Registering a car: documents, costs, online registration and deadlines
Registering a car costs around 30 euros at the office, about 13 euros online via i-Kfz, plus 20 to 30 euros for the plates. You need your ID, the eVB number, registration certificates part I and II, a SEPA mandate for the vehicle tax and, for used cars, proof of inspection.
As of: July 2026
Which documents do I need to register a car?
To register a used car the office requires a valid ID card or passport, the eVB number of your liability insurance, registration certificates part I and part II, proof of a valid roadworthiness inspection and a SEPA mandate for the vehicle tax. If someone else registers the car for you, add a power of attorney.
- ID card or passport
- eVB number of the car liability insurance
- Registration certificate part I
- Registration certificate part II
- Proof of valid roadworthiness inspection
- SEPA direct debit mandate for the vehicle tax
How much does it cost to register a car?
Registration costs around 30 euros at the office, the fully digital i-Kfz registration about 13 euros (as of July 2026). Add 20 to 30 euros for plate embossing and a good 10 euros extra for a personalised plate. Fees differ slightly by registration district.
| Registration on site | around 30 euros |
| Online registration (i-Kfz) | around 13 euros |
| Plate embossing | 20 to 30 euros per pair |
| Personalised plate | a good 10 euros extra |
How do I register a car online (i-Kfz)?
Online registration runs through the i-Kfz portal of your registration authority. You need an ID card with the online function (eID) activated including PIN, the registration certificates with uncovered security codes, an eVB number and an IBAN for the vehicle tax. After the digital confirmation you may drive up to 10 days with unstamped plates.
How fast must I re-register a purchased car?
Without delay: registration offices expect the transfer to the new keeper within about a week after the purchase, otherwise a warning fine looms. Until re-registration the car stays covered via the seller policy, which temporarily transfers to you automatically.
Can I keep the plate, and what does the transfer cost?
Yes: thanks to nationwide plate portability you can keep the existing plate on a change of keeper, even across registration districts. The transfer with plate takeover costs around 17 euros, with a new plate around 27 euros plus embossing (as of July 2026).
General information without guarantee, no legal advice for individual cases. Fees and procedures vary by registration office and insurer.