Car Deregistration when leaving Germany

Despite the rise in cycling and the expansion of public transport options like the “Deutschlandticket,” cars remain the most popular form of transportation in Germany. As of January 1, 2024, the country reached a record of approximately 49.1 million cars on the road (source: Statista).

For many households, a car is essential. But what should you do with your car when leaving Germany? The answer depends on your destination and plans for the vehicle. In this article, we’ll discuss different scenarios and show you how to deregister your car online.

If you already left the country or don’t have the time to handle the deregistration yourself, Deregistration.de provides a convenient solution. Our service is ideal for those who want to deregister their car online without managing the entire process themselves—whether you’re already overseas or simply short on time.

Who Needs to Deregister Their Car?

You must deregister your car if you sell it, take it off the road, or scrap it, and this can be done at any vehicle registration office in Germany. If you are leaving Germany and giving up your German residence, you are also required to deregister your car.

How Do I Deregister My Car?

To deregister your car, you first need to schedule an appointment with the vehicle registration office. In 13 of Germany’s 16 state capitals, you can conveniently book this appointment online. Some cities also allow you to schedule by email or phone, while Bremen and Wiesbaden still accept walk-ins without prior appointments.

In cities like Berlin, Hanover, Düsseldorf, Saarbrücken, and Munich, there may be longer wait times, but in others, you can often secure a same-day appointment.

Good to know: Once your car is deregistered, the registration office automatically notifies the main customs office and your insurance company that the vehicle is no longer registered.

Deregister Your Car Online with Deregistration.de

Want to deregister a vehicle registered before January 1, 2015, online? Deregistration.de offers a simple, fully digital vehicle deregistration service. As experienced providers, we specialize in digitizing the car deregistration process and work closely with various German registration offices.

If you’re already abroad or prefer not to handle the deregistration yourself, we can take care of it for you. Once you send us the necessary documents and license plates, we will schedule an appointment with the relevant authority.

Appointments are typically available within 6 weeks of booking.

You can deregister your vehicle without the registration document or vehicle title. Our team handles the deregistration on your behalf with a power of attorney. Afterward, you will receive a digital confirmation.

The vehicle registration office will automatically notify your car insurance provider and the main customs office, so you don’t have to. We also offer to send the decommissioned license plates to your new address if requested.

Documents Needed for Online Deregistration:

• Proof of identity (ID or passport)
• Front and back of original license plates
• Registration certificate Part 1
• Signed power of attorney (provided by us)

If your car has been scrapped, the recycling facility certificate is also needed. Even if certain documents are missing, we can still complete the deregistration by providing customized forms for you to sign.

We provide a simple and reliable service to deregister your car in Germany online—whether you are already abroad or unable to handle the process yourself.

– Oliver Frankfurth

Online Vehicle Deregistration: Requirements

If your vehicle was registered on or after January 1, 2015, you can conveniently deregister it online. This is particularly useful when the vehicle is taken out of service, sold, or scrapped—ideal for those with limited time, such as during a move.

To deregister your car online, the following requirements must be met:

• Vehicle Registration from 2015 Onwards: Your license plates have stamped seals with a hidden security code needed for online deregistration.
• Electronic ID (eID): You need an electronic ID card with an active online function, a card reader, or an NFC-enabled smartphone with the federal ID app.
• Payment Options: You must be able to pay the deregistration fees online (e.g., via credit card or Giropay). Costs vary by municipality.

If you meet these requirements, you can complete the entire process quickly and easily online.

How to Deregister a Car Online: Step-by-Step

If you meet all the requirements, you can deregister your car online through the website of your local registration office. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Log In to the Registration Office Website: Use your electronic ID card, a card reader or an NFC-enabled smartphone, and the ID app to securely verify your identity.
2. Enter Your License Plate Number: Start the deregistration process by entering your car’s license plate number.
3. Enter the Security Code from the License Plates: Remove the security cover or scratch off the seal on the license plates to reveal the hidden security code, and then enter it.
4. Enter the Code from the Registration Certificate Part I: Scratch off the white field on the registration certificate to obtain the seven-digit security code and enter it as well.
5. Pay the Fees: After entering all required information, pay the deregistration fee via credit card, Giropay, or other available methods. Fees vary by registration office.
6. Receive the Deregistration Notice: Once the data is processed, you will receive the deregistration notice by mail.

Note: Older vehicles can also be deregistered online if they were newly registered after January 1, 2015 (e.g., after re-registration). The key is the date of the last registration, not the vehicle’s manufacturing year.

If you prefer not to handle the process yourself, Deregistration.de can manage the vehicle deregistration for you. We handle all the formalities, and you can conveniently complete your forms online. Once the deregistration is successful, we send you the confirmation by email. Upon request, you can also receive all original documents with tracking.

What Do You Need to Deregister a Car?

To deregister your car, you will need the following documents:

• Registration Certificate Part I (formerly: Vehicle Registration)
• Registration Certificate Part II (formerly: Vehicle Title)
• Official license plates of the vehicle
• Current TÜV report (inspection certificate)
• ID card or passport (if using a passport, also provide a registration certificate from the local resident registration office)
• Certificate of destruction from a certified scrap yard (for final deregistration)

These documents are required regardless of whether you plan to sell, scrap, or otherwise use the vehicle after deregistration. Without them, deregistration is not possible.

