You, or your representative, must submit the application for first registration to the relevant local vehicle registration authority, either in person or online via the i-Kfz portal.

During registration, so-called vehicle owner details are recorded:

• for natural persons:
  • surname, maiden name, first names,
  • any order or stage name,
  • date and place of birth or, if the place of birth is unknown, country of birth,
  • gender and address
• for legal entities and public authorities:
  • name or designation and
  • address
• for associations:
  • Representative, with details of the natural or legal person
  • Name of the association

Once registration has been successfully completed, you will receive the registration documents. The registration authority will allocate a registration number to you.

If applying online via the i-Kfz portal, proceed as follows:

1. Go to the i-Kfz portal of the relevant registration authority at (you will find the link above in the ‘Online Services’ section)
2. Prove your identity:

• Individuals require an identity card (nPA), an eID card or an electronic residence permit (eAT), each with the eID function activated, including a six-digit PIN and smartphone with the free “Ausweis App” or via a card reader. Alternatively, , the BundID with an ELSTER certificate or nPA/eID/eAT authentication can be used.

• Legal entities require the BUND business account with an ELSTER certificate.

3. Revealthe security code on the registration certificate, Part II .
4. Enter the required details into the application form on the i-Kfz portal:

• Vehicle registration number and , where applicable Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Security code from the registration certificate, Part II
• eVB number from the insurance company as proof of third-party motor insurance
• Bank account details of the vehicle owner or for the SEPA direct debit scheme (motoring tax)
• Regarding the number plate: Select the next available number plate, or specify a personalised number plate or a reserved number plate.

5. Application details are validated automatically.
6. Pay the fee via an e-payment system; the payment method may vary depending on the relevant registration authority.
7. Confirm your entries and submit the application.
8. The application is checked automatically in real time.
9. The registration notice and provisional registration certificate are made available immediatelyonline at and must be downloaded within 30 minutes or sent to yourself via email at . If the provisional registration certificate is not retrieved within 30 minutes, the vehicle cannot be put into service immediately. You may use this certificate to drive on public roads for 10 days.
10. Print out the registration notice and carry it with you; print out the provisional registration certificate, display it visibly on the vehicle and set off immediately
11. The registration certificate, Part I and Part II, the stamp sticker holders and the sticker holder for the general inspection (HU) with stickers to be affixed to the number plate will be sent by post by the registration authority.
12. No later than 14 days after registration, the registration certificate Part I must be carried in the vehicle and, in the event of a change of number plate, the stickers must be affixed to the number plate.

As part of the procedure, an automatic check is carried out at for any outstanding vehicle tax or fees.

If any of the steps are not successfully completed, you can contact the relevant registration authority.