Vehicle license plates; information

The vehicle registration number consists of a distinguishing sign for the administrative district and an identification number. Vehicles belonging to federal and state authorities, the diplomatic corps and privileged international organizations are given special license plates.

The license plate can be written in the registration certificate with or without a hyphen. Both spellings are equally valid.

The distinguishing signs and identification numbers are applied to a license plate with black lettering on a white background with a black border ("normal" license plates).

The license plates must not be mirrored, covered or dirty. Furthermore, they must not be additionally covered with glass, foil or similar coverings. License plates must be reflective and bear the inspection and monitoring symbol with the corresponding registration number on the front.

The dimensions of the license plates are for:

• single-line license plates: Maximum width: 520 mm, height: 110 mm,
• two-line license plates: Maximum width: 340 mm, for two- and three-wheeled motor vehicles 280 mm, height: 200 mm,
• Motorcycle license plate: Minimum/largest dimension of width: 180 mm/220 mm, height: 200 mm and
• Reduced two-line license plate: Maximum width: 255 mm, height: 130 mm.

Reduced two-line license plates are only intended for light motorcycles, as well as for lof tractors in accordance with Directive 2003/37/EC or Regulation (EU) 167/2013 and their trailers. So-called quads do not receive a reduced license plate, as they do not comply with Directive 2003/37/EC or Regulation (EU) 167/2013, even if they are coded as lof tractors.

License plates must be firmly attached to the front and rear of the motor vehicle. For single-axle tractors, the license plate on the front is sufficient, for trailers and motorcycles on the rear. Rear license plates must be illuminated.

Further information on special license plates (e.g. classic car license plates, short-term license plates, seasonal license plates, insurance license plates, interchangeable license plates, export license plates, red and green license plates) can be found under "Related topics".

• § 12 Ordinance on the admission of vehicles to traffic
• Annex 4 Ordinance on the Registration of Vehicles for Traffic
• Fee regulations for road traffic measures (GebOSt)

• Vehicle license plates; applying for an e-license plate
• License plates; notification in the event of theft, loss or discovery
• Motor vehicle; application for deregistration
• Motor vehicle; application for new registration
• Vehicle license plates; applying for an interchangeable license plate
• Vehicle license plates; applying for a short-term license plate
• Vehicle license plates; application for a red license plate for test and transfer drives
• Vehicle license plates; applying for a classic car license plate
• Vehicle license plates; applying for and reserving a desired license plate
• Vehicle license plates; applying for a green license plate
• Motor vehicle; application for a national individual type approval
• Motor vehicle; application for transfer or re-registration
• Vehicle license plates; application for an export license plate
• Motor vehicle; information on vehicle registration
• Vehicle license plates; applying for a seasonal license plate
• Vehicle license plates; applying for a replacement in the event of theft, loss or illegibility