How to Register a Car in Germany as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

What You Need Before Going to the Zulassungsstelle

Before you book your appointment at the registration office, make sure you have everything ready. Missing even one document means you'll be turned away.

Required Documents Checklist

Valid passport or ID card — plus your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) if you're a non-EU citizen
Proof of registered address (German: Meldebescheinigung) — from your Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt
Car insurance with EVB number — a 7-digit code proving you have at least liability coverage. Get your EVB number here
Vehicle title (German: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II or Fahrzeugbrief) — proves ownership
Previous registration certificate (German: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) — if re-registering a used car
Valid TÜV/HU inspection — required for used cars. New cars from a dealer already have this
SEPA direct debit form — for annual vehicle tax. Download from www.zoll.de
German bank account — needed for the SEPA mandate (vehicle tax is debited automatically)

Pro tip: The Anmeldung (address registration) must be completed first. Without it, the Zulassungsstelle will refuse your application — no exceptions.

Step 1 — Get Car Insurance and Your EVB Number

This is where most guides bury the lead. Car insurance isn't just a document on a checklist — it's the first thing you should arrange, because without the EVB number, nothing else moves forward.

The EVB number (German: elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung) is a 7-character code that proves you have valid car insurance. The Zulassungsstelle checks this code electronically during your appointment.

How to get your EVB number:

Compare car insurance providers (you can compare 300+ providers in English here)
Choose at least liability coverage (German: Haftpflichtversicherung) — this is the legal minimum
Your insurer sends you the EVB number instantly by email or SMS
The entire process takes 2-5 minutes online

Important: The EVB number is valid for 90 days. Don't get it too early if your Zulassungsstelle appointment is weeks away.

As a foreigner without German driving history, expect to start at SF class 0 (no claims bonus). Your annual premium for basic liability insurance typically ranges from €400 to €800 — but comparing providers can save you hundreds. Find the cheapest car insurance for your situation.

Step 2 — Book an Appointment at the Zulassungsstelle

The Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office) handles all car registrations in Germany. You must go to the office in the city where you're officially registered.

How to find your office: Search "[your city] Kfz-Zulassungsstelle" online. Every municipality has its own.

Booking your appointment:

Most offices require an online appointment — walk-ins are rarely accepted, especially in Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg
Wait times vary: 1-4 weeks in major cities, a few days in smaller towns
Look for "Terminbuchung" or "Online-Termin" on your city's website
Early morning slots (7:30-8:00) tend to be less competitive

Can't wait? Third-party registration services (German: Kfz-Zulassungsdienst) handle everything for you for about €150-200 on top of official fees. They're especially useful if you don't speak German.

Step 3 — Get Your License Plates Made

Here's something that surprises most foreigners: you buy and get your license plates embossed before your appointment, not after.

Reserve your plate number online (optional, costs €2.60-10.20 for a custom number)
Visit an Autoschilder (plate shop) near the Zulassungsstelle — they're always nearby
Get your plates embossed (takes 5-10 minutes, costs €15-30 for a standard pair)
Bring the unvalidated plates to your appointment
The clerk stamps them, making them official

Step 4 — Your Appointment at the Zulassungsstelle

Bring all documents organized in a folder. The appointment itself takes 15-30 minutes.

What happens:

The clerk verifies all your documents
Your EVB number is checked electronically against the insurance database
Vehicle data is entered into the federal register
You receive your Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I (registration certificate — keep this in your car)
Your license plates get officially stamped
Your SEPA data is forwarded to the tax office (Hauptzollamt)

Payment: Bring cash or an EC card (debit card). Credit cards are not always accepted.

How Much Does Car Registration Cost in Germany?

