You can apply for re-registration (in the event of a change of owner) online or in person at your local registration authority.

Applying in person:

• Find out from your local registration authority whether a form is available for download. Ask which documents you need for the procedure.
• Go to your local registration authority with the completed form and the required documents.
• If you would like to keep the existing license plate on your vehicle, you can do so nationwide. If you do not wish to make use of the license plate transfer, you can continue to apply for a preferred license plate.
  • Tip: If you need new license plates, you can turn to private providers. You will usually find these near the registration authority
• When a new license plate is issued, the registration authority will affix the sticker (main inspection and new stamp sticker) to your new license plate.
• If your vehicle has a fine dust sticker, it will become invalid due to the new license plates. If you want to drive in environmental zones and do not have a special permit, you should also apply for a new fine dust sticker when you re-register.

Online procedure:

• Go to the online portal of your local registration authority.
• Identify yourself there with your new electronic ID card (nPA) or electronic residence permit (eAT) with activated online ID function.
• Enter the necessary data in the application mask of the portal.
• Pay the fees using the e-payment system (payment methods vary depending on the responsible registration authority).
• If previous license plates are retained:
  • The application is automatically checked in real time.
  • The registration certificate is immediately made available online and can be retrieved within 30 minutes.
  • Your vehicle is re-registered when you retrieve the registration certificate. You can put it into operation.
  • Print out the registration certificate and keep it in your vehicle until you receive the registration certificate Part I.
  • You will receive the registration certificate part I and II as well as an information letter from your registration authority by post.
• If you are applying for new license plates:
  • The application will be checked by a clerk.
  • You will receive the registration certificate and fee notice, registration certificate Part I and II, the stamp stickers and the sticker for the main inspection (HU) for affixing to the license plate by post from the registration authority.
  • Your vehicle is then re-registered. Once you have received the registration documents, you can put the vehicle into operation.

If you apply in person at the licensing authority, the application is usually processed immediately.