Deregister your vehicle online 

Deregister your car when leaving Germany

Despite recent increases in cycling and a visible consolidation of public transport – at least until the corona pandemic in spring 2020 – passenger transport in Germany is dominated by car use. Cars have long been part of the essential household equipment in Germany. With a population of 83 million, there are more than 46 million cars in Germany. 

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How to deregister a car online

If you want to deregister your car online in Germany, Abmelden.de can help you with that. We offer an easy and convenient service for vehicle deregistration that can be completed entirely online. As an experienced service provider, we have specialized in the digitalization of vehicle deregistrations and are in close contact with various registration offices in Germany.

If you are already abroad and do not want to deregister your car yourself, we will be happy to take care of it for you. After you have sent us the necessary documents and license plates, we will make an appointment with the responsible authority. New appointments are usually available within 6 weeks from the booking date with the authority.

Our team at Abmelden.de will then personally deregister the vehicle for you with a power of attorney. Once deregistration is complete, we will send you a digital confirmation.

The registration office will automatically inform your car insurance and the customs administration (which collects the car tax) about your deregistration, so you do not need to contact them.

If you wish, we can also send your invalidated original license plates to your new address.

To deregister your vehicle online, we need certain documents from you: proof of identity (ID card or passport), front and rear license plates (original), registration certificate (part 1)/vehicle registration document, and a signed power of attorney (we will provide this document). If you have scrapped your car, we also need the certificate issued by the recycling center.

Even if one or more of the documents are not available, we can still carry out the deregistration of your vehicle. In this case, we require additional signed documents that we will prepare individually for you.

Overall, we offer a simple and reliable service for the online deregistration of your vehicle in Germany. Whether you are abroad or for other reasons do not want to deregister the vehicle yourself, we at Abmelden.de are here to help you.

Drivers license transfer

To transfer a foreign driver’s license, you must apply to the vehicle registration office. You must do this in the district where the driver’s license holder is registered or resides at the transcription time. There is no legal deadline for when you must do this. If you buy a car, you must register it; if you sell one, you should deregister it. You need some documents and an appointment at the vehicle registration office to do this.

To register your vehicle, you must provide the following documents:

• Identity card or passport
• Vehicle insurance confirmation (EVB number: a seven-digit combination of numbers and letters) for the vehicle’s liability insurance. In Germany driving on public roads without insurance coverage is a criminal offense.
• Registration certificate Part I and Part II
• Proof of the last general inspection ( also called TÜV)
• Vehicle tax collection authorization
• Preferred license plate: If you would like a specific license plate, it is possible to reserve one in advance. The fee for this is 10 to 20 euros.

If you send a representative to the registration office, you must issue a written power of attorney. In addition, the person must have their original I.D. and a copy of your I.D.. 

Who must deregister a car?

You must deregister your car if you sell it, decommission it or scrap it, and you can do this at any registration office in Germany. You must also deregister your car if you choose to move abroad. 

De- and Re-registration is also required if you stay abroad with your car for more than half a year, as after 185 days, legally speaking, a residence is automatically established. Then it is obligatory to deregister your car in Germany and go to the foreign registration office to register it abroad.

How to deregister my car

The registration office automatically informs the main customs office and your insurance company that the vehicle has been deregistered. Anyone who currently wants to register or deregister a car must make an appointment in advance.  You can make the appointment to deregister a vehicle via the Internet in 13 of the 16 state capitals. At some authorities, making an appointment is also possible by e-mail or telephone. Bremen and Wiesbaden still allow on-site processing without an appointment.

In Berlin, Hanover, Düsseldorf, Saarbrücken, and Munich, people sometimes had to wait weeks for an appointment. In half of the state capitals, appointments were available on the same day. Because of the Corona restrictions, we advise people in doubt to call the registration offices to find out whether shorter appointments are possible or whether the information on the websites is up to date.

You will need the following documents to deregister your vehicle:

The documents are always necessary, regardless of whether you sell your car after Deregistration, scrap it or want to do something else with it. All papers are essential for Deregistration.

How much does it cost to deregister my car?

It doesn’t cost much to deregister a car at the vehicle registration office. Usually, you pay between seven and ten euros for Deregistration, which is cheaper than registering the vehicle.

If you deregister the car at the same registration office where you registered it, you pay less.

In this case, you can expect to pay around five to seven euros. When you register the car at a different registration office, it will cost about ten to twelve euros.

Can I keep my car in Germany when I move abroad?

A car can no longer be registered in your name in Germany (however, a vehicle that has already been registered can continue to run under the designation of an authorized representative) when you deregister. You can deregister your vehicle in Germany at any vehicle registration office or, if applicable, on their online portal. As a rule, it is not possible to deregister abroad, for example, at the foreign representations of the Federal Republic of Germany. Within the European Union, you can take your vehicle with you without any problems.