Here's the full cost breakdown for 2026:

Cost Item	Amount
Registration fee (Zulassungsgebühr)	€26-60
License plates (standard pair)	€15-30
Custom plate reservation (optional)	€10-20
Environmental sticker (Umweltplakette)	€5-10
TÜV inspection (used cars only)	€80-150
Total registration day	€60-120 (new car) / €130-260 (used car)

Ongoing costs after registration:

Vehicle tax (German: Kfz-Steuer): Petrol cars pay €2 per 100cc + CO2 surcharge. Diesel costs €9.50 per 100cc. Electric cars are tax-exempt until 2030.
Car insurance: €400-800+/year depending on coverage level and your claims history

Special Cases for Foreigners

Buying a Used Car in Germany

This is the most common scenario. Key tips:

Always verify the seller has both Teil I and Teil II before paying
Check the TÜV sticker on the rear license plate — if it's expired, you'll need a new inspection before registering
Use a standard Kaufvertrag (sales contract) — templates are available from ADAC
You have a short grace period to register the car in your name after purchase

Importing a Car from Another EU Country

You'll need your foreign registration documents plus a Certificate of Conformity (COC). No customs duties apply within the EU, but you may owe 19% VAT if the car is under 6 months old or has less than 6,000 km.

A German TÜV inspection is required — foreign roadworthiness certificates (like UK MOT) are not accepted.

Driving License: EU vs. Non-EU

EU/EEA licenses: Valid indefinitely in Germany — no conversion needed
Non-EU licenses: Valid for 6 months after your Anmeldung date. After that, you must convert to a German license. Some countries (Japan, South Korea, USA partially) have simplified exchange agreements.

Important: You can register a car even if your license is nearing the 6-month limit. But you can't legally drive it without a valid license.

5 Common Mistakes Foreigners Make

Going to the Zulassungsstelle without an Anmeldung — Registration of your address must come first. No exceptions.
Letting the EVB number expire — It's valid for 90 days. If your appointment is delayed, you'll need a new one.
Not having a German bank account — The SEPA mandate for vehicle tax requires a German IBAN.
Buying a used car without checking Teil II — If the seller doesn't have the vehicle title, you cannot register the car.
Assuming English service is available — Larger cities are getting better, but bring a German-speaking friend or hire a registration agent if your German is limited.

Financing Your Car Purchase

Need financing for your car? As a foreigner in Germany, you can compare loan offers from 20+ German banks — even without an established Schufa credit history. Most expats qualify for loans of €1,000-50,000 with proof of income and a valid residence permit.

Your Schufa score affects both your loan terms and insurance premiums. If you're new to Germany, learn how the Schufa system works before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner register a car in Germany?

Yes. Any foreigner with a valid residence registration (Anmeldung), passport or ID, and car insurance (EVB number) can register a car in Germany. You do not need German citizenship.

What documents do I need to register a car in Germany?

You need: (1) valid passport/ID + residence permit, (2) Meldebescheinigung (proof of address), (3) EVB number from your car insurer, (4) Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (vehicle title), (5) valid TÜV for used cars, and (6) SEPA mandate for vehicle tax.

What is an EVB number and how do I get one?

An EVB number (elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung) is a 7-character code proving you have car insurance. You get it from your insurer when you take out at least liability coverage. It takes 2-5 minutes online. Compare providers at checkalle.de.

How much does it cost to register a car in Germany?

Total registration costs are approximately €60-120 for a new car and €130-260 for a used car (including TÜV inspection). This covers the registration fee (€26-60), license plates (€15-30), and environmental sticker (€5-10).

Do I need an Anmeldung to register a car?

Yes. The Anmeldung (address registration at the Bürgeramt) is mandatory before car registration. The Zulassungsstelle requires your Meldebescheinigung as proof of residence. Without it, they will refuse your application.

Can I register a car with a non-EU driving license?

Yes, you can register a car. However, non-EU driving licenses are only valid for 6 months after establishing German residency. After 6 months, you must convert to a German license to legally drive.

How long does the car registration process take?

The appointment itself takes 15-30 minutes. However, booking an appointment can take 1-4 weeks in major cities. The total process from getting insurance to driving with plates typically takes 1-3 weeks.

Can I register a car online in Germany?

Germany launched the i-Kfz system for certain online registrations. However, it requires a German eID card or electronic residence permit (eAT) with activated online function. Most foreigners with only a passport cannot use it yet.

Key Takeaways

Start with car insurance — get your EVB number first, everything else depends on it
Complete your Anmeldung before attempting car registration
Budget €60-260 for registration costs, plus ongoing insurance and vehicle tax
Book your Zulassungsstelle appointment early — wait times can be 1-4 weeks in cities
Bring original documents only — photocopies will not be accepted

Ready to get started? Compare car insurance from 300+ German providers — it's free, takes 2 minutes, and you'll have your EVB number instantly.