Apply for a transfer number plate

  • Service description

    You may apply for a transfer registration number for two motor vehicles of the same type as follows

    • Motor vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers, with no more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat (category M1)
    • Motorcycles and light quadricycles (Class L vehicles)
    • Trailers with a maximum authorised mass of up to 750 kg (Class O1)

    So, for example, you can apply for a transferable registration number for two cars, or one car and one motorhome, or two motorbikes, or two light trailers.

    You cannot use the interchangeable registration plate for two vehicles of different categories, such as a car and a motorbike.

    Of the vehicles registered with interchangeable number plates, one or both may also be classic cars. In such cases, the letter ‘H’ from the classic car number plate is displayed on the vehicle-specific part of the interchangeable number plate. The same applies to vehicles authorised to carry an ‘E’ number plate. The restriction to the same number plate sizes ensures that the rear number plates are illuminated in accordance with the regulations.

    The interchangeable number plate consists of two parts: one part that remains attached to the vehicle, and an additional clip-on part which authorises the vehicle for use on the road. The identification numbers of an interchangeable number plate are identical except for the last digit. The last digit of the vehicle’s registration number is displayed on the vehicle-specific part of the number plate. The remainder of the interchangeable number plate’s registration number is displayed on the interchangeable part.

  • Procedure

    • Have an additional licence plate made for the number plate allocated to your vehicle if you intend to drive the vehicle or order it to be driven even if its rear licence plate is partially or completely obscured by a load carrier or load you are carrying.
    • As soon as this situation arises, mount the repeat licence plate on the vehicle or load carrier.
    • You can simply order your repeat licence plate online or from the signmaker.
  • Prerequisites

    • Vehicles must be in the same class.
    • It must be possible to fit the number plate to both vehicles using the same dimensions.
  • Which documents are required?

    No documents are required.

  • What fees are incurred?

    There are no fees.

  • What deadlines do I have to observe?

    There is no deadline.

  • Processing time

    There is no processing time.

  • Legal basis

  • Applications / Forms

    • Forms available: No, not required
    • Written form required: No
    • Informal application possible: No
    • Personal appearance required: No
    • Online services available: No
  • Remarks

    The licence plate on the bike carrier must look exactly like a normal licence plate. The specified fonts must therefore be used as well as the font sizes that are permitted for a normal licence plate. The characters must be black on a white background, the DIN licence plate needs a black border.

  • Issuing body

    Hessian Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Areas


Responsible departments