Tip: If you are missing a document, you can still deregister your car using a power of attorney and alternative documents. Deregistration.de can assist in these cases.

Missing documents? No problem! In many cases, we can still find a solution and successfully deregister your vehicle with additional signed documents that we prepare specifically for you.

What Happens If I Sell My Car Before Moving?

Yes, you can sell your vehicle before moving. In this case, the buyer must deregister the car or re-register it in their name. You are not required to deregister it yourself, but it’s important to inform the vehicle registration office, your insurance company, and the tax authority (customs) about the sale to avoid any legal consequences. This ensures you are no longer liable for the vehicle after the sale.

Deregistering a Car: Insurance and Taxes

After deregistering your car, the registration authority automatically notifies your car insurance and the tax office. To ensure your insurer receives the information, you may also send the deregistration certificate directly to them.

Car Insurance Is Suspended for 18 Months

After deregistering your car, you do not need to cancel your car insurance. The insurance is automatically suspended for 18 months, during which no premiums are due. The coverage remains in place but only for the vehicle’s storage location. If you re-register the car within 18 months, the full insurance coverage is automatically reactivated.

If the vehicle is not re-registered within 18 months, the insurance will automatically expire without requiring a separate cancellation.

Deregistering a Car and Keeping the License Plates

When you deregister your vehicle, the inspection sticker and the registration authority’s seal are removed from the license plates, rendering them unusable. You can choose to keep the plates or have them disposed of.

Tip: If you plan to register a new car with the same license plate after deregistration, reserve the desired plate immediately at the registration office. This ensures the plate remains available for you.

Do You Need to Deregister Your Car When Moving?

If you are moving within Germany, you do not need to deregister your car. You only need to re-register it at your new address. However, if you move to another country, you cannot drive with German plates indefinitely. Within the EU, you can use your German plates for up to 180 days; after that, you must register the vehicle in your new country.

How to Deregister Your Car from Abroad

You can deregister your car at any vehicle registration office in Germany or via their online portal. It is generally not possible to deregister through German consulates abroad. The best option is to handle it in person at a registration office or assign someone else to do it for you. Unlike registration or re-registration, the person does not need a power of attorney to deregister your car.

If you don’t have anyone in Germany to handle the deregistration, consider using a service like Deregistration.de. The team at Deregistration.de will manage the entire process for you with a power of attorney, and you will receive a digital confirmation once completed, allowing you to track everything conveniently.

Can I Keep My Car in Germany if I Move Abroad?

If you move abroad, you can keep your car registered in Germany as long as you maintain a residence there. However, if you deregister the car, it cannot remain registered in your name. A registered vehicle can still be driven by an authorized person.

Deregistration can be done at any vehicle registration office in Germany or online. If you move within the EU, you can bring the car with you, but you will need local liability insurance, a technical inspection, and proof that the car meets EU regulations.

If you keep your residence in Germany and your stay abroad is less than six months, you don’t need to de or re-register the car and won’t have to pay car taxes in the destination country.

If you move permanently to another EU country and take your car with you, you should register your car and pay car-related taxes in your new country. There are no common EU rules on vehicle registration and related taxes.

Some countries have tax-exemption rules for vehicle registration when moving permanently from one country to another with a car. To benefit from a tax exemption, you can check here which deadlines and conditions apply to the country you wish to move to.

How Can I Take My Car With Me When Leaving Germany?

Within the European Union, you can easily take your vehicle with you. However, there are a few requirements that you must meet:

• Liability Insurance in the destination country.
• Technical Inspection by the local equivalent of the German TÜV.
• A Declaration of Compliance stating that the car meets European operating regulations.

These steps ensure your car is legally operable in your new country.

Taking Your Car When Moving to Another Continent

If you’re moving to countries like the USA, South America, or Australia, you’ll need to ship your car, which involves significant costs and logistics:

• Transport Costs: Shipping ranges from €1,500 to €2,500.
• Additional Fees: Various additional fees can add up to several hundred euros.
• Modifications: Your car must comply with the destination country’s safety standards. In the U.S., for example, side-impact protection and bumper modifications are required, which can be expensive.
• Customs Duties: Consider customs fees, import procedures, and obtaining an export license plate.

Given the high costs and effort, it is often more practical to sell your car in Germany and buy a new one in your destination country. The sale proceeds can be used as a down payment for a vehicle abroad.

Country-Specific Regulations

In some countries, like Uruguay, the import of cars by private individuals is heavily restricted. Only certain groups, such as retirees or residents with a verifiable income, are allowed to import vehicles. Be sure to check the customs regulations of your destination country before leaving Germany, as failure to comply could result in your car being seized by customs authorities.

Temporary License Plates: What You Need to Know

There are two main types of temporary license plates in Germany: Transfer Plates (Überführungskennzeichen) and Export Plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen).

