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Procedure descriptions
Apply for a temporary licence plate
The registration authority will issue a short-term licence plate on application.
You can use this if your vehicle is not (yet) registered or is currently outside the operating period of a seasonal licence plate and the seasonal licence plate is not being used at the same time for
- Test drives and
- Transfer journeys.
It begins with the identification number "03" or "04". This licence plate can be used once and loses its validity after the registered period has expired. The short-term licence plate is valid for a maximum of six consecutive calendar days, including the day of allocation.
You can only use it for the vehicle entered in the vehicle registration document.
Note: The start of the period of validity may not be pre-dated. Please bear this in mind, especially if you apply before a weekend or public holiday.
Forms/Online Services
Responsible authority
the registration authority in whose district you have your main residence, place of business or branch office or the registration authority of the vehicle's location. If you are not registered in Germany, the authority of the place of residence or the place of residence of a person authorised to receive the vehicle is responsible. The registration authority is
- for a city district: the city administration
- for a rural district: the district administration.
Details
Prerequisite
A vehicle may be put into operation with a short-term licence plate even though it is not registered or is outside the operating period of a seasonal licence plate and the seasonal licence plate is not used at the same time, if
- You need the vehicle for a test drive or transfer journey,
- the vehicle has a type or individual licence,
- proof of a valid general inspection is available and, if necessary, a safety inspection,
- proof of valid motor vehicle liability insurance can be provided
Vehicles that have neither an operating licence nor a valid main inspection or safety test are issued with licence plates for the journeys required to purchase them. Vehicles that are deemed unsafe to drive are excluded from this exemption.
Procedure
If you would like to use your vehicle for test drives or drive-over journeys, you can apply for a short-term licence plate at your local registration authority.
You can also authorise a representative (e.g. car dealer) to do this with your written power of attorney.
Provided all the necessary documents have been submitted and the applicable fee has been paid, a licence plate combination can be allocated on the spot. You will then receive a special vehicle licence from the registration authority.
Once you have been allocated a licence plate by the registration authority, you can produce a corresponding licence plate. In most cases, there are also private dealers not far from the registration authorities where you can have the temporary licence plate printed on a number plate immediately afterwards.
Deadlines
Period of validity: five days
The short-term licence plate is valid for six consecutive days, including the day of registration.
Required documents
- valid identity card or passport and, if applicable, a registration certificate
- additionally in case of representation:
- written power of attorney
- valid identity card or passport of the authorised person
- if you are not registered in Germany as the person making the application, an authorised recipient must be named; this is required:
- valid identity card or passport of the person authorised to receive the application
- for underage vehicle owners additionally:
- Declaration of consent and identification documents of the legal guardian
- for legal entities or companies:
- Extract from the commercial register,
- Business registration or
- Extract from the register of associations
- Confirmation of the existence of motor vehicle liability insurance
- Proof of operating licence (vehicle documents, certificate of conformity)
- Proof of valid general inspection and, if necessary, safety inspection (test report)
Costs
according to administrative costs: from EUR 10.20
Note: Costs for the licence plates are additional.
Miscellaneous
You can have the plates embossed at a company that is usually located near the licensing authority. Alternatively, you can order the plates from an online shop of your choice.
The licence plates must not be reflective, covered or dirty and must be attached to the vehicle in accordance with the legal requirements.
Short-term licence plates are generally not valid abroad, but are accepted by some EU countries. You should enquire in advance whether your destination country accepts the temporary licence plate.
Legal basis
Fahrzeugzulassungsverordnung (FZV):
- § 42 Probefahrten und Überführungsfahrten mit Kurzzeitkennzeichen
- Anlage 4 Ausgestaltung der Kennzeichen
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Verkehrsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 03.02.2026