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Obtaining a vehicle licence plate (registration / vehicle registration)
If you drive or park a vehicle on public roads, the corresponding licence plate must be properly affixed to the vehicle.
Licence plates on vehicles, colloquially known as number plates, serve as official identification of vehicles and as visible proof that the vehicle is allowed to drive on the road. In the event of traffic offences or accidents, the number plates can be used to identify the owner.
The registration authority assigns you a licence plate number as part of the registration process. The licence plate consists of one to three letters for the administrative district in which the vehicle is registered and an identification number relating to the individual vehicle. As a rule, you can choose a licence plate of your choice for a fee.
The following licence plates are available:
- general licence plates
- Classic car licence plates
- Seasonal licence plates
- Licence plates for electrically powered vehicles
The allocated number plate must be affixed to a licence plate and must bear the stamp of the registration authority. You must have the licence plates stamped yourself.
As a rule, licence plates must be affixed to the front and rear of the vehicle. Exceptions to the design and attachment must be legally authorised or entered in the registration certificate part I.
The use of vehicles without permanently attached licence plates is generally not permitted on public roads. Some vehicles without registration also require licence plates, for example
- Light motorbikes,
- Forklift trucks,
- self-propelled machines and
- Trailers for sports purposes or work machines.
Details
Procedure
When applying in person:
If you register your vehicle at the counter of your competent registration authority, you will be allocated a licence plate combination on the spot.
With this allocation
- have the licence plates produced,
- have the stickers affixed to the licence plates by the registration authority and
- attach the licence plates firmly to the vehicle in the designated places.
When applying online:
When applying online via i-Kfz (internet-based vehicle registration), the allocation of a licence plate to your vehicle is
- entered directly into the Central Vehicle Register,
- reported to the insurance company and
- sent to you as a notification by e-mail or download.
Subsequently
- have the licence plates embossed,
- attach the stickers from the registration authority to the licence plates and
- attach them to the vehicle in the designated places.
When re-registering a vehicle, you can apply to have the previous licence plates re-issued. This also applies if you have reserved the licence plate for the re-registration of your vehicle.
Deadlines
none
Miscellaneous
The following instructions apply:
The licence plates must not be mirrored, covered or dirty and must be attached to the vehicle in accordance with the legal requirements.
Certain licence plate combinations are blocked for specific countries.
Legal basis
Verordnung über die Zulassung von Fahrzeugen zum Straßenverkehr (Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung - FZV):
- § 9 Zuteilung von Kennzeichen
- § 12 Ausgestaltung und Anbringung der Kennzeichen
- § 26 Gemeinsame Regelungen für die Zulassung und für Änderungen
- Anlage 1 Ausgestaltung, Einteilung und Zuteilung der Buchstaben- und Zahlengruppen für die Erkennungnummern der Kennzeichen
- Anlage 4 Ausgestaltung der Kennzeichen
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Verkehrsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 16.12.2025
