Register a Car in Germany as a Foreigner (2026)
Register a Car in Germany as a Foreigner (2026)
Yes, foreigners can register a car in Germany. You need a completed Anmeldung, a passport plus residence permit, and a valid EVB number from a German car insurer. The full process takes one to three weeks and costs €60 to €260 in official fees.
Key Takeaways
- Start with car insurance, your EVB number is the gateway document. You will not get an appointment without it.
- Complete your Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt before booking the Zulassungsstelle. No exceptions.
- Budget €60-120 for new cars or €130-260 for used cars (registration day fees only).
- Wait times for appointments are one to four weeks in Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. Plan ahead.
- Non-EU driving licenses are valid for six months after your Anmeldung. After that, you need a German license to drive, though the car itself can still be registered in your name.
Moving to Germany and bringing a car, or buying one once you arrive, adds another layer to the bureaucracy. The good news? The process itself is well-defined. The bad news? Each step depends on the one before it, so getting the order wrong can cost you weeks. This guide walks you through every step in plain English, with sources you can verify yourself.
If you already have your documents ready and just need car insurance, you can compare offers from 300+ German providers in English. Most expats get their EVB number within five minutes.
Can a Non-Resident Register a Car in Germany?
In most cases, you need to be officially registered as a resident (Anmeldung) to register a car. The Zulassungsstelle requires a Meldebescheinigung as proof of address. There are narrow exceptions for second residences or seasonal users, but for the vast majority of expats: Anmeldung first, car registration second.
If your Anmeldung appointment is still weeks away (a common reality in Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg), you have two options:
- Wait it out. Most cities offer same-day Bürgeramt slots if you arrive at opening time.
- Use a registration service. Specialized agents (Kfz-Zulassungsdienst) can register a car in your name once you have your Meldebescheinigung. They charge around €150-200 on top of official fees, but they handle the paperwork and language barrier for you.
Verbraucherzentrale has a useful overview of consumer rights around car ownership in Germany, which is worth bookmarking.
What You Need Before Going to the Zulassungsstelle
Missing even one document means a wasted trip. Here is the full checklist:
- Valid passport or EU ID card, plus your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) if you are non-EU
- Proof of registered address (German: Meldebescheinigung) from your Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt
- EVB number, your 7-character car insurance confirmation. Get an EVB number in minutes
- Vehicle title (German: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II, also called Fahrzeugbrief)
- Previous registration certificate (German: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) if you are buying a used car
- Valid TÜV inspection (Hauptuntersuchung), required for used cars older than three years. New cars come pre-inspected
- SEPA direct debit form for vehicle tax (download from the Zoll website)
- German bank account with IBAN, the SEPA mandate is mandatory
Practical tip: Order your documents in a folder in the sequence above. Clerks at the Zulassungsstelle work through them in order, and an organized folder shaves five minutes off your appointment.
Step 1: Get Car Insurance and Your EVB Number
This is where most guides bury the point. Car insurance is not just one document on a checklist, it is the first thing you arrange. Without the EVB number, nothing else moves forward.
The EVB number (German: elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung) is a 7-character code your insurer issues once you have at least third-party liability coverage. The Zulassungsstelle verifies this code electronically during your appointment.
How to get your EVB number
- Compare car insurance from German providers in English
- Choose at least liability coverage (German: Haftpflichtversicherung), this is the legal minimum under the German Compulsory Insurance Act
- Your insurer sends the EVB number by email or SMS, usually within minutes
- The full online process takes about five minutes
Important details:
- The EVB number is typically valid for 90 days, though some insurers extend this. Confirm the expiry with your provider, if your Zulassungsstelle appointment is weeks away, request a fresh one closer to the date.
- As a foreigner without German driving history, you usually start at SF Klasse 0 (no claims discount). Annual premiums for basic liability often fall in the €400-€800 range, but exact prices vary by car, postcode, age, and provider. Compare before you buy.
- If you owned and insured a car in another country, ask your previous insurer for a "Schadenfreiheits-Bestätigung" (no-claims confirmation). Many German insurers translate foreign claim-free years partially, which lowers your premium.
Step 2: Book Your Zulassungsstelle Appointment
The Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office) handles all car registrations. You must go to the office in the municipality where you completed your Anmeldung.
To find your local office, search "[your city] Kfz-Zulassungsstelle" online. Each Landkreis (district) runs its own.
Booking realities
- Most offices require an online appointment. Walk-ins are rarely accepted in larger cities.
- Wait times in 2026: one to four weeks in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. A few days in smaller towns and rural districts.
- Look for "Terminbuchung", "Online-Termin", or "Wunschtermin" on the city portal.
- Early morning slots (07:30-08:30) are usually less competitive than mid-day.
City-specific guidance
| City | Online portal | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | service.berlin.de | 2-4 weeks |
| Hamburg | welcome.hamburg.com | 1-3 weeks |
| Munich | stadt.muenchen.de | 2-4 weeks |
| Bonn | international.bonn.de | 1-2 weeks |
If you cannot wait, third-party registration services handle everything for you for around €150-200. Useful if your German is limited, your schedule is tight, or you have to register multiple vehicles.
