Sicher-Check • Auto
1) Which plates to use for driving/export
| Type | Where valid | Term | What’s required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kurzzeitkennzeichen yellow strip, 5 days | Germany | up to 5 days | eVB (insurance code), basic set at the Zulassungsstelle | For test drives / moving a car within DE. Not for crossing borders. |
| Ausfuhrkennzeichen export “red” plates | For leaving the EU | often up to ~1 month * depends on insurance/TÜV and local office rules | Issued by the Zulassungsstelle; the plate number is entered in the export declaration | Needed for cross-border driving; crucial for VAT zero-rating as export proof. |
Heads-up: terms/conditions differ between municipalities. Check your local Zulassungsstelle.
How to Get an eVB Code and Register a Vehicle in Germany
Getting your eVB code is simple: choose an insurance provider (online or through an agent), take out a Kfz liability and/or comprehensive policy, and provide your personal and vehicle details. You will then receive your unique eVB code by email or SMS. At your appointment at the Zulassungsstelle, present the required documents: passport/ID, registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I), valid TÜV report, and the eVB code. Once the registration is complete, your insurance coverage becomes officially active.
Special cases of license plate issuance
- Kurzzeitkennzeichen (short-term plates) – yellow temporary plates valid for up to 5 days, used for test drives or transporting a car within Germany. You need a short-term insurance policy (usually liability only) and an eVB code. The insurance is valid strictly for the duration of the short-term plates. Many insurers do not charge extra if you later take out a regular long-term policy with them (the eVB code is simply included). However, conditions vary — always check in advance.
- Ausfuhrkennzeichen (export plates) – “red” transit plates for exporting a car outside the EU. Their validity is chosen during the application process and typically lasts several weeks — up to about 30 days. The insurance policy for export plates always covers the entire validity period of the plates.
In conclusion: now that you understand how the eVB code works and what to consider for short-term or export plates, you can choose the best insurance option. The comparison tool below helps you quickly find a suitable policy at a fair price and receive your eVB code instantly.
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Links and banners marked with an asterisk (*) are affiliate links. If you click such a link and, for example, sign an insurance contract or make a purchase, we may receive a commission. For you, nothing changes: the price and conditions remain the same.
2) Export documents: what exactly and key requirements
A. Export sales contract (Export-Kaufvertrag)
- Full seller/buyer details (for a business: USt-IdNr./Steuernummer; Handelsregister if applicable).
- Vehicle data: make/model, VIN, year, mileage, colour/trim, registration document numbers.
- Vehicle condition (defects), clause: gekauft wie besichtigt / ohne Garantie — only where lawful (B2B).
- Price, currency, payment terms (deposit, SEPA/SWIFT), Incoterms if needed; risk transfer.
- Purpose: export to a third country (for VAT exemption or §25a UStG — depending on the case).
B. Invoice (Export-Rechnung)
- Seller/buyer (full details), Steuernummer or USt-IdNr.
- Invoice date/number, vehicle description (with VIN), delivery date.
- Amount & VAT status: USt-frei als Ausfuhrlieferung gem. §4 Nr.1a i.V.m. §6 UStG (or §25a UStG — margin scheme).
- Payment/delivery terms, currency; export plate number where relevant.
C. Export declaration (Ausfuhranmeldung, ATLAS/IAA-Plus)
- Submitted electronically to the export customs office; exporter’s EORI is required.
- Key fields: exporter (EORI), consignee/country, vehicle details (VIN, TARIC), value, customs offices, mode of exit, Ausfuhr plate number.
- After actual exit, an Ausgangsvermerk (AGV) is generated — the main proof of export for VAT zero-rate.
- The ABD alone is not proof of export; keep electronic messages for 10 years.
3) End-to-end process (quick checklist)
- Deregister the vehicle (Abmeldung) with the seller.
- Arrange Ausfuhrkennzeichen + insurance (for cross-border travel).
- File the electronic export declaration (IAA-Plus/ATLAS) with vehicle & plate data.
- Exit/ship out of the EU.
- Obtain and keep the AGV as export proof.
