In order to be able to drive a car in germany, you must have a valid license plate. While the first license plate was attached to a vehicle as early as 1896 in the then grand duchy of baden, it took until 1956 before the license plate system that is still valid today was introduced in germany.
The license plates serve as proof of the proper registration of vehicles for road use and are issued by the relevant road traffic authority. In Germany, they consist of a distinguishing number for the administrative district (in most cases a city) and an identification number.
Depending on the vehicle and the reason and duration of the registration, there are also some special license plates. In our magazine, you’ll get an overview of the different license plates that can be used in the federal republic, as well as the associated costs and required documents.
1. Registration and deregistration of a license plate
All procedures for registration and all other legal requirements for car license plates are regulated by the FZV – the ordinance on the registration of vehicles for road traffic. you will receive the license plate when registering your car at the registration office or online.
- For registration via the internet, however, you must hire a courier to bring the documents to the registration office and then to you.
- When you register your vehicle at the local authority, you will first be given a document with the data of the license plate.
With the help of this document, you can have the license plate made by a signmaker (the service is often offered in the immediate vicinity of the registration office). Afterwards, the vehicle registration certificate and the registration plate will be issued by the authorities and the TuV/AU plate will be placed on the vehicle. Now the license plate can be attached to the car and nothing stands in the way of driving the new vehicle.
Since 2015, the deregistration of your vehicle can also be carried out conveniently via the internet. Recently, when you register or re-register your car, you will receive a stamped plate and a registration certificate I (vehicle registration certificate) with a security code. This makes it possible to deregister the vehicle online at a later date.
2. Choose your own license plate
A license plate in germany is usually associated with a cost. This usually costs 10.20 euros – a reservation may cost an additional 2.60 euros. Deadlines for advance booking range from 10 to 90 days, but can be longer.
There are two different ways of securing the license plate you want:
- Either it is done directly when registering the vehicle. However, this is not infrequently associated with a great deal of effort, as all road traffic authorities are often overcrowded or busy employees often regard the registration of a license plate of their own choice as a luxury matter.
- Therefore should be done in advance a reservation via the internet can be made. you can also check the desired license plate and see if the desired combination is still available online on the website of the respective registration office.
Popular desirable license plates here are above all word games, such as "B-IO or also "ME-ER, but also initials, birthdays or lucky numbers are frequently applied. an independent designation is often also meant to express a certain attitude towards life. This can be the westphalian soccer fan, the "B-VB on its license plate, or humorous people who, for example, use combinations of letters such as "SE-XY or "BOR-EY have to stand at your rear.
A license plate may have a maximum of eight digits have a number plate in which almost all the letters of the German alphabet are used in various combinations, except for J, a, o and u. All combinations associated with the national socialist dictatorship, such as HJ, SS or NS, are banned or not issued.
3. Loss of the license plate
Whether for a fast drive on the highway, a careless parkrempler or by a brazen theft: Once the license plate is lost, the vehicle loses its registration and the owner must act quickly.
According to the vehicle registration ordinance (FZV), in addition to the registration certificate, properly affixed license plates are essential for registration in public traffic (FZV § 3 and § 10 abs. 5). If this is not the case, not only will costs be incurred, but in the event of theft, the car owner may be faced with serious consequences. Report the theft immediately to the police and report it to the police.
at the police station you will also receive a certificate of loss, which you will later have to submit to the motor vehicle authority. Do not use the car for the way to the police, because you violate the FZV. In the next step, the loss must be reported to the registration office and new license plates must be applied for. also inform your insurance company as soon as possible about the theft! If an accident occurs with the stolen license plates, you will have to pay for the damage.
The three steps after losing your license plate:
- Criminal complaint to the police
- loss report at the registration office
- Notification of the insurance company
If the license plate is only missing from the back or front, it has probably been lost. In this case, you must also report to the relevant registration office and apply for new license plates. The following costs will be incurred, even in the case of theft. However, these are not subject to a fixed price, so they can vary from city to city. In addition to the cost of embossing the license plate, which can be around 25 euros, there are also administrative costs of up to 30 euros. The registration office requires the following documents:
- identity card
- vehicle registration
- Vehicle registration
- Test report main inspection
- If applicable. Declaration of loss
- If applicable. Second license plate
4. License plate regulations in foreign countries
In germany, you can already tell from the first letters on a license plate in which city or administrative district the owner is registered. In some countries, however, a completely different system is used.
