The final step: number plates, vehicle tax and documents — all in one visit to the Zulassungsstelle. Driving without registration is illegal.
✓ Verified: 15/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
What is it and when to act?
Zulassung is the official registration of the vehicle in your name. Driving before registration (other than with transit plates) is illegal: fine from €70 plus 1 point. Complete the Zulassung within the first few days of purchase — as soon as you have the eVB code and, if required, the HU certificate.
Where and what does it cost?
Only at the Zulassungsstelle for your registered address. Book an appointment online in advance — queues in major cities without an appointment can run to 2–3 hours. Number plates are made at a plate-maker booth in or next to the building (nearby services are often faster and cheaper).
Common mistakes
Relying on an old eVB code. For private individuals the eVB is single-use and typically valid for around 6 months — if it’s already been used once (say, for a different car) or was issued too long ago, it won’t be accepted at registration. Request a fresh eVB shortly before your appointment.
Forgetting to order the Umweltplakette (emissions sticker). Unlike the plates, it isn’t issued automatically — you need to request it separately, even if you do so during the same registration visit.
Showing up with an outdated address on your Personalausweis. After a recent move, an ID card with the old address isn’t enough — you’ll also need a current Meldebescheinigung confirming your registered address.
I arrived with Teil II (Brief) but without Teil I (Schein) — the seller had accidentally kept it. The Zulassungsstelle turned me away: Teil I is needed to deregister the previous owner. I had to come back the next day. Check both documents (Brief = Teil II, Schein = Teil I) at the key handover.
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I didn't sign the SEPA mandate on the spot, thinking I'd pay the Kfz-Steuer later. Two months later I received a Säumniszuschlag (late payment surcharge). Kfz-Steuer runs from the registration date; the SEPA mandate is the only accepted payment method at registration.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What documents are needed for registration?▾
Personalausweis (or passport + Meldebescheinigung); Fahrzeugbrief (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II) — original; Fahrzeugschein (Teil I) — if the car was previously registered; eVB code from your insurer; valid HU certificate if applicable. The SEPA mandate for vehicle tax is signed on the spot.
How much does registration cost?▾
Admin fee: from €26 (re-registration) to €50 (new registration including plates). Number plates: €20–30 at the plate-maker inside or near the building. Kfz-Steuer is calculated based on engine size and emissions class and is debited annually by SEPA.
Can I register online?▾
Partially — via the i-Kfz portal if you have an eID-enabled Personalausweis (chip + PIN). Not available in all regions. Number plates must always be picked up in person or ordered by courier. Check your local Zulassungsstelle website.