Emigrants need motor vehicle liability insurance in the country of destination, a technical inspection by the local TÜV, and a declaration that the car complies with the European operating regulations. In some countries, you can take the no-claims bonus from Germany along. Deregistration or re-registration is unnecessary if you keep your residence in Germany and stay in another E.U. country for less than six months. In this case, you do not need to re-register your car and do not have to pay vehicle tax in the E.U. country.

How to leave Germany with my car

Within the European Union, you can take your vehicle with you without any problems. Emigrants need motor vehicle liability insurance in the destination country, a technical inspection by the local TÜV, and a declaration that the car complies with the European operating regulations. Those who emigrate to another continent, such as South America, the USA, or Australia, must ship their car.

The transport is associated with considerable costs. Emigrants must expect costs of between 1,500 and 2,500 euros for shipping alone. In addition, various fees can amount to several hundred euros. The car must also comply with the prevailing safety regulations there. In the U.S., for example, authorities require side impact protection, bumper guards, and more. The conversion can be expensive if the car does not comply with the regulations.

Furthermore, emigrants will have to pay customs fees. They also have to do a lot of paperwork, handle import formalities, and get an export license plate. In many cases, all this effort and the high costs do not pay off. So it’s easier to sell the car in Germany and look for a new vehicle locally. You can use the money from the sale proceeds as a down payment for a car abroad.

Some countries, such as Uruguay, prohibit the importation of cars for individuals unless they are retirees, have permanent residency, own real estate, or can prove a certain amount of monthly income. Before leaving the country, emigrants are strongly advised to check the destination country’s customs regulations. Otherwise, your car may be confiscated by customs.

What to do when moving abroad with your car?

If you are relocating with your car and wish to take it abroad with you to register it, make sure to deregister your car in Germany before registering it abroad. In our experience, this is the easiest way, as most foreign authorities will confiscate the German registration documents and do not communicate the deregistration to the German authorities automatically. In this situation, the car deregistration in Germany becomes much more complex and needs close communication with the respective vehicle registration office in Germany.

Once you deregistered your car and wish to take it abroad, you can request temporary license plates or transfer license plates at your local vehicle registration office. To request temporary license plates, you must be present at the registration office in person and submit your request in German. This is not the only obstacle foreigners face when wanting to deregister their car: Especially in big cities, obtaining an appointment at the registration office on short notice can be quite difficult. This is why we created our car deregistration service, which simplifies, digitizes, and streamlines the entire vehicle deregistration process for you!

Obtaining temporary license plates

There are several types of temporary license plates that individuals can request: Transfer Plates (Überführungskennzeichen) and Export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen).

Transfer License Plates (Überführungskennzeichen):

Germany only has agreements with Austria, Italy, Denmark, and Switzerland on the mutual recognition of the respective national transfer and test license plates and the corresponding vehicle documents. In some other neighboring countries, our experience has shown that temporary license plates are tolerated or not objected to. However, there are cases from France and the Benelux countries in which there have been considerable problems with the German temporary license plate during inspections.

In addition to refusal of entry, there is a threat of heavy fines and, under certain circumstances, confiscation of the vehicle. There have also been repeated problems with German temporary license plates in Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.

To apply for Transfer License Plates, you typically need the following documents:

• Electronic confirmation of insurance (eVB number)
• identity card or passport with a certificate of registration
• Proof of a valid general inspection (without proof of the general inspection, only journeys to the nearest inspection station are permitted)
• Registration certificate part I and/or II (vehicle registration document and/or vehicle title) or CoC paper (copies usually sufficient)
• for companies, business registration or excerpt from the commercial register
• Possibly power of attorney, if you are acting on behalf of a company

The following costs are incurred when applying for a temporary/transfer license plate:

• Administration fee: approx. 13 Euro
• Pair of plates: approx. 25 Euro
• Insurance, depending on the insurance company and the scope of the insurance (liability, partial or comprehensive insurance). Insurance companies may charge the amount if the vehicle is insured with them after the short-term license plate expires.

Export License Plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen):

Exporting a vehicle abroad is unproblematic with an export license plate, also called a customs or export license plate. It can be obtained from the responsible vehicle registration office (sometimes called the road traffic office). It is valid for a minimum of one month and a maximum of twelve months.

To apply for Export License Plates, you typically need the following documents:

• Identity card or passport
• Confirmation of special liability insurance (often offered by “sign makers” near the vehicle registration offices)
• Registration confirmation part I and II (vehicle registration certificate and letter)
• Proof of a valid general inspection
• Old license plates, if the vehicle is still registered
• SEPA mandate for collection of the vehicle tax

Obtaining Export License plates can be quite costly, as the following fees are incurred:

• Registration: about 25 to 50 euros (for permission to stamp an export license plate, about 15 euros, temporary registration certificate part I about 30 euros)
• License plate: 20 to 40 Euro
• Insurance, depending on the insurance company and scope of insurance
• Vehicle tax, depending on the period of validity of the license plate

How to deregister my car from abroad

You can deregister your vehicle in Germany at any vehicle registration office or, if applicable, on their online portal. As a rule, it is not possible to deregister abroad, for example, at the foreign representations of the Federal Republic of Germany.