Step 3: Get Your License Plates Made
Here is something that surprises most foreigners: you buy your license plates before the appointment, not after.
- Reserve your plate number online if you want a custom combination (the fee is usually €2.60-10.20). Otherwise the office assigns a random one.
- Visit an Autoschilder (plate-pressing shop) near the Zulassungsstelle, they are nearly always next door.
- Get your plates embossed. It takes five to ten minutes and costs around €15-30 for a standard pair.
- Bring the plates (still un-stamped) to your appointment.
- The clerk stamps them, which officially activates them.
Most plate shops accept card payment. Some smaller ones are cash-only, confirm before you go.
Step 4: Your Appointment at the Zulassungsstelle
Bring all your documents organized in a folder. The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
What happens during the appointment
- The clerk verifies all your documents one by one.
- Your EVB number is checked electronically against the federal insurance database.
- Vehicle data is recorded in the central vehicle register (operated by the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt).
- You receive your Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I, keep this in the car at all times.
- Your license plates get the official stamp.
- Your SEPA data is forwarded to the Hauptzollamt for vehicle tax processing.
Payment: Bring cash or a German EC/Girocard. Credit cards are not always accepted, even in 2026. Total fees on the day land between €60 and €120 for a new car (more for used cars with required inspections).
Online Registration via i-Kfz, Who Can Use It?
Germany rolled out the i-Kfz online registration system (Stage 4 launched in September 2023, with continuous updates since). In theory, you can register, re-register, or de-register a car entirely online. In practice, the requirements lock most foreigners out for now:
- German eID card with activated online function, OR
- Electronic residence permit (eAT) with online function unlocked at your Ausländerbehörde
- A new vehicle that already exists in the federal vehicle register, OR a used vehicle with digital Teil I and Teil II (newer cars only)
If you arrived recently with only a passport, you will need to use the in-person process. Once your eAT is online-activated (a separate appointment at the Ausländerbehörde, often free), i-Kfz becomes accessible. Check the official BMDV i-Kfz overview for the latest scope.
How Much Does Car Registration Cost in Germany?
Here is the full breakdown for 2026:
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration fee (Zulassungsgebühr) | €26-60 |
| Standard license plate 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), calculated under §9 KraftStG. Petrol cars: €2.00 per 100 cc of displacement, plus a CO2-based surcharge of €2 per gram above the 95 g/km threshold. Diesel cars: €9.50 per 100 cc plus CO2 component.
- Electric vehicles are tax-exempt for ten years from first registration, capped at 31 December 2030 for cars first registered between May 2011 and December 2025 (§3d KraftStG).
- Car insurance: €400-€800 per year for basic liability in 2026 is a typical range for new foreign drivers; comprehensive coverage costs more. Your actual price depends on car, postcode, age, and SF class.
You can budget for total first-year vehicle costs of roughly €800-€1,500 (registration + insurance + tax), excluding the car itself.
New Car vs Used Car: Two Different Workflows
The process is similar but the documents differ.
Registering a new car
- The dealer usually has Teil II ready and applies for Teil I on your behalf, or hands you the paperwork.
- The Übergabevertrag (transfer agreement) acts as proof of purchase.
- TÜV is already valid for three years from first registration, no inspection needed.
- Some dealers offer a Zulassungsservice that handles the whole appointment for you.
Registering a used car
- Confirm the seller has both Teil I and Teil II before paying. Without Teil II, you cannot register the car. Period.
- Check the TÜV sticker on the rear plate. If expired or close to expiring, factor in €80-150 for a new inspection at TÜV, DEKRA, or GTÜ.
- Use the standardized Kaufvertrag template from ADAC, it covers ownership transfer, payment terms, and basic warranty disclaimers.
- Register the car in your name as soon as possible after purchase. There is no formal national deadline, but driving an un-re-registered car puts both insurance coverage and liability in legal limbo.
Importing a Car from Another EU Country
If you are bringing a vehicle from another EU country into Germany, you need a Certificate of Conformity (COC) from the manufacturer plus your foreign registration documents.
- No customs duties apply within the EU.
- 19% VAT may apply if the car is under six months old or has fewer than 6,000 km, the German tax authority treats it as a "new means of transport".
- German TÜV inspection is required. Foreign roadworthiness certificates (UK MOT, Spanish ITV, Italian Revisione) are not transferable.
- For non-EU imports, customs duties and additional homologation steps apply. Contact your local Zollamt for guidance.
