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
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.
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.