Apply for German Export Plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)

When permanently exporting a German-registered vehicle from Germany, you are legally required to obtain special license plates known as Ausfuhrkennzeichen (export plates). This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step procedure to ensure a smooth application process at your local Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office), covering all necessary documents, requirements, and crucial considerations.

Understanding Ausfuhrkennzeichen: Purpose and Distinction

Ausfuhrkennzeichen are temporary German license plates issued specifically for the purpose of legally driving a vehicle out of Germany for permanent export to another country. They signify that the vehicle is no longer intended for registration within Germany and allow for transit to its new destination. These plates are distinct from standard German license plates and carry a validity period tailored to the export journey.

It is crucial to differentiate Ausfuhrkennzeichen from Kurzzeitkennzeichen (short-term plates or temporary plates). While both are temporary, Kurzzeitkennzeichen are intended for specific short-term purposes within Germany, such as test drives or transfers within Germany, and are generally not recognized or accepted for permanent vehicle export in many other countries. Attempting to use Kurzzeitkennzeichen for international export can lead to significant legal problems, fines, or even vehicle impoundment abroad.

When are Ausfuhrkennzeichen Mandatory?

You need Ausfuhrkennzeichen if:

• You are selling a German-registered vehicle to a buyer abroad who intends to register it in their home country.
• You are moving abroad and wish to take your German-registered vehicle with you permanently.
• The vehicle's regular German registration has expired, and you need to move it out of the country.

Prerequisites: What to Prepare Before Your Application

Before visiting your local Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office), careful preparation is essential to avoid delays or rejection. German vehicle registration procedures are administered at the municipal or district level, meaning specific appointment systems and minor procedural details can vary, although the core requirements are federally standardized.

Essential Preparations

1. Identify Your Competent Zulassungsstelle: The application must be made at the vehicle registration office responsible for the last registered location of the vehicle or, if the vehicle is deregistered, at any Zulassungsstelle in Germany.
2. Verify Vehicle Condition: The vehicle must have a valid Hauptuntersuchung (HU), often referred to as TÜV. If the HU has expired or is due to expire soon, you must get it renewed before applying for export plates. Without a valid HU, Ausfuhrkennzeichen cannot be issued.
3. Arrange Export Insurance: You will need specific export liability insurance. This is mandatory and must cover the entire validity period of the export plates.
4. Gather All Required Documents: Collect all original documents listed in the next section. Missing even one document can lead to rejection.
5. Plan for Payment: Be prepared to pay the fees on the spot, usually by debit card (EC-Karte) or cash.
6. Consider a Power of Attorney: If you cannot apply in person, a representative can do so on your behalf with a valid power of attorney (Vollmacht).

Detailed Checklist of Required Documents

The following documents are typically required for applying for Ausfuhrkennzeichen. Ensure you bring all originals, as copies are generally not accepted unless explicitly stated otherwise by your local Zulassungsstelle.

Mandatory Documents for All Applicants

• Valid Identification:
  • German Citizens: Valid Personalausweis (identity card) or passport.
  • EU/EEA Citizens: Valid national identity card or passport.
  • Non-EU/EEA Citizens: Valid passport with a current residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) for Germany.
• Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I (Vehicle Registration Certificate Part I / "Fahrzeugschein"): The original document. This contains the vehicle's technical data.
• Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (Vehicle Registration Certificate Part II / "Fahrzeugbrief"): The original document. This proves ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of Valid Hauptuntersuchung (HU) / TÜV Report: The original report from the last general inspection, confirming the vehicle is roadworthy. The validity period of the Ausfuhrkennzeichen cannot exceed the validity of the HU.
• Electronic Insurance Confirmation (eVB-Number): This is a seven-digit code confirming that the vehicle has valid third-party liability insurance for the export period. You must obtain this specifically for Ausfuhrkennzeichen from an insurance provider.
• Existing License Plates (if vehicle is still registered): Both front and rear plates must be brought for de-registration. They will be officially invalidated.
• Debit Mandate for Vehicle Tax (SEPA-Lastschriftmandat) or Proof of Tax Payment:
  • If you have a German bank account, you must provide a valid SEPA direct debit mandate for vehicle tax. This authorizes the tax office to collect any outstanding vehicle tax for the period of the export plates (up to the date of validity).
  • If you do not have a German bank account (e.g., a foreign buyer), you might be required to pay the vehicle tax in advance at the local customs office (Zollamt) and provide proof of payment. Verify this requirement with your Zulassungsstelle.

