Bringing your car to Germany

If your car is registered within the EU

As long as your car is registered in another EU country, you can drive it in Germany for up to six months. We recommend that you obtain a German translation of your car's registration documentation. If you will be in Germany for longer than six months you will need to organise registration and car taxes. The Zollamt (Customs Office) is responsible for registration and car taxes - see here for more details.

If your car is registered outside the EU

You may need to pay import duties and VAT. If your car is for private use and you have owned it for the past six months you will be exempt from these charges. Please check with the Customs Office to ascertain your eligibility.

If you are coming to Germany to study

You do not need to register or pay tax as long as you can show proof you are enrolled in an educational institution.

How to register your vehicle

To register your vehicle please contact the relevant local Karlsruhe office (some will offer online appointments for your convenience):

Bürgerbüro K8 - Kaiserallee 8 (main office)

Bürgerbüro Durlach - Pfinztalstr.33

Bürgerbüro Mitte - Marktplatz in the Rathaus, Karl-Friedrich-Str. 10

Bürgerbüro Ost - Beuthener Str. 42

Bürgerbüro Süd - Steinhäuserstr. 22

Ortsverwaltung Grötzingen - Rathausplatz 1

Ortsverwaltung Hohenwettersbach - Kirchplatz 4

Ortsverwaltung Neureut - Neureuter Haupstr. 256

Ortsverwaltung Stupferich - Kleinsteinbacher Str. 16

Ortsverwaltung Wettersbach - Am Wetterbach 40

Ortsverwaltung Wolfartsweier - Rathausstr. 2

You will need to bring your vehicle to the place of registration. Registration costs between 26.30-58.00 Euros and can be paid with an EC card and PIN or with cash.

How to tax your vehicle

Annual vehicle tax (Kfz-Steuer) is based on the age and size of your vehicle and is automatically withdrawn from your bank account once a year by the Customs Office (tax calculators are available online). You will need to complete the relevant form for this to be arranged. Please see here for more details.

Documents to bring with you

Please check carefully with the Customs Office which documents you will need to bring with you as you will not be able to register your vehicle if you do not provide this information (absolutely no exceptions).

Documents may include:

- A form of identification (passport or ID card)

- Residence registration papers (Anmeldeformular)

- Vehicle license plates and registration papers

- Proof that the vehicle is roadworthy if it is older than three years

- (HU - Hauptuntersuchung)

- General Inspection

- Receipt or bill of sale for the vehicle

- Proof of insurance (eVB Nummer

- elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung)

- you can obtain this number from your insurance company

- European Certificate of Conformity ( EG Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung) issued by the manufacturer or their agent

- A TÜV/DEKRA certificate of roadworthiness and emissions testing in accordance with § 21 STVZO, if you do not have a Certificate of Conformity

- Customs clearance certificate (if from a non-EU country)direct debit authorization for vehicle taxation (Einzugsermächtigung für Kfz-Steuer)

MIRASCON Car Insurance Plans

MIRASCON is a reputable car insurance company that offers customizable coverage options to fit the specific needs and budgets of all types of drivers. With over 30 years of experience, the company has a deep understanding of the unique challenges that come with living in a foreign country, like the language barriers or confusing policies that can be a hindrance to a customer’s peace of mind. The company is committed to making things easy for customers and are offering 24/7 Europe-wide road assistance and an easy-to-use online claims filing system. Interested individuals are encouraged to get in touch with them to learn more about their coverage options for expats in Germany.