Apply for a change of vehicle registration number (change of registration)

If you want to change the license plate number of your vehicle, you can apply for this at your local registration authority.

When the registration authority registers your vehicle, it assigns it a license plate number. The license plate consists of

• a distinguishing sign for the administrative district and
• a combination of letters and numbers relating to the individual vehicle.

You must affix the assigned license plate combination to a license plate and stamp it with the registration authority's stamp sticker. You can have the plates stamped by a plate stamping company, which is usually located in the vicinity of the registration authority. Alternatively, you can order the plates from an online store of your choice.

As a rule, you must attach license plates to the front and rear of the vehicle. If you want to design or attach your license plate in such a way that it deviates from the rule, this must be legally permissible or entered in the registration certificate part I.

The license plate is used to identify the owner of the vehicle. You may not drive on public roads if you have not affixed a license plate to your vehicle.

The registration authority can change the assigned license plate ex officio or upon application. To do so, it can order the presentation of the previous stamped license plates for de-stamping and the presentation of the vehicle.

If you apply for a different license plate, the registration authority will assign a different license plate combination to your vehicle.

If you have lost a license plate, you must also have a new license plate combination assigned to you by the responsible registration authority. In this case, the previous combination will be put on the wanted list.

You can only change the license plate number for your vehicle in person at your local registration authority:

• There you will be allocated a different license plate combination at the counter.
• With this allocation, you can have the license plates produced by a plate embossing company, which is usually located near your registration authority.
• Alternatively, you can order the plates from an online store of your choice.
• The plates are then affixed to the license plates by the registration authority. Finally, you attach the license plates firmly to the vehicle at the intended location.

The following information applies:

You may not move or park your vehicle in public areas without a license plate. This also applies in the event that your license plate is stolen.

The license plates must not be mirrored, covered or dirty and must be attached to the vehicle in accordance with the legal requirements.

Contact your local vehicle registration authority if you would like to know which license plate combinations are blocked.