Applying for the first registration of a vehicle from a third country (new registration)

Teaser

Have you purchased a vehicle outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) and would like to use it within Germany? Then you must apply for a German road traffic licence.

  • Service description

    If you have purchased a used vehicle in a country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you need a licence to use it on German roads.

    Your vehicle is considered a used vehicle if it was already registered in the country of origin and therefore had at least one previous owner.

    You or your representative can apply for registration at the local vehicle registration authority.

    Vehicles with EC type approval comply with the European directives for the approval of vehicles, their components and systems. If you can present a certificate of conformity for the EC type approval, the so-called CoC document, this simplifies the approval process.

    The licence allows you to drive the vehicle on public roads and park it in public areas.

    All newly registered or re-registered vehicles receive a licence plate with a Euro field. You have the option of reserving a licence plate of your choice for the vehicle if it is free and available.

  • Prerequisites

    • The vehicle has an EU type approval or the foreign vehicle documents and expert reports for obtaining the operating licence.
    • You must be able to provide proof of a valid main inspection for the vehicle.
    • The vehicle fulfils the other requirements of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) and the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO).
    • You must provide bank details and be able to agree to a SEPA direct debit procedure in the event of a tax liability.

  • Which documents are required?

    To apply for authorisation, you will need all the required documents in the original or as a certified copy:

    • completed application for authorisation
    • Identity card or passport with registration certificate
    • Declaration of authorisation to receive documents if you are not resident in Germany
    • SEPA direct debit mandate for vehicle tax
    • Foreign vehicle documents, purchase contract or import certificate
    • Full certificate from a technical testing centre with technical data sheet in accordance with the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), not older than 18 months
      • if the expert opinion identifies deviations from the legal requirements: Special authorisation
    • COC paper (Certificate of Conformity; EC Certificate of Conformity) or data confirmation from the vehicle manufacturer
    • Customs clearance certificate or proof of customs clearance
    • Electronic insurance confirmation (eVB) as proof from the insurance company that the vehicle is covered by third-party liability insurance
    • Proof of a valid general inspection in accordance with the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO)
      • Alternatively: foreign test report in German that complies with EU requirements
    • foreign registration certificate
    • foreign licence plate
      • As a rule, the licence plate is returned to you so that you can deregister your vehicle in your country of origin if necessary.

    When companies apply for authorisation, they also need

    • Business registration or extract from the commercial register and personal documents of the authorised representatives

    If clubs apply for authorisation, they also need a licence:

    • Extract from the register of associations and personal documents of the authorised representatives

    If another person is applying for the licence on your behalf, they will also need a licence:

    • informal written power of attorney, including personal documents of the person granting the power of attorney and the authorised person

  • Legal basis

  • Legal remedy

    Lawsuit

  • Short text

    • First registration of a vehicle Issue from a third country
    • Registration of a vehicle that was already registered in a country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)
    • COC paper (Certificate of Conformity) for EC type approval simplifies the approval process
    • Authorisation is subject to a fee
    • Licensing authority issues the stamped registration documents and issues licence plates
    • Authorisation entitled:
      • to participate in road traffic with the vehicle
      • for parking the vehicle in public areas
    • Application can be made in person or by proxy
    • Responsible: local licensing authority

  • Issuing body

    Forwarding service: Deep link to the source portal Forwarding service: Deep link to the source portal

  • Typing

    3

  • Library entry status

    6

Responsible departments