Vehicle license plates; applying for a short-term license plate

If you want to test drive or transfer a vehicle that is not registered, you can apply for a temporary license plate. It begins with the identification number "03" or "04". This license plate can be used once and loses its validity after the registered period has expired.

The license plate is valid for a maximum of five calendar days (including the day of allocation by the registration authority). It is not possible to specify a different start date for the period of validity. Please take this into account, especially when applying before a weekend or public holiday.

Via the online service of the button "Appointment booking for driver's license and vehicle registration authority" you will be forwarded directly to the page where you can select your request and book an appointment.

You will find the following documents in the Forms section:

• Power of attorney (vehicle registration by third parties).
• Applications for tax exemption/reduction.
• Declaration of consent for vehicle registration in a civil law partnership (GbR).

You will also find links to the "Customs" and "Vehicle registration" pages.

• The vehicle must already be known when the short-term license plate is allocated.
• An operating license and a valid main inspection/safety test must be available.
• It must also be in a roadworthy condition.

Vehicles without an operating license and/or a valid main inspection/safety test are issued license plates for the journeys required for the purchase.

• Declaration of consent for vehicle registration in a civil law partnership (GbR)
• Motor vehicle. Registration - Power of attorney

  For the registration of a motor vehicle.

The short-term license plate fee is EUR 13.10.

Plus the fee charged by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (EUR 2.60) and for document seals used (EUR 0.30 each). The registration authority may also charge for any postage costs incurred.

• § Section 42 Ordinance on the Registration of Vehicles for Road Traffic (Vehicle Registration Ordinance - FZV)

  Test drives and transfer journeys with short-term license plates

• Electronic insurance confirmation (eVB)
• Questions and answers on the allocation of short-term license plates from April 1, 2015 - Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs
• Vehicle registration topic page

  Central information page of the vehicle registration authority

• Tax concessions/exemptions Motor vehicle tax for private individuals

  Customs Online - Information and applications for vehicle tax for private individuals

• Customs

  Information on importing vehicles and vehicle tax

You must submit the application to the registration authority at your main place of residence, place of business or place of the participating branch or location. You can also authorize a representative (e.g. car dealer) to do this with your written power of attorney.

If an application form is required, you can obtain it in advance from the licensing authority and fill it out at home. Depending on the services offered by your licensing authority, a download form or an online service is available via the Internet.

You can find information about the licensing authorities under "Further links".

You will receive a special vehicle registration certificate from the registration authority. The license plate can only be used on one vehicle.

Tip: You can have the license plates produced during the registration process. To do this, you can contact private providers, which are usually located near the registration authorities.

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