German law requires active third-party liability insurance before number plates can be issued. The eVB number is your proof — get it online in 10 minutes.
✓ Verified: 15/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
DOCUMENTS1
COSTS
€
Kfz-Haftpflicht (mandatory third-party liability) from €300/year
Depends on vehicle, region, age, claims history. New drivers in Germany typically start at class SF½ or SF1
Insurance comes before the plates
Germany’s logic: no registration without active third-party insurance. The eVB number is the electronic proof. 10 minutes on Check24↗ or Verivox↗ and it’s done.
What the Zulassungsstelle actually needs
Only the 7-character code — no need to print the policy or bring paperwork. Save the code on your phone or write it down.
I had no claims history in Germany — started at SF½, the most expensive class. After one accident-free year I moved to SF1, after two years SF2. The premium drops every year. Don't be put off by the initial high rate.
👩🏼💼
Lea recommends:
I brought printed policy documents — completely unnecessary. The clerk only typed in the eVB code and had all the details instantly. The printout was pointless.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is an eVB number?▾
eVB stands for 'elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung' — electronic insurance confirmation. When you take out a policy, your insurer automatically registers it with the central GDV system. The Zulassungsstelle retrieves your policy by entering the 7-character code — without it, they cannot issue plates.
Can I insure a car before it's registered in Germany?▾
Yes — and you must. Insurance is arranged BEFORE registration; the eVB number is the condition for registration, not the other way around. Give your insurer the VIN and planned registration date.
Will German insurers recognise my no-claims history from abroad?▾
Partially. Austrian and Swiss histories are sometimes recognised. Most others (Ukraine, US, etc.) are rarely accepted — you'll typically start at class SF½ or SF1. Get quotes from several insurers.
What information does the insurer need?▾
VIN, make, model, year, engine output in kW, your German postcode (PLZ), date of birth, planned insurance start date.