Transferring a car after purchase: change of keeper online

Transfer or re-registration: the first decision

When you buy a used car, the vehicle's status determines the right application. If the car is still registered to the seller at the time of purchase, you apply for a transfer of registration to yourself as the new keeper. If the seller deregistered the vehicle beforehand, it is a re-registration with a change of keeper.

In both cases, your details are entered in the vehicle documents. The difference lies mainly in the number plates and in whether the vehicle was unregistered in the meantime. This guide covers the transfer of a vehicle that is still registered.

Documents you should receive at handover

Check the documents before you pay. A missing or scratched security code can only be resolved with the authority afterwards with considerable effort, and by then the seller is often no longer reachable.

• original Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I (registration certificate part I, the vehicle registration document) with 7-character security code
• original Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (registration certificate part II, the German vehicle title) with 12-character security code
• proof of a valid HU (Hauptuntersuchung, the periodic roadworthiness inspection)
• written purchase contract stating the date and time of handover
• all vehicle keys and, where applicable, the previous number plates

Keep the existing number or choose a new one

With a transfer, you can often keep the existing registration number. This saves you new plates, but requires the authority to agree to the takeover and the plates to be undamaged. The decision is made by the registration authority.

If you would like a registration number with your own local area code or a particular combination, apply for a new number or reserve a personalised number in advance via Wunschkennzeichen24. Matching plates are available from Zulassung24 for €29.90 (pair) or €19.90 (single plate).

Insurance, vehicle tax and deadlines

For the transfer, you need your own eVB number (electronic insurance confirmation issued by your motor insurer). Under the German Insurance Contract Act, the seller's existing motor liability insurance initially passes to you, but you can cancel it within one month. Most buyers therefore take out their own policy straight away.

From the transfer onwards, vehicle tax is charged to you. For this, you grant a SEPA direct debit mandate in the application. The Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung (FZV, Germany's Vehicle Registration Ordinance) requires a change of keeper to be reported without undue delay. The seller should also report the sale to their insurer and the registration authority themselves.

Three checks before buying

Many problems with a transfer already arise on the day of purchase. With a few simple steps, you can make sure that the documents and the vehicle match and that the application does not fail later.

• compare the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the vehicle with both registration certificates
• compare the name in the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II with the seller's ID
• check the HU due date on the inspection sticker and in the inspection report, because an expired HU prevents the transfer

Transfer at Zulassung24: price and process

An online transfer at Zulassung24 costs €134.90, including the official basic fee and 19% VAT. You enter the details and both security codes, pay, confirm your identity via photo ident and sign electronically. Uploads of the purchase contract or other documents are not required.

After a positive decision, you receive the new documents and registration seals by post from the registration authority. Until then, you may generally use the vehicle with the provisional proof of registration.