Navigating the Labyrinth of Red Tape: The Journey a Vehicle Takes to Earn Its Legal Status
Registering a Vehicle in Germany: A Simplified Guide
For both inexperienced and experienced drivers, registering a vehicle in Germany has become a more straightforward process in recent years. This article outlines the necessary documents, the registration process, and the technical inspection required for your vehicle.
Required Documents
To register a vehicle in Germany, you will need the following documents:
- A valid ID, such as a German passport, foreign passport, or ID card.
- The vehicle registration certificate, specifically part 2 (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II) or the older Fahrzeugbrief for older cars.
- Proof of vehicle ownership, which is part of the registration certificate.
- A valid electronic insurance confirmation number (eVB number).
- If applicable, especially for imported cars, a certificate of conformity.
- A TÜV certificate, proving the vehicle has passed the technical roadworthiness inspection.
- For imported cars, a foreign registration certificate.
- A SEPA direct debit mandate for vehicle tax payment.
Registration Process
You must register the car in the city where you reside. Registration is done primarily at the local vehicle registration authority (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle) by appointment. Alternatively, you can apply for day registration online via the i-Kfz portal or the Federal Motor Transport Authority’s major customer interface.
Upon successful registration, you will receive registration documents and license plates.
Technical Inspection (TÜV)
Used cars require passing the Hauptuntersuchung (general inspection) to verify roadworthiness. Inspections cost around €70–€150, take about 30 minutes, and may require a follow-up within four weeks for fixes.
Insurance Requirements
Vehicle liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung) is mandatory. Often, additional coverage like partial cover (Teilkasko) is chosen but not legally required. You must obtain an eVB number from the insurer before registration. Insurance can be arranged online; providers like Getsafe offer English support.
It is essential to obtain liability insurance before going to the registration office. Lack of liability insurance can cause delays in the registration process. Beyond liability insurance, partial or comprehensive insurance can be considered for additional protection.
EU Conformity Certificate
For registration, an EU conformity certificate (COC paper) is also required, which is important throughout the EU. However, the EU conformity certificate is not necessary for the registration of new or used cars in Germany. If the EU conformity certificate is missing in an older used car, it can be obtained retrospectively online.
e-Kfz
Since 2015, the registration process has been made easier with "e-Kfz", allowing drivers to apply online. This eliminates the waiting time until the vehicle can participate in road traffic and makes drivers no longer dependent on the opening hours of their registration office.
Following these steps ensures your vehicle complies with German road and safety regulations and is properly insured before use on public roads.
