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Kurzzeit vs Ausfuhr: what to choose
Kurzzeitkennzeichen — short-term plates valid up to 5 days for test drives and moving a car within Germany. A valid HU/TÜV is usually required; without HU only limited trips to the nearest Prüfstelle in your/home district are permitted.
Ausfuhrkennzeichen — export plates for leaving Germany. The validity period is chosen during issuance (from weeks to several months) depending on insurance and route.
What to prepare (document checklist)
- Passport/ID of owner or a power of attorney + ID of the representative
- Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I/II (registration papers) — if already available
- Insurance code eVB (mandatory for plates)
- Valid HU/TÜV (especially for longer trips)
- Proof of purchase/contract (as applicable)
- Fees for the Zulassungsstelle + plate manufacturing cost
Same-day procedure (step by step)
- Choose the plate type: within DE — Kurzzeit; cross-border — Ausfuhr.
- Insurance: get an eVB code for the required period.
- Check HU/TÜV and paperwork completeness (ZB I/II, contract).
- Appointment at the Zulassungsstelle (or queue). Fill in the form and pay the fees.
- Manufacture the plates (shop nearby) + receive the registration slip with stamps.
- Final check: dates, route, insurance, emergency contacts.
Timing: with an appointment and full documents, issuance often takes 1–2 hours. Without a slot, expect delays. Export plates usually take longer due to longer insurance coverage.
How to speed things up
- Get the eVB in advance (provide exact dates and route).
- Verify ZB I/II and that the VIN matches the car.
- Make copies of passport/contract; prepare a power of attorney if needed.
- Book a Zulassungsstelle slot (or let us handle it).
- Arrange delivery of plates and documents with us.
FAQ
Can I leave Germany with Kurzzeit plates? No — they are for use within Germany. For export, use Ausfuhrkennzeichen.
Is TÜV required for Kurzzeit? Generally yes. Without HU, only limited trips to a test center within/near your district are allowed.
Can someone else apply on my behalf? Yes, with a power of attorney and copies of documents.
We handle plates and transport
Kurzzeit/Ausfuhr issuance, the right insurance, driving the car on our plates or arranging a trailer — we’ve got you covered.
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