Apply for an Export License Plate

You or your representative must apply to the appropriate vehicle registration authority for the issuance of an export license plate. Depending on the services offered by your vehicle registration authority, you can either download a form or use an online service.

The registration authority may require you to present the vehicle.

If the vehicle was previously registered, the registration authority will deactivate the previous license plates. You will then receive the export license plate for the duration of your liability insurance coverage, for a maximum of one year.

Tip: You can purchase license plates from private vendors. These are usually located near the vehicle registration office.

the licensing authority in whose jurisdiction you have your primary residence, place of business, or branch office

The licensing authority is,

• for an urban district: the city administration
• For a county: the county administration office

The requirements for vehicle registration are:

• You must not have any outstanding fees or expenses from previous registration procedures. If you have outstanding payments totaling more than 30 euros, the registration authority may not register your vehicle until you have paid them. If the amount is less than 30 euros, the registration authority may decide whether or not to register the vehicle anyway.
• You must not have any outstanding vehicle tax debts of five euros or more. Late payment penalties, interest, and late fees are also taken into account when calculating the amount.
• If you want someone to represent you when registering your vehicle, you must provide that person with a written power of attorney. This must also include a statement of consent allowing the registration authority to inform the authorized representative of any outstanding fees and expenses. Your representative must present the power of attorney and provide proof of identity.
• The vehicle must have a valid certificate of the general inspection (HU). If the due date for the general inspection is before the expiration of the export permit, you must submit the inspection report from an officially recognized inspection organization regarding the new general inspection.

• Vehicle Registration Certificate and Vehicle Title (Certificate of Registration, Parts I and II)
• License plates for vehicles that are still registered
• Insurance Certificate for Export License Plates (not an electronic insurance certificate)
• Valid proof of vehicle inspection
• The vehicle must be presented for inspection
• valid ID card (or valid passport with proof of residence)
• Foreign residents must present a passport with a valid residence permit and proof of registration (for EU citizens, the "EU ID card")
• Direct debit authorization for vehicle tax from the account holder and their ID card (IMPORTANT: domestic or European bank account details—IBAN!)
• The fee for registering the vehicle is at least €34.00. Additional fees may apply in certain cases.
• If the applicant’s primary residence is in a country that is not a member of the European Union (EU), a representative authorized to receive correspondence must also be designated in the Fulda district. (Download section on this page)

The fee for registering the vehicle is at least €34.00. Additional fees may apply in certain cases.

• Regulation on the Registration of Vehicles for Road Traffic (Vehicle Registration Regulation—FZV)
  § 8 Registration in the Federal Republic of Germany Following Prior Registration in Another Country

• V Regulation on the Registration of Vehicles for Road Traffic (Vehicle Registration Regulation—FZV)
  § 9 Assignment of License Plates

• 5. Act Amending the Motor Vehicle Tax Act
• § 13 Motor Vehicle Tax Act (Determination of the Tax Base, Proof of Tax Payment, and Denial of Registration in the Event of Tax Arrears)

• § 9 Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV)
• § 10 Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV) / Special License Plates

Since February 2014, the Federal Customs Administration has been responsible for motor vehicle taxation. Information and forms regarding "motor vehicle tax" can be found on the Federal Customs Administration's website.

• Declaration Regarding the Authorized Representative for Receipt (PDF document)
• Power of Attorney for Registration (PDF document)