ROUTE

Buying a used car

Buying a used car: purchase contract, insurance, transit plates, TÜV inspection and registration.

1. 1

   STEP

   Kaufvertrag: The Used Car Purchase Contract

   Record the exact time of key handover — from that moment you are legally responsible for the vehicle.

2. 2

   STEP

   eVB-Nummer: Electronic Insurance Confirmation

   A 7-character code from your insurer. Get it online before visiting the Zulassungsstelle — without it, no number plates will be issued.

3. 3

   STEP

   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.

4. 4

   STEP

   TÜV / HU: Hauptuntersuchung (Vehicle Safety Inspection)

   Mandatory every 2 years. Overdue by more than 8 months: €75 fine and 1 point. Check the date before you buy.

5. 5

   STEP

   Zulassung: Registering Your Car

   The final step: number plates, vehicle tax and documents — all in one visit to the Zulassungsstelle. Driving without registration is illegal.