Apply for an export number plate
If you wish to transfer a vehicle abroad, you may sometimes need an export number plate. This applies in the following cases:
Your vehicle is
- subject to registration but not yet registered, or
- exempt from registration but required to have a number plate, yet does not yet have one
This applies regardless of whether you are
- under its own power or
- as a trailer.
With the export number plate, you will receive vehicle documents and, if required, an international registration certificate. The export number plate is valid for a maximum of one year, and the vehicle must have a valid general inspection during this period. Both are valid for a limited period for the purpose of transporting the vehicle.
You can obtain the export number plate from your local vehicle registration authority.
Responsible authority
the registration authority in whose district you have your main residence, business premises or branch, or the registration authority for the location of the vehicle. If you are not registered in Germany, the authority responsible is that of the place of residence or place of stay of an authorised representative. The registration authority is,
- for a city district: the city council
- for a rural district: the district administration.
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
- You wish to permanently register your vehicle abroad.
- Your vehicle is
- subject to registration but not registered, or
- exempt from registration but requires a number plate and does not have an allocated number plate.
- valid third-party liability insurance in accordance with the Act on Third-Party Liability Insurance for Foreign Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Trailers
- You must not have any outstanding fees or charges from previous registration procedures. If you have outstanding payments of more than EUR 30.00,theregistration authoritymaynot register your vehicle until you have settled these. If the amount is less than EUR 30.00,theregistration authoritymaydecide whether or not to register the vehicle anyway.
- You must not have any outstanding motor vehicle tax debts of five euros or more. Late payment penalties, interest and late payment surcharges are alsotaken into accountwhen calculating the amount.
- The vehicle must have a valid certificate of the general inspection (HU) . If thedue date for the general inspection fallsbeforethe expiry oftheexport registration, you must submit the inspection report from an officially recognised inspection organisation regarding the new general inspection.
Procedure
You or your representative must apply to the relevant registration authority for the issue of an export number plate. Depending on the services offered by your registration authority, you can either download a form or use an online service.
The registration authority may require you to present the vehicle.
If the vehicle was previously registered, the registration will be cancelledswill de-register the previous number plates. You will then be issued with the export number plate for the duration of your third-party liability insurance, up to a maximum of one year.
Deadlines
- Validity period: 1 day(s) – 1 year(s)
Required documents
- A valid identity card or passport (a residence permit need only be presented in conjunction with a valid national passport)
- if represented by a proxy: additionally
- written power of attorney
- Declaration of consent stating that information regarding vehicle tax liabilities or outstanding fees may be disclosed.
- Valid identity card or passport of the authorised representative
- In the case of minors: additionally, a declaration of consent and identity documents of the legal guardians
- In the case of legal entities or companies:
- an extract from the commercial register or
- business registration certificate or
- an extract from the register of associations
- Declaration regarding the collection of motor vehicle tax (SEPA direct debit mandate)
- Registration certificate, Part I (formerly vehicle registration document)
- Registration certificate, Part II (formerly the vehicle title; where applicable, a confirmation of deregistration issued before 1 October 2005)
- Insurance certificate for vehicles intended for export
- Proof of a valid general inspection (HU), if the vehicle is more than three years old or was previously registered as a hire car, taxi or similar, for the entire duration of the export registration. This must be provided by the most recent HU report or as recorded in the Certificate of Registration Part I.
- For owners resident abroad, a confirmation of residence is required if the foreign address is not stated on the identity document
Notes: People with severe disabilities who have the code ‘H’, ‘BI’ or ‘aG’ on their severe disability card remain exempt from motor vehicle tax. They do not need to provide a direct debit authorisation.
You can obtain the insurance certificate for motor vehicle third-party liability insurance from the insurer of your choice. In most cases, you can request this by telephone. The insurer will be notified automatically.
Costs
Fees are set in accordance with the Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOst).
Miscellaneous
If you have been issued with an export number plate, you are liable for the duration of its validity (at least one month)u. To do so, you must either use a German bank account with a SEPA direct debit mandate, or, alternatively, pay the tax in advance at the relevant main customs office.
Since February 2014, the Federal Customs Administration has been responsible for the taxation of motor vehicles. Information and forms relating to ‘motor vehicle tax’ can be found on the Customs Administration’s website.
Legal basis
Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung (FZV):
- § 45 Fahrten zur dauerhaften Verbringung eines Fahrzeuges in das Ausland
Gebührenordnung für Maßnahmen um Straßenverkehr (GebOst)
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Verkehrsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 18.06.2026