Answer

How do I deregister a car in Germany (Abmeldung)?

You deregister a car in Germany (Abmeldung / Außerbetriebsetzung) by bringing the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I & II and the plates to the Zulassungsstelle, or by using the i-Kfz online portal with an eID. It costs about €7–17. Insurance and KFZ-Steuer stop from the deregistration date. Non-residents can deregister via a service with a signed Vollmacht.

Can I deregister a car online?

Yes — i-Kfz supports Außerbetriebsetzung online. You need an activated German eID, the security codes hidden under the sticker on the plate and inside Teil I. Non-residents can't use this route and should use a service.

What exactly happens during the 15-minute appointment?

The clerk checks Teil I and Teil II, destroys the plate seals, stamps the plates out and enters the Außerbetriebsetzung in the central register (ZFZR). You leave with a stamped Teil I confirming the date. The Zulassungsstelle notifies the insurer and the Hauptzollamt automatically, so you do not have to cancel the policy or the tax mandate yourself.

When does deregistration make sense instead of keeping the car registered?

Deregister when the car will stand still for more than a few months, when you sell it abroad, or when you export it. Insurance and KFZ-Steuer stop from that date, which typically saves more than the €7–17 fee within the first month. If the car will be back on the road within weeks, keeping it registered avoids paying the re-registration fee twice.

How do I get the car back on the road afterwards?

A deregistered car is re-registered (Wiederzulassung) with the same documents plus a valid HU/TÜV and a fresh eVB number. If the HU expired while the car was off the road, it has to pass inspection before the Zulassungsstelle will issue plates again.

Deregistration for export

If the car leaves Germany permanently, ask for the Ausfuhrkennzeichen (export plates) instead of a plain Abmeldung. Export plates carry short-term insurance and let you drive the car legally to its destination country, and the Zulassungsstelle issues the export paperwork the receiving country's authority asks for.

Documents checklist

Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I (Fahrzeugschein)
Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (Fahrzeugbrief)
Both licence plates, including the seals
ID of the person at the counter
Signed Vollmacht if someone deregisters for you
SEPA details for the pro-rata KFZ-Steuer refund

Deregistration (Abmeldung) at a glance

Route	Who can use it	Cost	Time
At the Zulassungsstelle counter	Keeper or a representative with Vollmacht	€7 – €17	≈ 15 minutes
i-Kfz online portal	Keeper with a German eID and PIN	€7 – €17	Same day
Through our service	Clients living abroad	Included in the registration service	≈ 15 minutes, remote

FAQ

How long can a car stay deregistered?

Up to 7 years without losing the reservation on the plate combination. After 7 years the plate is reassigned.

Can I deregister a German car from abroad?

Yes. With a signed Vollmacht and the original Teil I, Teil II and the plates, a service can complete the Abmeldung at the counter for you. The appointment itself takes about 15 minutes; you do not have to travel to Germany.

Do I get vehicle tax back after deregistration?

Yes. KFZ-Steuer is charged pro rata by the Hauptzollamt. Once the Zulassungsstelle reports the Außerbetriebsetzung, the tax office stops the debit and refunds the unused portion to the SEPA account on file.

What happens to my insurance?

Cover ends on the deregistration date and the insurer refunds unused premium. Ask for a Ruheversicherung (laid-up cover) instead if the car stays in a locked garage — it keeps limited comprehensive protection while the car is off the road.

Can I still drive the car after Abmeldung?

No. Once the plates are stamped out, the car may not be used on public roads. To move it you need short-term plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen) or export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen), or a trailer.

Last updated: July 2026