Documents You Need to Register a Car in Germany

German registration offices (Zulassungsstellen) work from a standard list. The details vary slightly between districts, but for a car the core documents are:

• Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (registration certificate part II, the former Fahrzeugbrief), always in the original
• Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I for a used car that was registered before
• Proof of a valid general inspection (HU) for a used car, unless the inspection date is already in the papers
• eVB number, the electronic proof of insurance from the insurer
• SEPA direct-debit mandate for the vehicle tax, signed by the Halter
• Identity document of the Halter; for a company, an extract from the commercial register
• Power of attorney (Vollmacht) and the representative's ID if someone else files the registration
• For a new or imported car: the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or other data confirmation

The office also refuses a registration while vehicle tax or registration fees are owed. Vehicles whose papers carry security codes can often be registered online through the federal i-Kfz service; you then get a provisional proof of registration that is valid for 10 days until the paper documents arrive.

1. You buy the car from a dealer or private seller, or ask CarTurf to help source one.
2. Documents are reviewed for completeness before anything is filed.
3. Insurance is arranged and the eVB number issued.
4. Registration is filed with CarTurf UG as Halter, online where possible, and plates are produced.
5. The car is collected or delivered. Delivery is priced from €0.75/km; see car delivery.

Once the documents are complete, registration typically takes 1–5 business days. You stay the owner throughout; the purchase contract and proof of payment establish ownership, not the Halter entry. See Halter vs Eigentümer.

A driving licence is not a registration document in the strict sense, but you need a valid one to drive. If you do not live in Germany, you can drive on a valid foreign licence. Licences from outside the EU often have to be carried together with an International Driving Permit or a German translation; the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMV) publishes which countries are exempt. If you take up residence in Germany, a non-EU licence is generally valid for 6 months. More in registering without residency.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. CarTurf provides administrative services only.