What does vehicle registration cost in total?
The administrative fee for registration is uniform nationwide at €30.00 (fee schedule GebOSt Nr. 221.1), and only €12.80 in the internet-based procedure via i-Kfz (Nr. 221.1.1). These amounts are set in federal law — the commonly quoted range “approx. €26–€30 depending on the local authority” is wrong, because no local authority is allowed to deviate from them.
On top of that come the licence plates for around €20–€40. These are a private service provided by the plate maker and not an official fee, which is why price differences genuinely exist here; online plate makers are often considerably cheaper. A personalised licence plate (Wunschkennzeichen) additionally costs €10.20 allocation surcharge plus €2.60 reservation. Realistically, you end up paying around €50–€70 in person, or around €33–€53 online.
What is an eVB number?
The electronic insurance confirmation (elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung, eVB) is a 7-character alphanumeric code confirming that motor vehicle liability insurance exists. You get the number from your insurer — usually immediately, online or by phone.
Can I register/deregister my vehicle online?
Yes, via the i-Kfz portal (internet-based vehicle registration). Since stage 4 on 1 September 2023, fully online registration has been possible nationwide, with immediate authorisation to use the vehicle. Requirement: an identity card with an activated eID function and the concealed security codes on the licence plates and the registration certificate.
The price difference is considerable: registration €12.80 instead of €30.00, deregistration €2.10 instead of €15.90, re-registration with the licence plate kept €9.90 instead of €23.60. Not possible online, however, are short-term licence plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen) and export licence plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen): the i-Kfz procedures under §§ 18 to 32 FZV do not cover them.
How long does registration in person take?
Usually 30–60 minutes (with an appointment). Without an appointment it can take considerably longer. Licence plates are embossed by a plate maker near the vehicle registration office (approx. 10 extra minutes).
Can I keep my licence plate when I move?
Yes. Since 1 January 2015 you may keep your licence plate when moving to a different registration district, and since 1 October 2019 this has also applied to a change of holder — that is, when buying a car across district (Landkreis) boundaries. The legal basis is § 15 Abs. 5 Satz 4 Nr. 4 FZV. The widespread claim that new plates are compulsory when changing district is out of date.
The Ummeldung (re-registration) at the new vehicle registration office nonetheless remains compulsory — but keeping the plate makes it considerably cheaper: €23.60 instead of €27.10 in person, online €9.90 instead of €12.10, and the €20–€40 for new plates is avoided altogether. This requires continuous registration without an intervening Außerbetriebsetzung (deregistration).
