A motor vehicle that was first put on the road thirty years or more ago, i.e. was registered, may be driven with a red license plate exclusively for the purpose of participating in events that serve the presentation of vintage vehicles and the preservation of motor vehicle cultural assets in accordance with the provisions of § 43 of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV).

It is also possible to carry out test and transfer drives. The license plates are also allocated for use on different vehicles. As with dealer license plates, a maximum of two plates are issued per identification number.

A special vehicle registration certificate is filled out for the vehicles by the registration authority if the requirements are met. When carrying out such journeys, the vehicle must comply with the provisions of the StVZO, but does not require registration and therefore no operating license. The vehicle is also not subject to regular vehicle monitoring. Before the vehicle license is issued, an expert opinion in accordance with § 23 StVZO on the classic car status must be submitted. Red license plates for classic cars are issued on a personal basis.

This must be distinguished from the registration of an individual vehicle with a historic license plate (H license plate). Such a vehicle must also have been registered for the first time at least 30 years ago, but requires an operating license in addition to the expert opinion in accordance with Section 23 StVZO.

A vehicle registered in this way also serves to maintain the vehicle's cultural heritage, but has no restrictions with regard to its intended use. The vehicle is also subject to regular vehicle inspections.

Once a vehicle has received an H license plate for the first time, applications can also be submitted digitally for all subsequent registration processes.

You can access the internet-based processes on the portal of your registration authority. You will also find further information there.

Information on the online procedures of the registration authorities can be found under "Further links".