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Power of Attorney (Vollmacht): If you are acting on behalf of the vehicle owner, you need a written power of attorney signed by the owner. This must clearly state that you are authorized to apply for Ausfuhrkennzeichen.
• Your Own Identification: As the authorized representative, you must also present your valid identification.
• Vehicle Owner's Identification (Original or Certified Copy): Some Zulassungsstellen may require the original or a certified copy of the vehicle owner's ID, even with a power of attorney. Check in advance.
• Proof of Deregistration (if vehicle is already deregistered): If the vehicle was previously deregistered, provide the official confirmation of deregistration.
• Proof of Purchase (e.g., Sales Contract): If you are a new owner exporting the vehicle immediately, the sales contract might be requested to verify ownership.

Step-by-Step Application Process at the Zulassungsstelle

The process for obtaining Ausfuhrkennzeichen generally follows these steps. Be prepared for potential waiting times, even with an appointment.

Costs, Fees, and Validity Period

The costs associated with obtaining Ausfuhrkennzeichen can be broken down into several components. These fees are subject to local variations and discretion.

Overview of Potential Costs

Cost Component	Description	Estimated Range (EUR)
Administrative Fee	Fee charged by the Zulassungsstelle for processing the application and issuing the new registration documents. This can vary by municipality.	30 - 60
License Plates	Cost for manufacturing the physical Ausfuhrkennzeichen. These are typically produced by private companies near the Zulassungsstelle.	20 - 40
Export Insurance	The premium for the required third-party liability insurance. The cost depends on the insurance provider, the vehicle type, and the desired validity period (e.g., 15 days, 30 days, or longer, up to 1 year).	50 - 200+
Vehicle Tax	German vehicle tax is due for the entire validity period of the Ausfuhrkennzeichen. The amount depends on the vehicle's engine size, fuel type, and CO2 emissions. This is typically collected via SEPA direct debit or paid in advance to the customs office.	Varies significantly
Hauptuntersuchung (HU)	If your vehicle's HU has expired or is due, you will incur the cost of a new inspection (e.g., TÜV, DEKRA). This is not a fee for the plates themselves but a mandatory prerequisite.	80 - 150
Umweltplakette	If your vehicle requires an Umweltplakette (environmental sticker) and does not have one, you might need to purchase it, especially if you plan to drive through German environmental zones before leaving the country.	5 - 15

Validity Period

The validity period of Ausfuhrkennzeichen can range from a minimum of 15 days up to a maximum of one year. The exact duration depends on:

• The validity of your insurance: Your export plates cannot be valid for longer than your insurance coverage.
• The validity of your Hauptuntersuchung (HU): The plates cannot be valid beyond the expiration date of your HU.
• Your requested duration: You specify the desired period when applying.

The end date of the validity period is clearly stamped on the red stripe on the right side of the plate and noted in the vehicle's registration documents. Ensure this period is sufficient for your entire journey to the destination country.

Export Insurance (eVB-Number) Explained

Securing the correct insurance is a non-negotiable step. For Ausfuhrkennzeichen, you need a special export liability insurance. This is confirmed by an eVB-Nummer (elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung), an electronic insurance confirmation number.

