Temporary plates: costs, timing, documents (Kurzzeitkennzeichen)
A German temporary plate is valid for at most 5 days and costs 60 to 130 euros in total: around 13 euros in office fees, 20 to 30 euros for the plates and 30 to 90 euros for the short-term liability insurance. It allows transfer, test and inspection drives with an unregistered car.
As of: July 2026
How much does a temporary plate cost?
A temporary plate costs 60 to 130 euros in total (as of July 2026). The sum consists of the registration office fee of around 13 euros, the plate embossing at 20 to 30 euros and the short-term insurance with its own eVB number at roughly 30 to 90 euros depending on the insurer.
| Office fee | around 13 euros, varies by office |
| Plate embossing | 20 to 30 euros per pair |
| Short-term insurance (eVB) | roughly 30 to 90 euros depending on provider |
Which documents do I need for a temporary plate?
The registration office requires four things for a temporary plate: a valid ID card or passport, an eVB number of the short-term insurance, the vehicle documents and proof of a valid roadworthiness inspection. Many offices accept copies of the vehicle documents, and the car itself does not have to be presented.
- ID card or passport
- eVB number of the short-term insurance
- Registration certificate part I, for deregistered cars also part II
- Proof of valid roadworthiness inspection (HU)
How fast do I get a temporary plate?
At the registration office with an appointment you get the temporary plate the same day: pay the fee, have the plates embossed, drive off. Private online providers ship temporary plates from around 100 euros and usually deliver by the working day before your chosen date. From issue, the plate is valid at most 5 days.
Where do I apply: at my home or where the car is?
Both work: the registration office of your main residence is responsible as well as the office where the vehicle is located. If you buy a car further away, you can simply apply for the temporary plate on site near the car and save the double trip. The widespread opposite belief is a misconception.
Do I get a temporary plate without a valid inspection?
Only in a limited way: without a valid roadworthiness inspection, the temporary plate has allowed only drives to the inspection site or to a workshop for the preparatory repair since April 2015, within the registration district and adjacent districts. A normal transfer drive home is not permitted with an expired inspection.
Is the German temporary plate valid abroad?
Mostly not: only a few countries recognise the German temporary plate, among them Austria, Italy, Denmark and Switzerland. In most other countries you risk fines up to immobilisation. For permanently exporting a car, the export plate with the red edge is intended instead.
General information without guarantee, no legal advice for individual cases. Fees and procedures vary by registration office and insurer.