Export License Plates
If you want to export a vehicle abroad, you should apply for an export license plate in good time. The allocation of an export license plate is provided for the permanent transfer of an unregistered or registered motor vehicle abroad.
It is strongly recommended to apply for the export license plate before you finally deregister your vehicle – otherwise problems may arise with taking the vehicle off the road in the Federal Republic of Germany. We are happy to take care of the application for you, simply get in touch with us.
What is the export license plate?
The export license plate is a special license plate that allows you to export your car abroad. Strictly speaking, it therefore belongs to the category of transfer license plates.
The use of the export license plate is regulated in § 19 of the Vehicle Registration Regulation (FZV).
Other names
Because of its function of allowing vehicles to be transported abroad, the export license plate is also known as:
- Customs plate
- Export plate
- Transit plate
Structure of the export license plate
From left to right, you see on the export license plate:
- Distinguishing sign: The first letters of the plate stand for the district of the registration authority, for example “B” for “Berlin”.
- Inspection sticker: The inspection sticker is always red. You receive the sticker from the registration authority as soon as your car is registered.
- Identification number and letter: The unique sequence of digits and letters shows who the plate belongs to. There can be one to four digits, but only one letter.
- Red bar with validity: The red bar shows the date (day, month, year) on which the registration is no longer valid.
The export license plate does not have a blue Euro bar on the left edge.
Applying for an export license plate: what requirements do I have to meet?
To get an export license plate from the registration authority, you must meet these requirements:
- Vehicle insurance
For the export license plate, your car needs current motor vehicle liability insurance. It is important that the insurance is also valid abroad and for the entire registration period.
In some countries you additionally need an international green insurance card to prove that your car is insured. You can usually request the green card directly online from your insurer.
- Main inspection
For an export license plate, you must prove that your inspection sticker is still valid until the end of the desired registration period. You receive a current inspection sticker after a main inspection (TÜV/HU).
- Vehicle tax
For the period for which your export license plate is registered, you must pay vehicle tax. For this you normally need a German bank account, or you pay the amount directly in cash at the registration authority.
Additionally required documents
- Vehicle registration certificate part I (vehicle registration document)
- Vehicle registration certificate part II (vehicle title)
- Authorization to receive mail
- Official license plates (for registered vehicles)
- Current main inspection report or acceptance report under § 17
- 3-part insurance card (yellow) specifically for export license plates
- SEPA direct debit mandate – signed by the vehicle owner and account holder
Since 1 July 2010, an export license plate has been subject to motor vehicle tax from the day it is issued. The tax is levied for the entire period, but at least for 1 month. The vehicle tax is assessed directly by the responsible main customs office.