If you want to buy or take over a vehicle that is still registered to another owner, it must be re-registered in your name. Throughout Germany, you have the option of retaining the previous license plates on the vehicle.
You must re-register your already registered vehicle immediately at the local registration office in whose district you have your:
- Main residence,
- place of business or
- your branch office.
If you do not wish to make use of the license plate transfer, you still have the option of applying for a new license plate. There is an additional charge for a special license plate.
If your vehicle has a fine dust sticker, this may become invalid due to new license plates. If you want to drive in low emission zones and do not have a special permit, you should also apply for a new fine dust sticker when re-registering.
Note: Vehicles can be registered to private individuals and legal entities or companies as vehicle owners, i.e. also to:
- Companies,
- authorities or
- associations.
