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If you want to test drive or transfer a vehicle that is not registered, you can apply for a temporary license plate. It begins with the identification number "03" or "04". This license plate can be used once and loses its validity after the registered period has expired.
The license plate is valid for a maximum of five calendar days (including the day of allocation by the registration authority). It is not possible to specify a different start date for the period of validity. Please take this into account, especially when applying before a weekend or public holiday.
Vehicles without an operating license and/or a valid general inspection/safety test are issued license plates for the journeys required to purchase them.
You must submit the application to the registration authority at your main place of residence, place of business or place of the participating branch or location. You can also authorize a representative (e.g. car dealer) to do this with your written power of attorney.
If an application form is required, you can obtain it in advance from the registration authority and complete it at home. Depending on the services offered by your registration authority, a download form or an online service via the Internet may be available.
You can find information about the registration authorities under "Further links".
You will receive a special vehicle registration document from the registration authority. The license plate can only be used on one vehicle.
Tip: You can have the license plates produced during the registration process. To do this, you can contact private providers, which are usually located near the registration authorities.
The short-term license plate fee is EUR 13.10.
Plus the fee charged by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (EUR 2.60) and for document seals used (EUR 0.30 each). The registration authority may also charge for any postage costs incurred.
With a few exceptions, motor vehicles with a maximum design speed of more than six kilometers per hour and their trailers must have an official license plate as soon as they are used on public roads.