A temporary license plate for 30/90 days (which automatically deregisters the car in Germany) can make the process easier – but this must be done before leaving the country.”

– Oliver Frankfurth

Transfer License Plates (Überführungskennzeichen)

The Transfer License Plate (Kurzzeitkennzeichen) is a temporary registration available in Germany since 1998, typically used for private purposes. It replaces the red plates intended solely for commercial use. A short-term license plate is valid for up to 5 days and is intended for vehicle transfers, test drives, or technical inspections (TÜV/HU).

The license is recognized throughout Germany and the EU but may be only tolerated in non-EU countries like Bosnia, Iran, Macedonia, Switzerland, and Belarus. It’s crucial to check specific regulations in the destination country.

Required Documents:

• ID card or passport with proof of registration
• eVB number (electronic insurance confirmation) valid for up to 5 days
• Vehicle registration documents (parts I or II)
• Proof of a valid inspection (HU/TÜV)
• Power of attorney (if another person is registering the vehicle)
• Business registration or extract from the commercial register (for companies)

Application and Costs:

Applications can be made at any local registration office or online, and the plates can be obtained at the vehicle’s location, making spontaneous purchases easier.

Costs:

• Registration fee: approx. €13.10
• Insurance: around €30 (plus an additional €50 for the Green Card, if needed)
• License plates: approx. €20-30

Total costs range between €60 and €110, with possible extra shipping fees for online applications.

Export License Plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)

An Export License Plate (also known as a customs license plate) is an official license plate required for vehicles permanently exported abroad. It is mandatory for all roadworthy vehicles owned by private individuals that are to be transported out of Germany. The plate must be applied for at the relevant vehicle registration office and is valid for a minimum of two days and a maximum of twelve months, depending on insurance coverage.

Requirements and Application:

To apply for an export license plate, you will need:

• ID card or passport (plus power of attorney and ID for a representative)
• Vehicle registration certificates (Parts I and II)
• Proof of a valid inspection (HU)
• Insurance confirmation for export vehicles
• SEPA mandate for vehicle tax payment

A special liability insurance policy is mandatory. Comprehensive or partial coverage is less common and generally more expensive.

Costs and Validity:

Costs include:

• Insurance: Varies by provider and duration (e.g., around €90 for 30 days)
• Administration fees: Between €20 and €50, depending on the federal state
• License plate production costs: Varies by provider
• Vehicle tax: Paid via SEPA or directly at the customs office

The license plate is valid until the insurance expires, up to a maximum of twelve months.

Application Process:

Applications can be made at the vehicle registration office or online. It’s important to deregister the vehicle and pay the vehicle tax on time to avoid delays. If you cannot apply in person, you can authorize someone to handle it for you.

An export license plate is especially necessary when exporting your vehicle permanently abroad to ensure proper registration until it reaches its destination.

Vehicle registration: Now also online

Cars can also be registered, transferred, and deregistered online. It is how vehicle registration works online:

• A new ID card with eID online function is required.
• Vehicle registration certificate and letter must have concealed security codes.
• Payment is made online using an EC or credit card.

Digitization in the registration offices: Initial registration and transfer to a new owner are possible via the Internet. This Internet-based vehicle registration*, or i-Kfz, complements the deregistration and re-registration of passenger cars via the Internet. However, only about two-thirds of the registration offices offer a comprehensive range of services for online registration on their Internet portals. Online registration is currently only possible for general license plates. It is not yet possible for all others, such as seasonal license plates and so-called e-license plates.

What you need for online registration

To use the online service, you must meet some requirements: For all processes, the vehicle owner needs a new ID card with activated eID online function* and associated PIN. In addition, a card reader or a smartphone with a free ID app*. Secondly, the registration certificates (vehicle registration document and vehicle title) must have a hidden security code* that must be rubbed-free. It has been the case for Part I of the registration certificate since 2015 and Part II since 2018.

This is how registration works

You must first identify yourself in the online portal of the local registration authority using your new ID card or your electronic residence permit. It is how it continues in the case of a first-time registration: Enter the vehicle identification number FIN and then the security code on the registration certificate Part II (vehicle title) – you must uncover this beforehand. Then you need the eVB number of the insurance company for proof of vehicle liability and account data to collect vehicle tax. 

Now, you can select the next available license plate or enter your reserved preferred license plate. After automatically checking the application data, you pay by ePayment, for example, Giropay or a credit card. Which means of payment is accepted depends on the IT of the respective registration office. After all, entries have been confirmed. A clerk checks the application at the registration office. Then the registration notice and certificates, stamp sticker holder, and the sticker holder for the primary inspection (HU) to stick on the license plate will be sent to you by mail. Once the sticker holder has been affixed to the license plate, you can drive off.

Deregister car now!

Please keep in mind that we do our best to provide credible and up-to-date information, but we are not an official advisor (in the sense of the Legal Services Act, RDG) for taxes, legal matters, and the like. Our service does not replace an individual consultation with legal assistance, and we provide digital tools and automated workflows to assist with the residence deregistration and related necessary steps.

Image sources:

1. Roman Kraft / Unsplash
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