Vehicle registration, registration of imported vehicles from abroad

The following information applies to vehicles that have been imported from abroad and for which no German vehicle documents (registration certificate parts I and II) have yet been issued. With the registration you will receive, among other things, a license plate for your vehicle and may then only move it in traffic as soon as the license plates are firmly attached to the car. Approval takes place in Hamburg at the Landesbetrieb Verkehr (LBV). In addition, the tax and insurance obligation for the vehicle begins and you, as the keeper, have to pay the vehicle taxes and the vehicle insurance.
New vehicles

The following documents must be available for admission:

  • a valid identity card or passport with a current confirmation of registration from the vehicle owner
  • the EEC certificate of conformity (CoC paper) from the manufacturer, the data confirmation from the manufacturer or an expert opinion according to § 13 EG-FGV (EG-Fahrzeuggenehmigungsverordnung)
  • a declaration by the seller that a registration certificate has not yet been issued or the original foreign registration documents
  • Right of disposal, e.g. original purchase contract
  • the electronic insurance confirmation as an eVB code (available from motor vehicle insurance)
  • a declaration of consent from all legal guardians for persons who are not fully legally competent
  • a SEPA combined mandate in the original for the collection of vehicle tax by direct debit (form can be found under Services and Links)
    If the tax is not to be paid by the keeper himself, but by a so-called third party willing to pay, a copy of the ID of the third party willing to pay is required.
  • if necessary a clearance certificate from customs (if outside the EU)
  • the appointment confirmation
Additionally, if an authorized representative submits the application:
  • the legibly completed power of attorney in the original with the legible color copy of the identity of the principal
  • the authorized representative's ID in the original

Companies or associations must also submit the following documents:

  • proof of company / association (e.g. an extract from the commercial register or an extract from the association's register)
Additionally, if an authorized representative submits the application:
  • the legibly completed power of attorney in the original with the legible color copy of the ID of the person authorized to act
  • the authorized representative's ID in the original

Used vehicles

The following documents must be available for admission:

  • a valid identity card or passport with a current confirmation of registration from the vehicle owner
  • the EEC certificate of conformity (CoC certificate) from the manufacturer, the data confirmation from the manufacturer or an expert opinion according to § 21 StVZO (Road Traffic Licensing Regulations)
  • the original vehicle documents from abroad (including an official translation, if applicable)
  • the foreign license plates, provided the vehicle is still registered
  • the electronic insurance confirmation as an eVB code (available from motor vehicle insurance)
  • a declaration of consent from all legal guardians for persons who are not fully legally competent
  • Proof of the valid general inspection (TÜV; if the vehicle is more than three years old)
  • a SEPA combined mandate in the original for the collection of vehicle tax by direct debit (form can be found under Services and Links)
    If the tax is not to be paid by the keeper himself, but by a so-called third party willing to pay, a copy of the ID of the third party willing to pay is required.
  • if necessary a clearance certificate from customs (if outside the EU)
  • a right of disposal (e.g. purchase contract, certificate of inheritance, donation contract) in the original
  • the appointment confirmation
Additionally, if an authorized representative submits the application:
  • the legibly completed power of attorney in the original with the legible color copy of the identity of the principal
  • the authorized representative's ID in the original

Companies or associations must also submit the following documents:

  • proof of company / association (e.g. an extract from the commercial register or an extract from the association's register)
Additionally, if an authorized representative submits the application:
  • the legibly completed power of attorney in the original with the legible color copy of the ID of the person authorized to act
  • the authorized representative's ID in the original

Preconditions

Admission to the LBV is only possible if the main residence under registration law is in Hamburg or, in the case of companies, the company location is in Hamburg.

In addition, the vehicle must comply with the building and operating regulations of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO).

Hints

The foreign signs and registration documents will be confiscated upon registration in Hamburg. The applicant receives a certificate of this. The holder is recommended to take care of deregistration in their country of origin.

The LBV reserves the right to check the identity of the vehicle in individual cases. For this purpose, the vehicle may have to be presented.
If the keeper and owner of the vehicle are not identical (as is the case with leasing vehicles, for example), the LBV must be informed of whom the vehicle is to be registered for.

Registration without existing vehicle papers: If a vehicle is bought abroad without papers, you have to get confirmation from the last license plate authority abroad, stating the vehicle identification number (VIN), that there are no negative findings about the vehicle, that no new papers have been issued there and there are no concerns about approval in Germany. Otherwise the vehicle is generally not eligible.

Appointment booking
Appointments are booked via the LBV. Proceed as follows here:
1. Visit the website to book an appointment (see link below) and select under the service group registration, private customers the service registration of a brand new vehicle from abroad or registration of a used vehicle from abroad .  
2. Use the location selection to display appointments at a specific location.
3. After selecting the location, use the calendar displayed to select a free appointment (date and time).
4. Now enter your name and your e-mail address for booking.
5. You will receive an email. Please confirm the appointment booking.

Please bring the appointment confirmation that you will receive with you to the appointment.

Related Links

  • LBV vehicle registration
  • LBV-Mobil
  • LBV appointment bookings
  • LBV desired license plate
  • SEPA vehicle tax mandate
  • LBV authorization power of attorney
  • LBV customs clearance certificate
  • List of EU countries
  • LBV, SEPA mandate for vehicle tax
  • State Office for Transport (contact details)

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