Applying for export license plates for vehicles
Service description
If you want to transfer a vehicle abroad, you sometimes need an export license plate. This applies in the following cases:
- Your vehicle is
- subject to approval, but was taken out of service
- is registration-free and requires a license plate, but still without a license plate
This applies regardless of whether you use your vehicle
- from its own driving force or
- as a trailer abroad.
With the export license plate, you receive vehicle documents and, if desired, an international registration certificate. The export license plate is limited to a maximum of one year and the vehicle requires a valid general inspection during this period. Both are valid for a limited period for the transfer of the vehicle.
You can obtain the export license plate from your local vehicle registration authority.
- Your vehicle is
What documents are required?
- Proof of liability insurance for your vehicle, the insurance is limited to one year
- Proof that the vehicle is roadworthy:
- Valid inspection sticker due to completed general inspection (HU)
- exhaust emission test (AU), if applicable
- Registration certificate part I, also known as vehicle registration document
- an international registration certificate for your vehicle, if applicable
What fees apply?
The fees are charged in accordance with the German Road Traffic Fee Regulations (GebOSt). Specific information on this can be obtained from the relevant local licensing authority.
Legal basis
What else should I know?
You do not need an export license plate in the following cases:
- Your vehicle has a valid registration
- it is a vehicle that is not subject to registration and requires a license plate and has been assigned a license plate number
If you wish to transfer your vehicle to a country outside the European Union (EU), you will also need an international vehicle registration document, which you can apply for separately.