Frequently asked questions
Yes. Since 2019 i-Kfz (internet-based vehicle registration) has been available. You need a new-style ID card with the online function activated, a card reader or the AusweisApp, and you must scratch off the security codes on the seals. The fees are somewhat lower online.
The electronic insurance confirmation (eVB, for elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung) is a 7-character alphanumeric code that you get from your motor insurer. It confirms that your vehicle is insured and is mandatory for registration.
A personalised plate (Wunschkennzeichen) can usually be reserved for 10–90 days, depending on the registration district. The reservation fee is €2.60, and the fee for the personalised plate itself is €10.20.
Vehicle tax (Kfz-Steuer) is not included in the registration fees and is collected annually by the customs authority (Zoll). It depends on engine size, CO₂ emissions and type of drive. Pure electric vehicles first registered by 31 December 2030 are exempt from vehicle tax for 10 years, but at most until 31 December 2035.
Vehicle registration 2026: all costs and fees at a glance
Registering a vehicle (in German, KFZ-Zulassung) is a necessary bureaucratic step that comes with a number of fees. Whether it is a new registration, a change of registration details or a deregistration – the costs vary depending on the type of registration and the options you choose. Our calculator quickly gives you the total you can expect to pay.
The official fees are set uniformly across Germany in the Gebührenordnung für Maßnahmen im Straßenverkehr (GebOSt, the federal fee schedule for road-traffic procedures) – the federal state makes no difference. Differences arise mainly with number plates, stickers and the cheaper online registration (i-Kfz).
Registration fees 2026 – overview
| Procedure | Official fee | Online (i-Kfz) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration / new registration (item 221.1) | €30.00 | €12.80 |
| Change of keeper, same district, plate stays | €24.20 | €10.40 |
| Move to another district, new plate | €27.10 | €12.10 |
| Re-registration (same district, reserved plate) | €23.00 | €10.60 |
| Deregistration | €15.90 | €2.10 |
Source: annex to the GebOSt (gesetze-im-internet.de), as of October 2026. Personalised plate: +€10.20, or +€2.60 if reserved beforehand. Move to another district keeping your current plate: €23.60 (online €9.90). Online fees plus €0.30 per sticker carrier. Number plates (€15–40) not included.
Vehicle registration: the complete guide
Online registration (i-Kfz): how it works
Since 2019 you can register your vehicle entirely online. That saves waiting time and often fees too. Requirements:
- New-style ID card (nPA) with the online ID function activated
- AusweisApp on a smartphone or a card reader
- Security codes on the seals scratched off
- eVB number from your insurer
Advantage: Online registration is much cheaper – e.g. €12.80 instead of €30.00 for a registration or €2.10 instead of €15.90 for a deregistration – and you save the trip to the authority. However, the process is a little fiddly the first time you use it.
Personalised plates: tips for reserving
A personalised plate (Wunschkennzeichen) costs €12.80 extra (€10.20 fee + €2.60 for reserving it in advance). Here is how to go about it:
- Check availability online with your registration district
- Reserve the plate (usually valid for 10–90 days)
- Show the reservation code when you register
Tip: Popular combinations such as “AB-CD 123” are often taken. Try creative alternatives: after the town code you can have one or two letters and up to four digits, with a maximum of eight characters in total.
Special plates: H, E and seasonal
Besides the standard plate there are special variants:
- H plate (classic cars): For vehicles more than 30 years old with a positive expert report. Flat-rate vehicle tax of €191.73 a year regardless of engine size or emissions.
- E plate: For electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Benefits: free parking in many cities and use of bus lanes (varies locally).
- Seasonal plate: Valid only for certain months (e.g. April to October). Ideal for convertibles and motorbikes – saves tax and insurance.
Number plates: where to buy
The official fees do not include number plates. You have to buy these separately:
- Online shops: €12–18 per pair (the cheapest option, often delivered the same day)
- Local plate makers: €20–30 per pair (available immediately)
- Registration office: €35–45 per pair (the most expensive, but convenient)
Checklist: what to bring to the registration
- ID card or passport (with proof of registered address)
- Registration certificate part I (Fahrzeugschein) and part II (Fahrzeugbrief)
- eVB number (7-character code from your insurer)
- SEPA direct debit mandate for vehicle tax (IBAN)
- For re-registration: valid HU/AU certificate (Hauptuntersuchung, the German MOT-style vehicle inspection, plus emissions test)
- For company cars: commercial register extract + power of attorney
Frequently asked questions about vehicle registration
With an appointment, registration takes about 15–30 minutes. Without one, the wait can be 1–3 hours depending on the registration office. Many offices now only give out appointments – so book early!
Yes. With a written power of attorney and a copy of your ID card, another person can register the vehicle for you. The authorised person must bring their own ID. Many registration offices provide power-of-attorney forms on their website.
If the HU (Hauptuntersuchung, the mandatory periodic vehicle inspection) has expired, the vehicle cannot be registered or re-registered. You first have to have a new inspection carried out. Note: Driving with an expired HU can cost a €15–60 fine depending on how long it is overdue, and points if it is more than 8 months overdue.
If you move within the same registration district, you only need to have your new address entered in the registration certificate (small fee). If you move to a different district, you can keep your old plate or choose a new one. The cost is €23.60 with your existing plate or €27.10 with a new one (online €9.90 and €12.10 respectively), plus new plates if needed.
You get the electronic insurance confirmation (eVB) directly from your motor insurer – usually immediately by email or text message. The 7-character code is typically valid for 3–6 months. Tip: Compare insurance tariffs online beforehand and choose a provider that sends the eVB number digitally straight away.
Yes, a re-registration is possible at any time. Requirement: the vehicle must have a valid HU/AU. If it has expired, a new inspection has to be carried out before registration. In the same district with a reserved plate it costs €23.00 (online €10.60), otherwise €30.00 like a normal registration. Whether and for how long your old plate stays reserved is decided by the registration office when you deregister.
