Obtain vehicle license plate

If you drive or park a vehicle on public roads, the corresponding license plate must be properly affixed to the vehicle.

License plates on vehicles are colloquially known as license plates. They serve to identify the owner and as visible proof that the vehicle is registered for road traffic.

The registration authority assigns a license plate to your vehicle as part of the registration process. The license plate consists of one to three letters for the administrative district in which the vehicle is registered and an identification number relating to the individual vehicle. As a rule, you can choose a license plate of your choice for a fee.

The following license plates are available:

• general license plates
• classic car license plates
• seasonal license plates
• License plates for electrically powered vehicles

The assigned license plate must be embossed on a license plate and bear the stamp of the registration authority. You must have the plates stamped yourself. The plates must have a white base with a black border and black lettering.

As a rule, you must attach license plates to the front and rear of the vehicle. Exceptions to the design and attachment must be legally permissible and entered in the registration certificate Part I.

It is generally not permitted to start up vehicles without permanently attached license plates on public roads. Some vehicles without registration also require license plates, for example

• light motorcycles
• forklift trucks
• self-propelled work machines
• Trailers for sports purposes or for work machines

The license plates must not be reflective, covered or dirty and must be firmly attached to the front and rear of the vehicle in accordance with the legal requirements.

Certain license plate combinations that offend common decency are prohibited in certain countries.