Transferring a car after purchase: options, costs, order of steps
A purchased car gets home in four legal ways: with a temporary plate (usually 60 to 130 euros in total), on the seller plates while still registered, on a trailer, or via a transfer service from about 150 euros. Without plates and insurance it must not drive a single metre on its own wheels.
As of: July 2026
Car bought: what do I do now, in which order?
After the purchase this order applies: first take out car insurance and get the eVB number, then settle the way home (temporary plate, seller plates, trailer or transport service), transfer the car, and then register it to you without delay, usually within a week.
- Take out car insurance and receive the eVB number, done online in minutes
- Choose the transfer route: temporary plate, registered seller plates, trailer or transfer service
- Bring the car home
- Registration or transfer of ownership at the office, usually within a week
May I drive a purchased car home without plates?
No: an unregistered car must not be driven on public roads on its own wheels. You face a fine of at least 70 euros, and without liability insurance the drive is even a criminal offence under the compulsory insurance act. Legal options are temporary plates, registered plates, a trailer or a transport service.
May I drive home on the seller plates?
Yes, as long as the car is still registered to the seller and the seller explicitly agrees. Put the transfer drive into the purchase contract and take all vehicle documents with you. In an accident the seller liability insurance covers the damage but may hurt their no-claims class; re-register promptly afterwards.
Temporary plate or export plate: which one do I need?
For drives within Germany the temporary plate with the yellow edge is intended: valid at most 5 days, not extendable. For permanent export abroad there is the export plate with the red edge, valid between 15 days and one year, with its own insurance and registration fees.
| Temporary plate | yellow edge, at most 5 days, drives within Germany |
| Export plate | red edge, 15 days to 1 year, permanent export abroad |
What does a professional car transfer cost?
A professional transfer service costs 150 to 1,000 euros depending on distance and method (as of July 2026): short distances from about 150 euros, medium distances up to 500 kilometres often 300 to 600 euros; a driver on the car own wheels is cheaper than a transporter. If you drive yourself, you only pay plates and fuel.
Can I pick the car up with a trailer?
Yes, the trailer is the only way without any plates and without a valid inspection, because the car counts as cargo. The licence is decisive: class B only covers up to 3.5 tonnes of combined weight, above that you need B96 or BE. Towing vehicle and trailer must be rated for the weight.
General information without guarantee, no legal advice for individual cases. Fees and procedures vary by registration office and insurer.