Importing and registering a car from abroad

Registration procedure for imported vehicles

Registration of an EU used vehicle

Vehicles imported from an EU member state usually do not have to be inspected by a recognized expert (e.g. TÜV). This applies to cars that haveEC type approval. This is the basis for vehicle registration in all EU countries, including Germany.

If no EC type approval exists or can be found, the vehicle must be inspected by an officially recognized expert. The registration of a used vehicle from another EU country is only possible on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 08:00 to 16:00 and Friday 08:00 to 15:00 due to possible queries at the Federal Motor Transport Authority.

Identification of the vehicle

Before an imported vehicle can receive a registration certificate part II (vehicle registration document), it must be identified by the registration authorityin accordance with § 6 Para. 8 FZV . In addition to on-site presentation, it is also possible to have the vehicle identified by an officially recognized expert in Germany as part of the assessment in accordance with Section 21 StVZO.

The obligation to present the vehicle may be waived for European vehicles or if a separate confirmation of the conformity of the vehicle identification number (VIN) with the foreign documents is presented by an officially recognized inspection organization (e.g. TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS or FSP).

Registering a car from abroad - required documents

• Valid identity card or passport - citizens from non-EU member states require a residence permit
• Complete proof of ownership: original invoice or original purchase contract (will be returned with a processing note). This proof is not required if there is no change of ownership.
• Originalforeign vehicle documents
• Foreign license plates for vehicles that are still registered or proof of deregistration abroad
• Certificate of a valid general inspection (e.g. TÜV) in accordance with § 29 StVZO (original)
• When issuing a registration certificate 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 by means of the foreign registration confirmation according to the new model or the EEC declaration of conformity
• In the absence of an EU type approval, a new national type approval must be issued on the basis of an expert opinion in accordance with § 21 StVZO.
• Proof of customs clearance must be submittedfor all vehicles from non-EU countries. Proof of customs clearance is: customs document confirming paymentof import duties, customs clearance certificate or certificate from the importer confirming customs clearance under the collective customs procedure. In this case, the registration of the vehicle is reported to the responsible customs office, stating the customs clearance number.
• For new vehicles from EU countries (intra-Community acquisition): Proof of submission of a VAT declaration (Section 1b of the German VAT Act). Proof is deemed to have been provided if the domestic importer has stated his VAT identification number on the purchase contract. In the case of direct import, the buyer must apply for taxation at the local tax office. In both cases, the registration authority requires the applicant to complete a VAT control statement in accordance with Section 18 (10) No. 2 of the German Value Added Tax Act (UStG).
• Electronic insurance confirmation (eVB, formerly insurance duplicate card)
• SEPA direct debit mandate for the collection of vehicle tax (see Downloads)
• General documents on the vehicle owner (see downloads)
• if applicable, declaration on the use of the business address in the context of the registration of vehicles for sole proprietorships and self-employed persons (see Downloads)

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