You should always deregister your car in person at the vehicle registration office. However, you can also appoint a representative to deregister your vehicle for you. Unlike vehicle registration and re-registration, the representative does not need a power of attorney for deregistration. If you don’t know anybody in Germany that can take care of this for you, you should book the help of a service provider like deregistration.de.

Register your vehicle abroad:

Once you have deregistered your vehicle from Germany you can register it abroad. For the registration of the vehicle, you will typically need the following documents:

• Roadworthiness certificate and proof of roadworthiness
• Registration certificate
• Proof of ownership
• Proof of value-added tax (VAT) payment
• Proof of insurance cover
• Certificate of conformity for new cars

It is always best to contact your respective Vehicle registration office directly and clarify which documents are required. Depending on your situation, the office might request additional documentation.

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.

Vehicle registration: Now also online

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

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.

Deregistering a car – also online

Can I do it online? You’ll find the answers here.

Deregistering a car when moving within Germany – is that necessary?

You do not have to deregister your car when you move, and it is sufficient to re-register at the new place of residence.

Can I deregister my car anywhere?

You can deregister your car at any vehicle registration office in Germany. It means that you do not have to go to the registration office at your residence, as is the case when you re-register or register your vehicle.

Was your car stolen? Then the police can also carry out the vehicle deregistration as part of the report.

Deregister your car online: Is this possible?

An advantage for vehicle owners whose car was registered in 2015 is that you can also deregister your vehicle online. You have one more minor official procedure to complete when the vehicle is decommissioned, sold, or scrapped. Practical not only for those who are moving and whose time is therefore short.

The requirements for the online deregistration of your car at a glance:

Deregistering a vehicle: This is how it’s done online, step by step

If you meet all the requirements, you can conveniently deregister your car online via the homepage of the registration office at your place of residence. This is how it works:

Good to know: An online deregistration is also an option for older vehicles. Namely, suppose they have already been deregistered before but were re-registered from 1.1.2015 or later (re-registration). In that case, the decisive factor is the registration date, not the year of manufacture of the vehicle.

What do you need to deregister a car?

To deregister your vehicle, you will generally need the following documents:

• valid identity card or passport
• Registration certificate part I (formerly vehicle registration document)
• Registration certificate part II (previously vehicle title)
• License plates

Optional:

Proof of disposal, if the vehicle has been scrapped valid inspection report of the primary inspection (HU), if the deregistration is only temporary

Are you deregistering a car: Possible without the letter or vehicle registration certificate?

The registration certificate part II (formerly vehicle title) is proof that you are the car’s owner. The deregistration must be entered in part I’s registration certificate (previously vehicle registration document). It is therefore inconvenient if you have lost or misplaced these documents. But deregistration is still possible: You must submit an affidavit of loss to the registration authority. Then you can deregister your car without a letter or vehicle registration document.

Power of attorney for vehicle deregistration is not necessary

You can also be represented when deregistering your car. The representative usually does not need a power of attorney for the vehicle deregistration. The decisive factor is who presents the registration certificate part II (vehicle title). In this case, the registration office assumes that the letter’s owner is also authorized to deregister the vehicle. It is best to ask the authorities which documents your authorized representative should bring with him in advance. Some authorities still insist on a written power of attorney or other proof such as a sales contract or a certificate of inheritance.

What happens after deregistration?

You are asking yourself: Can I still drive my deregistered vehicle? The answer is: Yes, until the end of the deregistration day. Therefore, you can drive the car to the scrapyard, dealer, or home without problems. Prerequisite: Your motor vehicle liability insurance covers this drive. Therefore, check the terms and conditions of your insurance policy in advance.

Deregistering a car: Insurance and tax

The registration authority automatically informs the car insurance and the tax office about the deregistration. If you do not want to rely on this, you can send the deregistration certificate to your insurance company.

Motor vehicle insurance is suspended for 18 months

You must not cancel the car insurance after deregistration. It was initially dormant for 18 months as a result of deregistration. During this time, you do not have to pay any premiums. However, the insurance coverage continues – but only on the parking space. If you re-register within 18 months, insurance coverage becomes fully active again. At the end of the 18 months without re-registration, the insurance expires without separate notice.

License plates

By removing the registration authority’s inspection sticker and official seal, the license plates are rendered unusable. You can then decide whether you want to take the license plates with you or have them disposed of.

Tip: If you would like to register a new car with the same license plate after deregistering the vehicle, you should reserve the desired license plate directly on site.

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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