If the owner details of a motor vehicle change, for example due to a change of residence or place of business, sale, donation, etc., you are obliged to have the owner and vehicle details updated by the registration authority. If you move or change the owner within Germany, you can keep the previous license plate (for a registered vehicle). However, you can also apply for a license plate from the new registration district.

A license plate that you have transferred to another registration district when you move or change the holder cannot be reassigned after the vehicle has been taken out of service.

Further information can be obtained from your local registration authority under "Further links".

When you are allocated a license plate number as part of the registration procedure, you are generally allocated a combination of letters and numbers over which you have no influence. However, if you would like a specific combination of letters and numbers (e.g. your initials or year of birth), you can apply for a special license plate for a fee.

Transfers and re-registrations can also be carried out online. 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 also be found under "Further links".