Apply for the initial registration of a vehicle from a third country (new registration)
Service description
If you have purchased a used vehicle in a country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you need to register it in order to drive it on German roads.
Your vehicle is considered a used vehicle if it was previously registered in its country of origin and therefore had at least one previous owner.
You or your representative must apply for registration at the local vehicle registration office with jurisdiction over your area.
Vehicles with EC type approval comply with European directives governing the approval of vehicles, their components, and systems. If you can provide a Certificate of Conformity for EC type approval—commonly known as the CoC document—this will simplify the registration process.
With this registration, you are permitted to drive the vehicle on public roads and park it in public areas.
All newly registered or re-registered vehicles will be issued a license plate with a "Euro" field. You have the option to reserve a license plate of your choice for the vehicle, provided it is available.
Prerequisites
- The vehicle has an EU type approval or the necessary foreign vehicle documents and reports required to obtain an operating permit.
- You must be able to provide proof of a valid vehicle inspection for the vehicle.
- The vehicle complies with the other requirements of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) and the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO).
- You must provide your bank account information and, if you are required to pay taxes, be able to consent to a SEPA direct debit.
What documents are required?
Special information for the Fulda districtChecklist for Used Vehicles (Imported from Another Country)
- COC certificate* or expert opinion in accordance with §21 StVZO**
- Valid eVB number from the insurance company
- 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")
- Foreign vehicle registration documents
- Proof of ownership, e.g., a purchase agreement or original invoice
- Vehicles imported into the EU require a customs clearance certificate
- You may need to present the vehicle for inspection
(the staff at the vehicle registration office will be happy to provide you with further information on this). - The fee for registering the vehicle is at least €33.80. A fee of €10.20 will be charged for the possible assignment of a personalized license plate. Additional fees may apply in certain cases.
What fees apply?
Special information for the Fulda districtThe fee for registering the vehicle is at least €33.80. A fee of €10.20 will be charged for the possible assignment of a personalized license plate. Additional fees may apply in certain cases.
Legal basis
- § 8 Vehicle Registration Regulation (FZV)
- Sections 3 and 6 of the Regulation on the Registration of Vehicles for Road Traffic (Vehicle Registration Regulation—FZV)
- Sections 21, 29, and 70 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO)
- § 13 Regulation on EC Type Approval for Motor Vehicles and Their Trailers, as well as for Systems, Components, and Separate Technical Units for These Vehicles (EC Vehicle Type Approval Regulation—EC-FGV)
- Appendix: Fee Schedule No. 224—Fee Schedule for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt)
Legal remedy
Lawsuit
Issuing body
Redirect Service: Deep link to the original portal Redirect Service: Deep link to the original portal- Apply for the initial registration of a vehicle from a third country (new registration)
Display of performance in the source portal
- Applying for the Initial Registration of a Vehicle from a Third Country (New Registration) in Hesse
Display of performance in the source portal
- Apply for the initial registration of a vehicle from a third country (new registration)
Applications / Forms