Kurzzeitkennzeichen: Transit Plates for Moving a Car
Only needed if the car is deregistered. Valid for exactly 5 days — obtain them at the Zulassungsstelle before collecting the vehicle.
✓ Verified: 15/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
What is it and when to act?
Kurzzeitkennzeichen are temporary transit plates required to drive a deregistered (abgemeldet) vehicle. Driving without them is an administrative offence: fine from €70 plus 1 point on your Flensburg record. Apply at the Zulassungsstelle before you collect the car.
Where to apply and what does it cost?
Apply in person at the Zulassungsstelle at your address (not the seller’s). Cost: approximately €40. Valid for exactly 5 calendar days from the start date you specify. You’ll need: Personalausweis, a transit insurance eVB, and the Kaufvertrag.
Common mistakes
Driving for a purpose the plates don’t cover. Kurzzeitkennzeichen (§ 42 FZV) is only valid for a transfer, test drive, or trip to an inspection — using it for everyday driving or commuting is not allowed.
Leaving the plate documents at home. Carry the Kurzzeitkennzeichen certificate and the eVB confirmation with you — at a roadside check, an officer needs to see that the plates and insurance are valid for this specific trip.
Not accounting for a weekend inside the 5-day window. The window runs in calendar days, not business days. If you get the plates on a Thursday and something goes wrong on Saturday, there’s no way to extend or reapply until Monday — the Zulassungsstelle is closed.
I got Kurzzeitkennzeichen from Monday to Friday, then rescheduled the collection to Saturday — the plates had expired. €70 fine. Transit plates are issued for specific dates — plan with a buffer and apply 5 days ahead.
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Lea recommends:
I used my regular eVB for the transit plates — the insurer refused to pay out after a minor accident during the transfer: the policy didn't cover an unregistered vehicle. Always get a separate transit insurance eVB for Kurzzeitkennzeichen.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between Kurzzeitkennzeichen and Überführungskennzeichen?▾
There is no separate, cheaper 'Überführungskennzeichen' for private transfers inside Germany — this is a common misconception. The FZV provides three options: Kurzzeitkennzeichen (§ 42 FZV) — exactly 5 calendar days, no route restriction, around €40, open to anyone; rotes Kennzeichen (§ 41 FZV) — permanent, but reserved for dealers and manufacturers; Ausfuhrkennzeichen (§ 45 FZV, yellow field) — only for taking a vehicle abroad permanently, useless for a domestic trip. So when buying from a private seller in another city, Kurzzeitkennzeichen is the only route.
Do I need separate insurance for transit plates?▾
Yes. When collecting Kurzzeitkennzeichen you must present a separate eVB for transit insurance — your regular Haftpflicht doesn't cover an unregistered vehicle that isn't yours yet. The same insurers that provide standard Haftpflicht also offer transit insurance.
Can I drive a technically defective car on transit plates?▾
No — and the rule says so directly: § 42 (1) no. 2 FZV allows a Kurzzeitkennzeichen only if valid proof of a passed Hauptuntersuchung exists. If the HU has expired, the plates will not be issued in the first place, and the car may not be driven on any plates. Moving a technically unroadworthy vehicle requires a tow truck or a trailer.