Dutch license plates, for example, are vehicle-specific. If a vehicle gets a new owner, he also takes over the old license plate. While in countries such as sweden, iceland, latvia and denmark the labeling is completely self-selected and in some cases even special letters of the respective national language are permitted, in namibia, south africa, slovenia, slovakia and austria, for example, only a part of the license plate can be selected independently. In switzerland and germany, again, a different rule applies. Here, personalization is limited by the system through possible combinations. These are placed in a pool from which they are freely selected, as long as they have not yet been assigned or the desired license plate is reserved.
5. Short-term license plate
If the car is to be transferred from one place to another in germany, for example after a sale, special license plates are required. The so-called short-term license plates are valid for five days and can be applied for both at the relevant registration office and online. Even if the vehicle is put into service for only one day, the owner of the vehicle is obliged to register it with the relevant authorities.
Short-term license plates can reduce the cost of liability insurance and vehicle tax if the car is only in use for a few days. This is particularly advantageous for test drives and test drives. The short-term license plate does not have to be returned or sent back after the five days have expired. It is essential that you carry the pink vehicle registration document with you on every journey. For the application – whether on site or online – is the evb number required. This is issued by the insurance company; the costs for this are charged accordingly if the vehicle is later registered with this insurance company.
costs& documents for short-term license plates
The costs for the short-term license plate vary. For the license plates themselves, administrative costs of around 15 euros are incurred at the registration office. In addition, the applicant would have to pay a fee of 20 to 30 euros for the embossing of the license plate. the evb number costs about 30 euros, which will be offset against a later insurance policy. If you buy your short-term license plates online, you may have to pay more than 120 euros, depending on the provider – but the insurance and other official fees are often included.
Documents required to apply for short-term license plates:
- identity card or passport with registration certificate
- Evb number of the insurance
- Reason for the application (for example, the purchase contract)
- If necessary. Business registration or extract from the commercial register
- Valid main inspection and safety inspection
- If applicable. Power of attorney (in case you cannot appear yourself)
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Insurance for short-term license plates
For the duration of the use of a short-term license plate, you must take out an extra short-term license plate insurance policy that protects you against all eventualities. While the cost of the actual short-term license plate is just under ten euros, it is actually the short-term license plate insurance that empties your wallet.
Depending on the scope of the service package, the duration of the claim or the type of vehicle to be insured, the premiums can range from a low 25 euros to a three-digit amount. In order to get an adequate offer, it is advisable to do extensive research beforehand. All-round carefree packages are available on the Internet for 75 euros, for example. But before you sign up, weigh up for yourself whether you really need or want to use all the services in such an offer. Often three instead of five days are sufficient to test or transfer a vehicle. Thus, given the duration of the insurance claim, you would save money in one aspect.
short-term license plates also without TuV?
The question of whether it is possible to apply for a short-term license plate without a technical inspection agency (TuV) is a recurring concern for many car owners throughout Germany. The general consensus is that there is disagreement as to whether an exception is made in certain cases and exactly what it is. However, this much can be said in advance: in general, a short-term license plate will only be issued to you with TuV by the licensing authority. Because in this point the german legal situation is clear. Without a valid main inspection (HU), no vehicle is normally allowed to move on the roads.
In fact, however, since the 1. April 2015 a renewed law that allows the use of a short-term license plate without TuV in a few cases. Journeys without a main inspection are only possible if the route leads to an inspection station in the registration district that issued the license plate. A return journey is also permitted within the framework of this local restriction. It can therefore be said that the acquisition of a short-term license plate without TuV is still possible in 2015 under certain conditions. This exception does not mean that the vehicle is a free ride. A violation is punishable by high fines and an entry in the driving aptitude register of the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Flensburg.
