German license plates, explained.

The format

A standard German plate reads like B EK 188. Three parts:

• City code (1–3 letters) — identifies the Zulassungsbezirk where the car is registered. B = Berlin.
• Letters (1–2 letters of your choice, if available) — these are how vanity plates happen.
• Numbers (1–4 digits, again your choice if free).

Between the city code and the letters sits a round TÜV sticker showing the month and year the next Hauptuntersuchung (HU/TÜV inspection) is due. Next to it: the round Zulassungssiegel with the coat of arms of the issuing city — the official seal that makes the plate valid.

City codes you'll see most

Why German plates are special in the EU

A German registration carries weight in every EU country. Border police know the format on sight; insurers across Europe recognise the German type-approval; and the TÜV inspection regime is the de-facto standard for vehicle safety. A German-plated car can be driven, parked, sold, and resold anywhere in the Schengen area without further formalities.

Vanity plates (Wunschkennzeichen)

You can reserve any combination of letters + numbers that isn't already taken — €10.20 fee, available online through each city's Zulassungsstelle. Forbidden: combinations associated with the Third Reich (HJ, NS, SS, SA, KZ) and a small list of regional taboos. Everything else is fair game.

Special plate types

• E-Kennzeichen — suffix E for fully electric vehicles. Unlocks free parking and bus-lane access in some cities.
• H-Kennzeichen — suffix H for historic vehicles (30+ years). Flat €191/year KFZ-Steuer regardless of engine.
• Saison-Kennzeichen — only valid for a chosen season (e.g. 04–10 for a convertible). Lower tax and insurance.
• Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen — 5-day temporary plate, used to drive a newly-bought car home.