4) Templates (ready to use)
Download: Sales Contract (DE) Download: Invoice Download: Public Offer (PDF)
Preview: Export sales contract
VEHICLE SALES CONTRACT (EXPORT) (Export-Kaufvertrag) 1. Parties Seller (Verkäufer): XXXXX (name, address, USt-IdNr./Steuernummer XXXXX, Handelsregister XXXXX if any) Buyer (Käufer): XXXXX (name, address, ID/company details) 2. Vehicle Make/Model XXXXX, VIN XXXXX, Year XXXXX, Mileage XXXXX km, Colour/Trim XXXXX. Condition: used; known defects: XXXXX. Inspected by Buyer/representative. 3. Price & Payment Price: XXXXX EUR. Terms: XXXXX (SEPA/SWIFT/cash, deposit). 4. Risk & Handover Risk transfers upon physical handover to Buyer or carrier (per Incoterms XXXXX). Handed over: ZB I/II, service book (if any), keys (XXXXX pcs). 5. Export / Customs Intended export outside the EU (Ausfuhr in ein Drittland). Ausfuhr plate No.: XXXXX (if known). Buyer handles export/customs unless agreed otherwise. 6. VAT VAT-exempt as an export delivery (§4 Nr.1a i.V.m. §6 UStG) / or §25a UStG (margin) — select correct option. 7. Warranty & Liability B2B: verkauft wie besichtigt, ohne Gewährleistung (within the law). B2C: mandatory consumer rights under German law. 8. Governing Law & Venue German law. Venue: XXXXX. Signatures: Seller __________ Buyer __________ Date/Place XXXXX
Preview: Export invoice
Invoice No. XXXXX Issuer/Seller: XXXXX (Name, Address, USt-IdNr./Steuernummer XXXXX, HR XXXXX) Recipient/Buyer: XXXXX (Name, Address, VAT ID if any) Invoice date: DD.MM.YYYY Delivery/Service date: DD.MM.YYYY Item: Used vehicle XXXXX, VIN XXXXX, Year XXXXX, Mileage XXXXX Qty: 1 Unit price: XXXXX EUR Total: XXXXX EUR VAT note: Umsatzsteuerfrei als Ausfuhrlieferung gem. §4 Nr.1a i.V.m. §6 UStG. (or: Differenzbesteuerung nach §25a UStG) Payment terms: XXXXX Bank (IBAN/BIC): XXXXX Note: Export plate No. XXXXX (if applicable)
Public offer (website) — short version
PUBLIC OFFER FOR CAR INSPECTION & PURCHASE SUPPORT SERVICES 1. Scope: on-site/remote inspection (visual/OBD/paint), photo/video, report & recommendation; optionally: negotiation, paperwork, delivery. 2. Disclaimer about the object of purchase: we are not the vehicle seller; conclusions are expert opinion for the inspection date; the client decides on purchase. 3. Liability cap: limited to the fee paid, except intent/gross negligence and harm to life/health (German law). 4. Payment/cancellation: see the “Prices” page. 5. Law/venue: German law, Potsdam court. Contacts/Impressum/Privacy — on the website.
5) Useful links
- ATLAS Export / IAA-Plus: electronic export declaration, portal, manuals.
- EORI for declarations: how to obtain.
- VAT export evidence: Ausgangsvermerk (AGV), document retention.
- Kurzzeitkennzeichen: eVB, TÜV, usage limitations.
- Ausfuhrkennzeichen: conditions, term, registration at the Zulassungsstelle.
- Ukraine import duty calculator: mdoffice.com.ua
Important: for practical guidance only — this is not legal advice. Check your customs office and municipality requirements.
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IMPORTANT: VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENCE PLATES IN GERMANY
Vehicle registration and the issuance of licence plates in Germany is carried out by the official Kfz-Zulassungsstelle (Kfz-Zulassungsbehörde) at your place of residence or the nearest registration office – including for temporary and export licence plates.
How the registration process works:
- you book an appointment online (in some cities a walk-in queue is still possible);
- you come to the Kfz-Zulassungsstelle at the reserved time with the original vehicle documents and your ID;
- the exact list of documents depends on what you want to register (permanent, temporary or export plates).
For permanent licence plates you usually need:
- Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II (vehicle registration documents);
- a valid HU/TÜV inspection;
- an electronic insurance number eVB from your insurance company;
- a recent Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate of residence);
- a completed SEPA direct debit mandate for the collection of the German Kfz tax.
For export licence plates, the vehicle usually has to be physically present (VIN and components check), a valid TÜV is required, as well as insurance for the desired period and payment of the relevant taxes and fees.
What we do NOT do:
- we do not issue licence plates;
- we do not register vehicles;
- we do not sell insurance products and do not act as an insurance company.
What we offer as an additional support service:
- booking an online appointment at the Kfz-Zulassungsstelle;
- accompanying you to the registration office in Berlin as an interpreter and helper;
- checking whether all necessary documents are complete before your visit;
- explaining where and how you can obtain an eVB number / insurance if you do not know where to start.
Our fee is a payment for our working time and support. All official fees (registration, licence plates, insurance, taxes) are paid by you separately and directly.
If you need our assistance in another city in Germany (outside Berlin) — including organising the appointment at the local Kfz-Zulassungsstelle and accompanying you during the licence-plate issuance process — the service fee is 200 € (for our main work) + 1.5 €/km to the city where the registration will take place. This covers transportation costs. To book this service in advance, please contact us via WhatsApp.
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