Power of attorney for short-term license plates
If you are unable to apply for a short-term license plate yourself, you can also issue a power of attorney and appoint another person to do so. A form for the authorization of the car registration you can get on the internet. Many providers provide a sample power of attorney on their platform, which you can then simply fill out and print out. With the power of attorney for the short-term license plate registration as well as the other required documents, you fulfill the prerequisites for a successful application.
6. Export license plate
Source: by main-kinzig-kreis [CC BY-SA 3.0], via wikimedia commons
The export license plate (also called export or customs license plate) is always used when a vehicle is to be transferred abroad. It is irrelevant whether it is exported for personal use (second residence) or because of a new owner. cars with this license plate can be driven abroad, the registration has a freely selectable validity of at least 9, but not more than 360 days. Customs license plates have a red bar on the right edge, on which the expiration date is noted.
Obtaining and cost of the export license plate
Export license plates can be obtained at any vehicle registration office, and are not tied to your place of residence. This means that vehicle owners can apply for their license plate anywhere in Germany, regardless of which authority is otherwise responsible for them. The following documents are required for the application for the export license plate, for which you must appear in person with the vehicle in question:
- identity card or passport with certificate of registration
- registration certificate part I and II
- If the car is registered: license plates, valid inspection sticker*
- If the car is deregistered: certificate of immobilization, TuV report
- proof of insurance
- If necessary. Trade license / extract from the commercial register
- If applicable. Power of attorney
*the inspection sticker must be valid at least until the end of the desired period.
The amount of the fees for the application is regulated differently from region to region. Normally, about 15 euros are required for the application itself and about 20 to 30 euros for a plate embossing.
export license plates: insurance and taxes
Since the application for the export license plate can only be made with valid insurance, the vehicle owner must have taken out liability insurance beforehand. This is now done quite simply on the internet. Many providers only require the vehicle type and the desired term, in order to send the insurance certificate with green and yellow card via mail to the insurance member.
The green card must be carried when driving abroad, so that the authorities have quick proof of liability insurance. Although this is no longer necessary in some countries, it can be an advantage in accident situations, for example, to speed up the process. the yellow card is for the registration office in germany. The export license plate is taxed with the registration from the first day onwards. The determination is made by the tax office and is to be paid with the registration. If the validity of the plate is less than one month, it must still be paid in full. If the car is exported to a non-European country, vehicle owners can claim back the value-added tax on the basis of stamped exit documents and certification by the responsible customs authorities.
7. H license plate for vintage cars
If you have one, you care for it lovingly. But not all oldtimers are the same. Vehicle owners who wish to obtain the coveted H license plate for their vehicle must follow certain guidelines and meet various criteria. Particular importance is attached to originality and contemporary appearance. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, in 2015 more than 310 cars received.000 cars the H license plate. The license plate for historic vehicles consists of a distinguishing sign, an identification number and the letter "H".
When is a classic car a classic car and receives the H license plate??
Since the 1. July 1997, H license plates are issued for vehicles that have exceeded the age limit of at least 30 years (FVZ § 2 abs. 22). However, the vehicle must have a certificate of roadworthiness from the German technical inspection agency TuV or DEKRA. another condition is that the car must be in original condition or the conversions must be contemporary elements. In the past, catalytic converters were considered non-contemporary, but these are now permitted. Furthermore, the car should be able to show a very good maintenance, here the guidelines of the federal association for clubs of classic vehicles e.V. (DEUVET) used as a basis. This association classifies the condition of the vehicle on the basis of school grades.
FVZ § 2 abs. 22
. classic cars: vehicles that were first put on the road at least 30 years ago, are as close as possible to their original condition, are in a good state of preservation and serve to maintain the motor vehicle cultural heritage.
For the certificate, the originality of the bodywork, the braking and electrical systems, the wheels and the interior, among other things, are inspected. Neither traces of rust nor modern coloring should be visible. However, professional repairs and conversions that serve traffic safety are permitted under certain conditions. How original a classic car has to be in order to receive the H license plate is partly at the discretion of the inspector.
the H license plate: insurance and tax
A car with H-plates needs a liability insurance just like all other cars. For the insurance, the age of the vehicle plays a role on the one hand, and the use of the vehicle on the other. A classic car should not be intended for everyday use, comprehensive cover is usually obligatory – however, some insurers may require fully comprehensive cover. The amount of the contribution is calculated on a percentage basis according to the market value, which is stated in the expert opinion. After a deductible of about 150 euros, the fully comprehensive insurance is calculated at 1 – 1.5% of the market value, the partially comprehensive insurance at 0.4%. As a general rule, insurance premiums are lower than for normal cars, since classic cars are rarely driven on public roads and therefore cannot be involved in accidents.
