Importing and Registering a Car from Abroad

Registration Process for Imported Vehicles

Registration of a Used Vehicle from the EU

Vehicles imported from an EU member state generally do not need to be inspected by a certified expert (e.g., TÜV). This applies to cars that have an EC type approval. This approval serves as the basis for vehicle registration in all EU countries, including Germany.

If an EC type approval does not exist or cannot be found, the vehicle must be inspected by an officially recognized expert. Due to potential inquiries with the Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrtbundesamt), registration of a used vehicle from another EU country is only possible on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Vehicle Identification

Before an imported vehicle can receive a Certificate of Registration Part II (vehicle title), it must be identified by the registration authority in accordance with § 6(8) FZV. In addition to presenting the vehicle in person, it is possible to have the vehicle identified in Germany by an officially recognized expert as part of the inspection pursuant to § 21 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO).

The requirement to present the vehicle may be waived for European vehicles or upon submission of a separate confirmation that the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches the foreign documents, issued by an officially recognized inspection organization (e.g., TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS, or FSP).

Registering a Car from Abroad – Required Documents

• Valid ID card or passport – Citizens of non-EU member states need a residence permit
• Complete proof of ownership: original invoice or original bill of sale (will be returned with a processing note). This proof is not required if there is no change in ownership.
• Original foreign vehicle documents
• Foreign license plates for vehicles still registered abroad, or proof of deregistration abroad
• Certificate of a valid general inspection (e.g., TÜV) in accordance with Section 29 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) (original)
• When issuing a Certificate of Registration Part II: Presentation of the vehicle or VIN confirmation from an officially recognized inspection organization (e.g., TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS, or FSP)
• Proof of EU type approval via the foreign registration certificate in the new format or the EEC Declaration of Conformity
• If an EU type approval is missing, a new national type approval must be granted based on an expert report in accordance with Section 21 of the StVZO.
• For all vehicles from non-EU countries, proof of customs clearance must be submitted. The following are accepted as proof of customs clearance: a customs receipt for the payment of import duties, a customs clearance certificate, or a certificate from the importer confirming customs clearance under the consolidated customs procedure. In this case, the vehicle’s registration must be reported to the responsible customs office, specifying the customs clearance number.
• For vehicles in like-new condition from EU member states (intra-Community acquisition): Proof of filing a value-added tax return (Section 1b of the Value-Added Tax Act). Proof is deemed to have been provided if the domestic importer has indicated their value-added tax identification number on the purchase contract. In the case of direct imports, the buyer must apply for tax assessment at the local tax office. In both cases, the registration authority requires the applicant to complete a value-added tax control notification in accordance with § 18 (10) No. 2 of the Value-Added Tax Act (UStG).
• Electronic Insurance Confirmation (eVB, formerly the “Insurance Double Card”)
• SEPA Direct Debit Mandate for the collection of motor vehicle tax (see Downloads)
• General documentation regarding the vehicle owner (see Downloads)
• If applicable, a declaration regarding the use of a business address in connection with the registration of vehicles in the name of sole proprietorships and self-employed individuals (see Downloads)
• If applicable, form for vehicle registration under a civil law partnership (GbR and eGbR) (see Downloads)

The registration authority uses special adhesive seals with specific security features for the vehicle documents. This increases the total fees by 0.30 € per adhesive seal used.