How to Obtain an eVB for Ausfuhrkennzeichen

1. Contact an Insurance Provider: Reach out to a German insurance company. Inform them that you need insurance for Ausfuhrkennzeichen.
2. Provide Vehicle Details: You will need to provide details about the vehicle, such as the Herstellerschlüsselnummer (manufacturer code) and Typschlüsselnummer (type code) found in your Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I.
3. Specify Desired Validity: Inform the insurer for how long you need the insurance coverage (e.g., 15 days, 1 month, 3 months). The longer the duration, the higher the premium.
4. Receive eVB-Number: Once the insurance is confirmed and paid for, the insurer will provide you with a unique 7-digit eVB-number. This number is your proof of insurance and will be electronically submitted to the Zulassungsstelle.

The Role of Hauptuntersuchung (HU)

The Hauptuntersuchung (HU), commonly known as TÜV, is a mandatory general technical inspection in Germany. For Ausfuhrkennzeichen, your vehicle must have a valid HU that covers at least the entire period you intend the export plates to be valid.

What if Your HU is Expired or Due?

• Expired HU: If your HU has expired, you must arrange for a new inspection before you can apply for export plates. The vehicle cannot be registered for export without a valid HU.
• HU Expiring Soon: If your HU expires before your planned export journey is complete, you will only be granted Ausfuhrkennzeichen up to the HU's expiration date. It is advisable to get a new HU if the existing one is nearing its end, to maximize the export plate's validity.
• Where to Get an HU: Inspections can be carried out by authorized organizations such as TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS, or FSP.

Deregistering Your Vehicle

The process of obtaining Ausfuhrkennzeichen inherently involves the deregistration of your vehicle from the German registration system.

• For Registered Vehicles: When you apply for export plates, and your vehicle is currently registered with standard German plates, these plates will be officially invalidated at the Zulassungsstelle. The vehicle's registration will be changed from standard German plates to export plates, effectively deregistering it from regular German traffic.
• For Already Deregistered Vehicles: If your vehicle is already deregistered (e.g., you previously submitted your old plates), you will still need to provide proof of prior deregistration (often a stamped Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) along with all other required documents.

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls to Avoid

Navigating administrative procedures in Germany can be challenging. Here are common mistakes that can lead to delays or rejection of your Ausfuhrkennzeichen application:

1. Missing or Incorrect Documents:
   • Forgetting an original document (e.g., Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I or II, HU report).
   • Bringing copies instead of originals when originals are required.
   • Incorrect or expired identification.
2. Invalid or Incorrect Insurance:
   • Using an eVB-number for standard registration instead of one specifically for Ausfuhrkennzeichen.
   • Insurance not covering the full desired validity period of the plates.
3. Expired Hauptuntersuchung (HU):
   • Applying with an expired HU, leading to immediate rejection.
   • Not realizing the export plate validity cannot exceed the HU validity.
4. No Appointment or Wrong Appointment Type:
   • Showing up without an appointment, especially in larger cities, where you might be turned away.
   • Booking an appointment for the wrong service (e.g., Kurzzeitkennzeichen instead of Ausfuhrkennzeichen).
5. Unpaid Vehicle Tax or Missing SEPA Mandate:
   • Not having a valid SEPA direct debit mandate for vehicle tax.
   • Not having proof of upfront tax payment from customs if you don't have a German bank account.
6. Confusing Kurzzeitkennzeichen with Ausfuhrkennzeichen:
   • Believing Kurzzeitkennzeichen are suitable for permanent export, which can lead to legal issues abroad.
7. Power of Attorney Issues:
   • An incomplete or improperly worded power of attorney.
   • The representative not having their own valid ID or the owner's original ID (if required).
8. Damaged or Illegible Documents:
   • Documents that are damaged, altered, or where information is unreadable.
9. Outstanding Fees/Fines:
   • If there are outstanding vehicle-related fees, fines, or tax arrears, the Zulassungsstelle may refuse to issue new plates until these are settled.
10. Vehicle Not Physically Present:
    • While not always explicitly required for Ausfuhrkennzeichen as it might be for initial registration, ensure the vehicle's details match the documents perfectly. If there's any doubt, the Zulassungsstelle might request to see the vehicle.

What Happens After You Receive Your Export Plates?

Once you have successfully obtained your Ausfuhrkennzeichen, the final steps involve attaching them to your vehicle and preparing for your journey.