Insurance example car: VW beetle, year: 1975, value: around 5.000 euro, insurance: third party + partially comprehensive: approx. 115 euro p.A.
With regard to vehicle tax, the H license plate is particularly worthwhile for vintage vehicles with a large engine capacity. For regardless of the pollutant class and engine capacity, the amount is always 191.70 euros per year. For vehicles with a capacity of less than 2801 cc, the normal registration is cheaper. Provided you do not use the car for twelve months, in some cases even the seasonal license plate is cheaper. No exception is made for the regular main inspection. Every two years, oldtimers with H license plates must also be inspected by the TuV.
Number of cars with H license plates in germany from 2006 to 2015
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How to get an H license plate
The H-plate for the oldtimer is applied for at the responsible registration office. The costs, taking into account regional conditions, amount to about 25 euros. In addition, there are the fees for registration with the Federal Motor Transport Authority and, if desired, the costs for a special license plate, which amount to 10.20 euros. The following documents are required for the application of the H license plate:
- Identity card or passport with registration certificate
- Registration certificate part I and II
- TuV certificate
- If applicable. deregistration certificate
- Confirmation of insurance
Red classic car license plates
In certain cases, classic car drivers can also use a different license plate. The red classic car license plate, like the short-term license plate, consists exclusively of digits after the city code and always begins with 07. With these special red classic car license plates, it is possible to drive old vehicles to classic car events, even if there is no operating license or registration for the vehicle. However, the event in question must serve the presentation of vintage vehicles and the preservation of the motor vehicle cultural heritage. The license plate can also be used for test drives, trips to the repair shop, and for transfer trips. Another advantage: the so-called 07 license plates can be used for several classic cars.
8. License plates for electric vehicles
With an electromobility law, the federal government is trying to create incentives that will encourage citizens to buy an electric vehicle. Since mid-2015, owners of such electric cars can also apply for a special license plate, which is part of the government’s package of measures and includes some privileges. Cars with the special license plate can use parking spaces free of charge and special lanes, among other things. Electric vehicles are also exempt from vehicle tax. The license plates can be recognized by the letter E after the identification number.
9. Interchangeable license plates
Today with the big one on the highway, tomorrow with the small one in the city center. Simply change the license plate and go. What has long been commonplace in austria and switzerland is no longer a vision of the future in germany. In July 2012, the changeable license plate was introduced with an amendment to the vehicle registration ordinance (FZV). This means that exactly one license plate is issued for two different vehicles. The idea behind the changeable license plate was to save money through a tax advantage. In addition, the environment should be protected, as the license plate should encourage the purchase of an environmentally friendly second car (electric or hybrid car). Unfortunately this has been bureaucratized in germany. If a motorist uses the changeable license plate, the government charges the full tax rate for both vehicles, even though only one car may be driven on the road at a time with this license plate.
Save on car insurance with interchangeable license plates
Since it has so far failed to be implemented in terms of tax relief, the changeable license plate has met with little approval from the general public. Taxes are not waived, but what is the financial situation in terms of vehicle insurance??
First of all, it should be noted that vehicles with an exchangeable license plate cannot be driven in parallel, unlike in the case of a second car insurance policy. Accordingly, the license plate for two cars is not a sensible alternative to second car insurance, where both cars can be used in parallel. Nevertheless, insurance holders have lower costs with the changeable license plate. DEVK, for example, offers discounts and premiums for vehicle owners who use the interchangeable license plate: for example, up to 25 percent discount on the premium if both vehicles are insured or an adjustment of the no-claims class from the second to the first vehicle. Other insurers such as HUK-coburg or aachenermunchener also grant discounts if the changeable license plate is chosen.
