Answer

What documents do I need to register a car in Germany?

To register a car in Germany you need the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (vehicle title), a valid eVB insurance confirmation number, proof of a passed HU/TÜV inspection (for used cars), the Certificate of Conformity (COC) for imports, a SEPA mandate for KFZ-Steuer, ID, and — if someone registers for you — a signed Vollmacht.

What if I don't have Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II?

The car cannot be registered without Teil II — it is the German equivalent of the vehicle title. If it's lost, the previous keeper must apply for a duplicate at their local Zulassungsstelle before you buy.

Which documents does a non-resident have to send us?

A passport copy, the vehicle documents (Teil II, plus Teil I if the car was already registered, or the COC for a new/imported car), the Kaufvertrag, and the Vollmacht we send you — signed by hand and couriered as an original. We add the eVB, the SEPA mandate for KFZ-Steuer and the Zulassungsstelle appointment.

Which documents does the Zulassungsstelle only accept as originals?

Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II, the HU report, and the signed Vollmacht must be presented as originals at the counter. ID may be shown as a certified copy when a representative registers on your behalf. Scans are fine for preparing the file in advance, but they never replace the paper at the appointment.

Extra documents for imported cars

A car coming from another EU country needs the COC (Certificate of Conformity) and the foreign registration document; without a COC the vehicle needs a §21 StVZO Einzelabnahme by TÜV or DEKRA. A car from outside the EU additionally needs the customs clearance document (Zollbescheinigung / T1) and proof that import VAT and duty were paid.

How long are the documents valid?

The eVB number is typically valid for a few weeks after issue, HU/TÜV runs for 24 months (12 months for older commercial vehicles), and a Vollmacht should carry a recent date — many offices refuse one older than about three months. Plan the appointment so none of the three has expired on the day.

Documents checklist

Passport or national ID (original)
Residence permit if non-EU (for keeper)
Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (vehicle title)
Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I if the car was previously registered
eVB insurance confirmation number
HU/TÜV certificate (used cars only)
COC (Certificate of Conformity) for imports
Customs clearance proof for non-EU imports
SEPA mandate for KFZ-Steuer
Kaufvertrag / bill of sale
Signed Vollmacht if a service registers for you

Document checklist by vehicle situation

Document	New car	Used car (already registered in Germany)	Import
Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II	Yes	Yes	Yes
Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I	—	Yes	Foreign equivalent
COC (Certificate of Conformity)	Yes	—	Yes
HU/TÜV report	—	Yes	Yes, German HU required
eVB insurance number	Yes	Yes	Yes
Customs clearance proof	—	—	Non-EU imports only
Signed Vollmacht	If represented	If represented	If represented

FAQ

Where do I get the eVB number?

Any German insurer (AXA, Zurich, HUK, Allianz) issues an eVB after you take out a policy. We arrange the eVB through AXA or Zurich as part of the service.

Does my Vollmacht have to be notarised?

No. For a standard registration, ummeldung or abmeldung a written, hand-signed Vollmacht with a copy of your ID is enough. Notarisation or an apostille is only needed when you are entered as keeper in your own name from abroad.

Do documents need a German translation?

Foreign registration papers usually have to be submitted with a translation by a sworn translator; the COC is multilingual and is accepted as-is. We tell you upfront which of your documents the responsible office needs translated.

What if the car still has finance on it?

The bank normally holds Teil II as security. You need a written release (Freigabeerklärung) and the original Teil II from the lender before the car can be registered to a new keeper.

Last updated: July 2026