• Attach Plates: Securely mount the new Ausfuhrkennzeichen to the front and rear of your vehicle (or rear only for motorcycles and trailers).
• Documents in Hand: Always carry the original, stamped Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II with you while driving. These documents prove the vehicle's legal status and the validity of your export plates.
• International Travel: You can now legally drive your vehicle through various countries to its final destination, provided the plates are valid. Be aware that traffic laws and regulations of transit countries must be observed.
• No Further German Registration: The vehicle is now formally out of the German registration system. Once the validity period expires, the plates become invalid, and the vehicle can no longer be legally driven on German roads (or any roads, unless re-registered in another country).
• Customs Declarations: Depending on the destination country and the value of the vehicle, you might need to make customs declarations upon entry into the destination country. Research these requirements well in advance.

What if Your Application is Delayed or Rejected?

• Delays: If there are delays, it's usually due to incomplete documentation or high processing volumes at the Zulassungsstelle. Proactively follow up, ensuring all documents are correct.
• Rejection: If your application is rejected, the Zulassungsstelle must provide a reason. Address the specific reason for rejection (e.g., get a new HU, obtain correct insurance, provide missing documents) and reapply.

Comparison: Ausfuhrkennzeichen vs. Kurzzeitkennzeichen

Understanding the fundamental differences between these two types of temporary plates is critical to avoid legal complications.

Feature	Ausfuhrkennzeichen (Export Plates)	Kurzzeitkennzeichen (Short-Term Plates)
Purpose	Permanent export of a vehicle from Germany to another country. For driving the vehicle abroad.	Test drives, transfer drives within Germany, driving to an inspection (TÜV/HU), or to a workshop. Primarily for domestic use.
Validity Period	From 15 days up to 1 year (limited by HU/insurance validity). Date indicated by a red stripe on the right.	Fixed for 5 days. Date indicated by a yellow stripe on the right.
Insurance	Special export liability insurance (specific eVB-number) required, covering international travel.	Standard liability insurance (eVB-number) required, primarily for Germany. International validity is often limited or not recognized.
HU/TÜV	Mandatory. Must be valid for the entire period of the export plates.	Mandatory for road use. If HU is expired, the plates are only valid for direct travel to the nearest inspection station or workshop within the registration district.
Vehicle Tax	Mandatory. Due for the entire validity period of the plates.	Not applicable; generally tax-exempt for 5 days.
Recognition Abroad	Generally recognized for transit to the destination country.	Recognition varies significantly. Many countries, especially outside the EU, do not recognize them for entry or long-distance travel, leading to fines and impoundment. Not suitable for permanent export.
Documents	Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I & II, HU report, eVB (export), ID, existing plates (if applicable), SEPA mandate/tax payment proof.	Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I (or CoC/data sheet), eVB (standard), ID. HU report required for unrestricted use.

Glossary of Key German Terms

Understanding these terms is vital for navigating the German vehicle registration system effectively.

Official Sources and Where to Verify Information

It is always advisable to consult official sources for the most current and specific requirements, especially regarding fees and local procedures.

• Bundesportal (Federal Administration Portal): The central point for information on administrative services in Germany, including vehicle registration.
  • General information on Ausfuhrkennzeichen: Bundesportal Leistungsverzeichnis (English)
  • Specific regional information might be found through the Bundesportal by selecting your region: Bundesportal Regional Services (Example)
• Your Local Zulassungsstelle Website: Always check the website of the specific Zulassungsstelle in your city or district (e.g., search for "Zulassungsstelle [City Name]") for precise details on appointment booking, required forms, and payment methods.
• Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA): The federal motor transport authority, provides general information on vehicle types and registration.
  • Information on license plates and types: KBA Kennzeichen (German)
• Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV): General transport policy information.
  • Overview of driving licence categories (though not directly for export plates, it shows the authoritative source): BMDV Driving Licence Categories (English)

Practice Your Knowledge

Before embarking on your journey, test your understanding of German vehicle regulations and road rules, which remain critical even when exporting a vehicle.