Structure of the changeable license plate
For the interchangeable license plate, you need a total of ten parts: two license plates (front and rear), which change the vehicle as needed and are therefore also referred to as an interchangeable element. In addition, for each car there are two rigid vehicle-related smaller plates, which are firmly attached to the right edge of the special license plate holders, of which each car also requires two. From the above it follows:
- 2x interchangeable element (normal license plate) – example: HH-AX 235
- 4x license plate holder with indentation for fixed element
- 2x fixed element for vehicle A – example: HH-AX 235 |1|
- 2x fixed element for vehicle B – example: HH-AX 235 |2|
In addition, the change license plate is additionally at the letter "W", which is stamped above the country plate, recognizable.
Which vehicles can be combined with a changeable license plate??
Who thinks of registering his scooter and his car on a change license plate, will be severely disappointed. Although it would pay off in this combination, since the scooter is driven on nice days and the car on bad days in the summer, a combination is only possible with the same vehicle classes. Accordingly, vehicles of class M1 can be combined only with vehicles of class M1. This includes all motor vehicles for passenger transport with a maximum of eight seats except for the driver’s seat. In addition, only the combination of vehicles of classes L with the same and vehicles of class O1 with the same is allowed.
The following combinations are possible:
- CAR + PASSENGER CAR
- car + camper
- car + classic car
- classic car + vintage car
- camper + motorhome
- motorhome + classic car
- Motorcycle + motorcycle
- Motorcycle + quad / trike
- Motorcycle + light motorcycle
- CAR + PASSENGER CAR
- Car + motor home
- car + classic car
- classic car + vintage car
- motorhome + camper
- motorhome + classic car
- Motorcycle + motorcycle
- motorcycle + quad / trike
- motorcycle + light motorcycle
Finally, it should be noted once again that only two vehicles can be registered on one changeable license plate. If the vehicle is driven without the correct changeable license plate, it can be expensive. Here the state demands a 50 euro fine. 40 euros will be charged for a vehicle parked on public roads without the appropriate changeable license plate. (catalog of fines as of february 2016).
10. Seasonal license plate
Many drivers are already looking forward to the first rays of spring sunshine, warmer temperatures and the prospect of driving with the top down. It’s tingling under the fingers, but if the convertible in question has a seasonal license plate, motorists have to wait until the deadline. The same applies to motorcycles, which run with such license plates. On 01. March 1997 the so called seasonal license plate was introduced. Its use is regulated in the vehicle registration ordinance (FZV) § 9 paragraph 3.
If a vehicle is not used all year round, it is advantageous to apply a seasonal license plate. With this license plate, motorists do not have to go to the registration office twice a year, as there is no need to register, deregister or immobilize the car or motorcycle for a certain period of time and the associated costs. According to the kraftfahrtbundesamt (KBA), more than 2.1 million people used seasonal license plates across germany in 2015, with the majority choosing a registration period of seven months. Since 2008, there has also been a steady increase in the number of users.
How seasonal license plates work?
These two metal plates are particularly popular for convertibles, motor homes and motorcycles. Seasonal license plates are often used for these vehicles in order to save time and money. First of all, these plates are limited to a certain time of the year. The FZV stipulates that the period of use must be at least two months but no more than eleven months at a time. The information is noted by the registration office in the vehicle registration certificate in brackets after the license plate number. The registered period can also be seen directly on the seasonal license plate. In appearance it resembles a normal license plate, except for the right edge. At this point you will find information about the registration period. This is indicated with two numbers on top of each other. A time limit of 01. April until 31. October would therefore result in a vertical number combination of 04|10.
The most important information on seasonal license plates:
- Limited period of at least 2 – at most 11 months at a stretch
- note on registration certificate part I (vehicle registration document)
- Stamping of the registration period on the seasonal license plate
- Driving outside the registration period: 50 euros (catalog of fines as of february 2016)
The registration period of a seasonal license plate must be strictly observed. If your convertible is only registered until october, but is driven out in november in beautiful weather, it will be expensive. The state charges 50 euros here – if the vehicle is parked on a public road without the appropriate seasonal license plate, 40 euros must be paid (catalog of fines as of february 2016). In addition, there is a reduced insurance coverage during this period, so that it becomes expensive in case of an accident. Anyone who wants to use their vehicle beyond the registered period must go to the registration office to formally apply for a change in the operating period.
