If the owner’s information for a motor vehicle changes—for example, due to a change of residence or business address, sale, gift, etc.—you are required to update the owner and vehicle information with the registration authority. If you move or there is a change in ownership within Germany, you may keep the existing license plate (for a registered vehicle). However, you may also apply for a license plate from the new registration district.

A license plate that you have retained upon moving or changing ownership to a different registration district cannot be reissued to you after the vehicle has been taken out of service.

For more information, contact your local registration authority; see “Further Links.”

When a license plate is assigned as part of the registration process, you are generally assigned a combination of letters and numbers over which you have no control. 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 personalized license plate for a fee.

Transfer of ownership and re-registration can also be completed online. You can access these online procedures on your registration authority’s portal, where you’ll also find additional information.

Information about the registration authorities’ online procedures can also be found under “Related Links.”