First registration of a vehicle Issue

If you want to use a new vehicle on the road for the first time, you need an initial registration.

If you want to use a new motor vehicle on the road for the first time, it must be registered. This also applies to trailers. You or your representative submit the application for this initial registration to the local vehicle registration authority.

After successful registration, you will receive the registration documents and the registration authority will assign you a license plate number.

The registration entitles you to

• drive the vehicle on the road and
• park the vehicle in public areas.

So-called owner data is recorded during the registration process.

• for natural persons:
• Surname, maiden name, first names,
  • if applicable, religious or stage name,
  • Date and place of birth or, if this is not known, the country of birth,
  • gender and address
• for legal persons and authorities:
  • Name or designation and
  • address
• for associations:
  • Representation with data by natural or legal person
  • Name of the association

Please contact your local vehicle registration authority

• if available: completed application forms
• valid identification document: identity card or passport of the vehicle owner; if the passport is presented, a current registration certificate must also be submitted
• Registration certificate part II (vehicle registration document) or, in the case of unregistered vehicles, the operating license
• the EC Certificate of Conformity (CoC), or data confirmation or full expert opinion
• Proof of ownership: purchase contract or invoice
• Proof of valid motor vehicle liability insurance (eVB number)
• Bank details for the SEPA direct debit mandate to pay the vehicle tax

If you are represented by a third party:

• Your written power of attorney and your original identification document;
• The authorized person must be able to identify themselves with a valid identity card or passport.
• in the case of authorization for minors:
• the written declaration of consent from the legal guardians and their original identity documents
• if applicable, a certificate of sole custody ("negative certificate") for single parents

for changes to the vehicle:

• Presentation of an operating license

• You have a new vehicle.
• The normal location of this vehicle is in the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have no outstanding fees and expenses from previous registration processes of more than EUR 10.
• You have no motor vehicle tax debts of EUR 5 or more. This also includes late payment penalties, interest and late payment penalties.

There is no deadline.

Processing is usually immediate.

for the first registration at the locally responsible vehicle registration authorities: Administrative fine 30,00 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)

for initial registration via an i-KFZ portal: Administrative fine 12,80 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)

for the choice of a license plate: Administrative fine 10,20 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)