Applying to re-register a vehicle in the same owner’s name – Registration / Vehicle registration
If you wish to use your deregistered vehicle on public roads again, you must first re-register it.
This is known as re-registration in the name of the same owner if you are the person who was previously registered as the owner of the vehicle.
If there has been a change of owner, this is referred to as registration in the name of a different owner. You can also find a description of this on Service-BW.
You can re-register cars, motorbikes and trailers. You can submit the application in person orthrough a representative at your local registration authority. Alternatively, you can apply for re-registration digitally via the i-Kfz portal, provided your vehicle has not been off the road for more than seven years. You can find the link to the i-Kfz online service on the homepage of your registration authority.
Details
Prerequisite
- The vehicle is currently out of service.
- There has been no change of owner.
- You must not have any outstanding fees or expenses from previous registration procedures amounting to more than 10 EUR.
- You must not have any outstanding motor vehicle tax debts of 5 EUR or more. This also includes late payment surcharges, interest and late payment penalties.
Procedure
You can apply for re-registration in the same owner’s name either in person at the vehicle registration office or online.
If you wish to apply for re-registration in person at the vehicle registration office:
- You or your representative should visit the vehicle registration office during opening hours.
- Once there, you must present the necessary documents.
- You can decide whether to continue using the vehicle’s existing number plate or whether you would like to choose a new one.
- If you would like a new number plate, you must also present the Part II registration certificate (vehicle registration document) to the registration office.
- The vehicle registration office will check the documents.
- Once the documents have been successfully checked, the registration office will issue a new Part I of the Registration Certificate and hand this over to you together with the new stickers (annual roadworthiness test and tax disc).
- If you have chosen a new number plate as part of the re-registration process, the registration authority will, where applicable, issue a new Part II of the registration certificate and hand it over to you.
- You pay the fees incurred for the re-registration at the registration authority.
- Finally, the registration authority will automatically inform your insurance company of the vehicle’s re-registration.
If you wish to apply for re-registration online:
- You apply for re-registration online by following the process step by step and entering the correct details.
- You must verify your identity using one of the following identification methods:
- Individuals with an identity card (nPA), an electronic identity card (eID card or an electronic residence permit, eAT) with the eID function activated, including a six-digit PIN, and a smartphone with the free ‘AusweisApp2’ app, or via a card reader.
- Alternatively, you can use BundID with an ELSTER certificate or nPA/eID/eAT authentication.
- Legal entities require the BUND business account with an ELSTER certificate.
- The online process must be completed with immediate payment via the relevant payment service provider, to which you will be automatically redirected.
- The registration authority will check your details.
- Once the check has been successfully completed, the registration authority will assign a number plate to your vehicle. You will receive a provisional registration certificate.
- The registration authority will issue the registration documents and send them to you, together with the stickers (general inspection and tax sticker), within ten days. Once you have received the documents, you must immediately affix the stickers to the number plate bearing the registration number allocated by the registration authority.
- Drive away straight away: You can download and print out the provisional registration certificate. This printout must be displayed in the vehicle behind the windscreen. If embossed number plates bearing the registration number allocated to the vehicle are also fitted to the vehicle and the printed registration certificate is carried in the vehicle, you may drive off immediately or take part in road traffic.
The registration authority will automatically inform your insurance company of the vehicle’s registration.
Deadlines
none
Required documents
- Certificate of Registration, Part I (Vehicle Registration Certificate)
- Valid electronic insurance certificate (eVB)
- Valid general inspection and, where applicable, safety inspection
- Valid identity document, for example the vehicle owner’s identity card or passport
- if a passport is presented, a current certificate of residence is also required
- Bank account details or a SEPA direct debit mandate for the collection of the vehicle owner’s road tax
- if available: completed application forms
You may need to provide additional supporting documents if:
- Vehicle details have been changed and no longer match the details previously recorded
- or, in the case of first registration, the details differ from those on the certificate of conformity
- If you wish to use a new number plate, you will need:
- Part II of the registration certificate (formerly the vehicle registration document)
- if already available: a new, pre-reserved or preferred number plate, including the PIN
- If acting on behalf of another person:
- a written power of attorney and the vehicle owner’s identity document
- the authorised person must be able to identify themselves with a valid identity card or passport
- In the case of re-registration in the name of a minor:
- a written declaration of consent from the legal guardians and their original identity cards
- where applicable, a certificate from the Youth Welfare Office confirming sole custody for single parents, or a certificate of no objection
- For companies, additionally:
- An extract from the trade or commercial register
- the identity documents of the responsible person authorised to sign on behalf of the company, such as the managing director, managing directors, authorised signatory or their authorised representative
Depending on the individual case, the licensing authority may require further or different supporting documents from you.
Costs
The charges are levied in accordance with the Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt).
Processing time
If you apply in person at the registration office, your application is usually processed straight away.
Miscellaneous
none
Legal basis
Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung (FZV)
- § 16 Außerbetriebsetzung, Wiederzulassung
- § 29 Internetbasierte Wiederzulassung
- § 33 Großkundenschnittstelle
Anlage zu Gebührenordnung für Maßnahmen im Straßenverkehr (GebOSt)
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Verkehrsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 28.07.2026