Distribution of registration periods for seasonal license plates for motor vehicles in germany (as of 1 January 2016). January 2015)
Seasonal license plate: insurance& taxes
In order to participate in road traffic in Germany, the legislator requires, in addition to the valid registration, a completed motor vehicle insurance. You can save a lot of money with a seasonal license plate during the rest months, because you don’t have to pay taxes or insurance during this period. These costs are only incurred for the period in which the corresponding motor vehicle is actually used. For this reason, it must be parked on a private property or in the garage in the deregistered phase and may not participate in public road traffic under any circumstances – absolute parking and driving prohibition applies here.
Despite the fact that the vehicle is immobilized, not used and no expenses are paid, the insurance coverage continues as a non-contributory resting insurance policy. This means that vehicles with seasonal license plates can also be used during the "winter sleep" some insurance cover, mainly against theft and fire damage. Apart from the costs saved in the deregistration period, there are also favorable conditions for seasonal vehicles in the registration phase, since the rates are only paid proportionally for the seasonal period. However, it is also advisable to register a vehicle for at least six months, because only then can a better classification be made if there is no damage.
Seasonal license plate as a desired license plate?
Of course, a seasonal license plate can also be stamped as a desired license plate. The only thing to note here is that the seasonal license plate may have a maximum of seven characters, as the eighth digit is the validity period. So if you want to personalize your vehicle with the license plate, express your own initials, date of birth or your preference for a soccer club, you can contact the registration authority. A special case in the framework of seasonal license plates are also mopeds or scooters. For these motorcycles there are since 01. March 2014 new insurance license plates. For the smaller motorized companions, the colors of the license plates change every year, from black to blue to green and repeated from the front. These colors are intended to indicate from a distance whether there is valid insurance coverage. The colorful license plates are valid for two-wheelers with a cubic capacity of up to 50 cc and a maximum speed of 45 km/h.
11. Green& red license plates
Source: by thorsten schmidt [CC BY-SA 3.0], via wikimedia commons
The green plates are issued exclusively for the use of tax-exempt vehicles. This includes vehicles of non-profit organizations as well as agricultural and forestry vehicles. The registration office must have the appropriate permission from the tax office. The green license plates should not be confused with the small green license plates for small bikes.
Red license plates are usually not suitable for private individuals. They are issued by the licensing authority to motor vehicle manufacturers, car parts manufacturers, car repair shops and vehicle dealers for business use. It is also possible to use the license plates on different vehicles.
12. Insurance license plates
Source: by thorsten schmidt [CC BY-SA 3.0], via wikimedia commons
For small bicycles, motorized ambulances and four-wheeled light vehicles there is the insurance number plate. For the smaller motorized companions, the colors of the license plates change every year, from black to blue to green and repeated from front to back. These colors are intended to signal from a distance whether valid insurance coverage exists. The license plates are usually valid for a period from 1. March valid until the end of the month of february of the next year.
- Green license plate: 2013, 2016, 2019
- Black insurance license plate: 2014, 2017, 2020
- Blue insurance license plate: 2015, 2018, 2021
13. 3D license plate
Source: by racer bieberle [CC BY-SA 3.0], via wikimedia commons
Most vehicles are on the road with aluminum license plates. But since the end of 2013, vehicle owners have been able to dispose of standardized aluminum plates and embellish their cars with 3D license plates. Made by stamping, they have a special look, because the letters and numbers are pressed into the plantine by high pressure and are connected with it. Compared to conventional aluminum plates, this offers a number of advantages that benefit not only the aesthetics, but also the car owner and the environment.
3D license plates are available on the internet. The sport version with fewer characters or the H license plate for oldtimers can also be purchased. interested parties simply enter the number sequence of their own license plate, the new 3d license plates will be sent immediately. This will cost just under 30 euros. With the new plates, you can then buy new stickers at the registration office.
