorized representative must provide a written power of attorney from you. This must also contain a declaration of consent that the registration authority may inform the authorized representative of these possibly existing overdue fees and expenses.

Author

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

TMIL

Professionally released on

09.02.2022

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6PLus)

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