Driving License: EU vs Non-EU
| License origin | Validity in Germany |
|---|---|
| EU/EEA | Valid indefinitely, no conversion |
| UK (post-Brexit) | Convert within six months of Anmeldung; theoretical test exemption depends on issue date |
| USA, Canada, Australia | Six months from Anmeldung; partial exchange agreement varies by state/province |
| Japan, South Korea | Six months from Anmeldung; simplified exchange (no test) |
| Other non-EU | Six months from Anmeldung; full theory and practical exam usually required |
The legal source is §29 FeV (Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung), with country-specific rules in Annex 11. Your local Führerscheinstelle has the final say on what conversion path applies to you, call ahead before your six months run out.
Important: The car can be registered in your name regardless of your license status. But you can only legally drive it while your license is recognised.
Five Common Mistakes Foreigners Make
- Skipping the Anmeldung step. Without a Meldebescheinigung, the Zulassungsstelle will refuse your application. Every time.
- Letting the EVB number expire. If your appointment moves, request a fresh EVB before going in.
- Not having a German bank account. The SEPA mandate for vehicle tax requires a German IBAN. Open a free Girokonto first if you have not already.
- Buying a used car without Teil II. If the seller hides this, walk away. No Teil II means no ownership transfer.
- Assuming English support. Berlin and Hamburg have made progress, but most Zulassungsstellen still operate in German only. Bring a German-speaking friend, hire an interpreter, or use a registration service.
Can Someone Else Register the Car For Me? (Vollmacht)
Yes. You can authorise another person (a friend, lawyer, or registration service) to register a car on your behalf using a Vollmacht (power of attorney). Requirements vary slightly by city, but most Zulassungsstellen accept:
- A signed Vollmacht specifying the vehicle and the scope of authority
- Copies of your passport/ID and Meldebescheinigung (some offices require originals, so check first)
- The original documents listed above (Teil II, EVB, license plates)
- The proxy's own valid ID
This is especially useful if you cannot get time off work, are non-resident at a distance, or just prefer to delegate the paperwork.
Financing Your Car Purchase
Need a loan to buy your car? As a foreigner in Germany, you can compare loan offers from German banks even without a long German credit history. With proof of income and a valid residence permit, most expats qualify for loans in the €1,000-€50,000 range.
Your Schufa score shapes both your loan terms and your insurance premiums. If you are new to Germany, take five minutes to understand 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, residence permit (for non-EU citizens), and car insurance with an EVB number can register a car. German citizenship is not required.
What documents do I need to register a car in Germany?
You need: (1) valid passport or ID card plus residence permit if non-EU, (2) Meldebescheinigung (proof of address registration), (3) EVB number from your car insurer, (4) Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (vehicle title), (5) valid TÜV inspection for used cars, and (6) a SEPA mandate with a German bank account for vehicle tax.
What is an EVB number and how do I get one?
The EVB number (elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung) is a 7-character code that confirms you have valid German car insurance. You receive it from your insurer the moment you purchase at least liability coverage. The online process takes about five minutes. Compare insurance providers to find one in English.
How much does it cost to register a car in Germany?
Total registration costs are roughly €60-€120 for a new car and €130-€260 for a used car (which usually needs a TÜV inspection). Costs cover the registration fee (€26-€60), license plates (€15-€30), and environmental sticker (€5-€10). On top, expect annual vehicle tax under §9 KraftStG and your car insurance premium.
Can a non-resident register a car in Germany?
In nearly all cases you need an Anmeldung first, because the Zulassungsstelle requires a Meldebescheinigung. There are narrow exceptions for second residences and registered seasonal users, but standard expats should complete the Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt before applying.
How long does the car registration process take?
The appointment itself runs 15-30 minutes. Booking the appointment is the bottleneck, one to four weeks in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt; a few days in smaller cities. From getting insurance to driving with plates, plan for one to three weeks total.
Can I register a car online in Germany via i-Kfz?
Yes, but only if you have a German eID card or an electronic residence permit (eAT) with the online function activated at your Ausländerbehörde. New arrivals with only a passport cannot use i-Kfz yet. The system supports new registrations, re-registrations, and de-registrations for compatible vehicles.
Can I register a car with a non-EU driving license?
Yes. The car itself can be registered in your name regardless of license origin. However, non-EU driving licenses are recognised for only six months after your Anmeldung. To legally drive after that, you need to convert to a German license, the path depends on your country of origin under §29 FeV.
Is there a deadline to register a used car after buying it?
Germany does not set a single nationwide deadline, but driving an un-re-registered car leaves you in a legal grey zone for insurance and liability. Most practitioners register within one to two weeks of purchase to stay safe. Some Zulassungsstellen also require timely re-registration to maintain the SEPA tax mandate.
Bottom Line: What to Do Next
If you are still gathering documents, start with the EVB number, everything depends on it. Compare car insurance providers in English, get your EVB within minutes, then book your Zulassungsstelle appointment as soon as your Anmeldung is done. The whole process is manageable in two to three weeks if you sequence it correctly.
Buying your first car in Germany? Make sure your German bank account is open before the appointment, without an IBAN for the SEPA mandate, the registration cannot complete. And if financing is on the table, our loan comparison for foreigners covers offers from German banks that work with expat profiles.