Apply for a change of vehicle licence plate (change of registration number)

Teaser

If you wish to change your vehicle's licence plate number, you can apply for this at your local registration authority.

  • Service description

    When the registration authority registers your vehicle, it assigns it a licence plate number. The licence plate consists of

    • a distinguishing sign for the administrative district and
    • a combination of letters and numbers relating to the individual vehicle.

    You must affix the allocated licence plate combination to a licence plate and stamp it with the registration authority's stamp sticker. You can have the plates stamped by a plate stamping company, which is usually located in the vicinity of the licensing authority. Alternatively, you can order the plates from an online shop of your choice.

    As a rule, you must attach licence plates to the front and rear of the vehicle. If you want to design or attach your licence plate in such a way that it deviates from the rule, this must be legally permissible or entered in the registration certificate Part I.

    The licence plate is used to identify the owner of the vehicle. You are not allowed to drive on public roads if you do not have a licence plate attached to your vehicle.

    The registration authority can change the allocated licence plate ex officio or upon application. For this purpose, it can order the presentation of the previous stamped licence plates for de-stamping and the presentation of the vehicle.

    If you apply for a different licence plate, the registration authority will assign a different licence plate combination to your vehicle.

    If you have lost a licence plate, you must also obtain a new licence plate combination from the relevant registration authority. In this case, the previous combination will be put on the wanted list.

  • Procedure

    You can only change the licence plate number for your vehicle in person at your local registration authority:

    • You will be allocated a different licence plate combination at the counter.
    • With this allocation, you can have the licence plates produced by a plate embossing company, which is usually located near your registration authority.
    • Alternatively, you can order the signs from an online shop of your choice.
    • The plates are then affixed to the licence plates by the registration authority. Finally, attach the licence plates firmly to the vehicle in the designated position.

  • Responsible office

    Local competent licensing authority

  • What fees are incurred?

    Fees of at least €27.60 and any expenses will be charged.

    The fees are standardised nationwide in the "Fee schedule for road traffic measures".

    You will also incur the cost of purchasing the licence plates.

  • What deadlines do I have to observe?

    There is no time limit for re-labelling at your own request.

  • Processing time

    Re-labelling is usually possible at short notice if all requirements are met.

  • Legal basis

  • Legal remedy

    Lawsuit

  • Applications / Forms

    Applications are available from the local licensing authority.

  • What else should I know?

    The following information is available:

    You may not move or park your vehicle in public areas without a licence plate. This also applies in the event that your licence plate is stolen.

    The licence plates must not be reflective, covered or dirty and must be attached to the vehicle in accordance with the legal requirements.

    Contact your local vehicle registration authority if you would like to know which licence plate combinations are blocked.

  • Short text

    • Licensing authority assigns licence plates
    • The change is made on request at the counter
    • Allocated licence plate must be affixed to the licence plate and stamped with the stamp sticker of the registration authority
    • Embossing of the signs:
      • Company for sign embossing
      • Online shop
    • As a rule, licence plates must be attached to the front and rear of the vehicle
    • Deviations in the design or affixing of licence plates must be
      • be legally permissible or
      • Be entered in registration certificate I
    • The licence plate serves to identify the owner of the vehicle
    • It is not permitted to drive on public roads without a licence plate attached to the vehicle
    • Licensing authority can change allocated licence plate ex officio or on request
    • If the holder applies for a different licence plate, the vehicle will be allocated a different licence plate combination; the same applies if a licence plate is lost
    • There are exceptions for motorbikes and trailers, for example

  • Further information

  • Issuing body

    State editorial office Baden-Württemberg, Ministry of Transport Baden-Württemberg

    Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal

  • Typing

    3b

  • Library entry status

    6

Responsible departments