Vehicle licence plates or stickers - replace if illegible or damaged
You need a replacement if
- Your licence plate is damaged or illegible or
- a sticker (stamp sticker or inspection sticker) has become detached from the licence plate or is damaged in such a way that the security code becomes legible.
Responsible authority
the licensing authority in whose district you have your main residence, place of business or branch office
The registration authority is
- for a city district: the city administration
- for a rural district: the district administration
Details
Prerequisite
Your licence plate or sticker is illegible or damaged.
Procedure
Present the "old" licence plates to the responsible registration authority.
In most cases, they will change the licence plates or stickers directly on site.
Tip: If you need new licence plates, you can contact private providers Providers. You will usually find these near the registration authority.
Deadlines
Immediately
Required documents
- valid identity card or passport
- by proxy: additionally
- written power of attorney
- valid identity card or passport of the authorised person
- for minors: additional declaration of consent and identity documents of the legal guardian
- for legal entities or companies:
- Extract from the commercial register or
- Business registration or
- Extract from the register of associations
- Registration certificate part I (formerly: vehicle licence)
- if the due date of the next general inspection (HU) cannot be found in the registration certificate part I: Proof of a valid general inspection by means of the last general inspection report
- previous or previous licence plate number
Note: If you have taken a licence plate from another administrative district, you must present all licence plates attached to the vehicle for stamping.
Costs
depending on administrative costs: from EUR 0.50
Note: There are additional costs for the licence plates.
Processing time
usually immediately
Miscellaneous
You may not move or park your vehicle in public areas without a licence plate. This also applies in the event that your licence plate is stolen.
The licence plates must not be mirrored, covered or dirty and must be attached to the vehicle in accordance with the legal requirements.
Legal basis
Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung (FZV):
- § 12 Ausgestaltung und Anbringung der Kennzeichen
Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungsverordnung (StVZO):
- § 29 Untersuchung der Kraftfahrzeuge und Anhänger
Gebührenordnung für Maßnahmen im Straßenverkehr (GebOSt)
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Verkehrsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 10.04.2026