Motor vehicle – Applying to re-register following a move
If the owner of a vehicle moves their place of residence to a different registration district, they must, without delay,
-
- apply to the registration authority responsible for the new place of residence for the issue of a new number plate, a new Part I registration certificate and the amendment of the details in Part II of the registration certificate, or
-
- notify the registration authority responsible for the new place of residence that the existing number plate is to be retained, and submit Registration Certificate Part I for amendment.
The same applies in the event of a business relocation.
However, if your current number plates still bear solid-material stickers, you will need new number plates with new stamped stickers.
Note: If you intendto deregister your vehicle online in future, you will in any case require a new Part I registration certificate and new stamp stickers.
Forms/Online Services
Responsible authority
the licensing authority in whose district you have your main residence, place of business or branch
The registration authority is
- for an urban district: the city council
- for a rural district: the district administration
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
The requirements for registering the vehicle are:
- You have already re-registered your address with your new local authority. Further
- You must not have any outstanding fees or charges from previous registration procedures. If you have outstanding payments of more than EUR 30.00, the registration authority may not register your vehicle until you have settled these. If the amount is less than EUR 30.00, the registration authority may decide whether or not to register the vehicle anyway.
- You must not have any outstanding motor vehicle tax debts of EUR 5.00 or more. Late payment penalties, interest andlate payment surcharges are alsotaken into account when calculating the amount.
- If you are acting through a representative, you must provide that person with a written power of attorney. This must also include a declaration of consent allowing the registration authority to inform the authorised person of any outstanding fees and charges. Your representative must also be able to provide proof of identity.
Procedure
You or your representative must re-register the vehicle with the relevant registration authority.
Depending on the services offered by your registration authority, you can either download a form or use an online service via the internet.
The registration authority may require you to present the vehicle.
If the vehicle was last registered in your name in a different registration district, you may continue to use your existing number plates on the vehicle nationwide even after re-registration.
This also applies also applies to seasonal number plates, which may only be used for a specific period of operation. Please inform the new registration authority of this when re-registering the vehicle.
If you had taken the vehicle off the road and reserved the number plates for re-registration, it is not possible to transfer them to another administrative district.
If your vehicle has a particulate matter sticker, it will become invalid due to the new number plates. If you wish to drive in low-emission zones and do not have an exemption, you should also apply for a new particulate matter sticker when re-registering the vehicle. An existing particulate matter sticker for a number plate that you are taking with you when you move will remain valid.
Deadlines
Immediately after the change of address has been registered.
Required documents
- a valid identity card or passport; a residence permit must be presented together with a valid national passport
- if represented by another person: additionally
- written power of attorney
- a valid identity card or passport of the authorised person
- In the case of minors: additionally, a declaration of consent and identity documents of the legal guardians
- For legal entities or companies:
- an extract from the commercial register or
- business registration certificate or
- an extract from the register of associations
- Vehicle registration certificate, Part I, or old vehicle registration document
If you are re-registering your vehicle from a different registration district: additionally
- where applicable, an electronic insurance certificate (eVB). Please check in advance with your local registration authority whether your current insurance status can be verified.
- Declaration regarding the collection of motor vehicle tax (SEPA direct debit mandate)
- Previous number plates, if you
- wish to obtain new stamp stickers for online de-registration, or
- require new number plates for technical reasons, for example because you had solid-material number plates or the plates are no longer legible, or
- wish to have a new number plate combination.
If you wish to obtain number plates from the new competent administrative district: additionally
- Part II of the registration certificate or the old vehicle registration document
- Proof of a valid general inspection (HU) in the form of the most recent HU report, if
- the vehicle is more than three years old or
- the vehicle was previously registered as a hire car, taxi or similar, or
- if the next general inspection date is not shown on the Certificate of Registration, Part I.
- Booking confirmation, if you have applied in advance for a personalised number plate with the new competent registration authority.
Please note: You will always need proof of a valid general inspection (HU) if a new Part I registration certificate needs to be issued or if number plates need to be stamped.
Costs
- Fees are set in accordance with the Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOst).
Miscellaneous
The Federal Customs Administration is responsible for the taxation of motor vehicles:
Further information and forms on the subject of ‘motor vehicle tax’
Legal basis
- § 13 Mitteilungspflichten bei Änderungen
- § 1 Verweigerung der Zulassung
- § 13 Feststellung der Besteuerungsgrundlagen, Nachweis der Besteuerung
Gebührenordnung für Maßnahmen im Straßenverkehr (GebOSt)
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Verkehrsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 05.08.2026