Deregistering a car: What documents do I need?
You need:
- Your registration certificate Part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I)
- Your license plate for de-stamping
The registration office automatically informs the main customs office and the insurance company that the vehicle has been deregistered.
Visit the Local Vehicle Registration Office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle)
The location of your local vehicle registration office depends on your city or district. You can usually find this information on your local city government's website. In general, these offices are open during normal business hours, usually from 8 AM to 4 PM, though some offices may close earlier on certain days.
In some cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, you can make an appointment online via their respective government websites to avoid long waiting times:
For other cities, check their local government websites for the availability of online appointment bookings. If online booking is not available, try to visit the office early in the morning to avoid long queues.
Can I keep my old number plate?
You can have your old number plate reserved. You indicate your wish to reserve it when you deregister. If you want to use the license plate later on another vehicle, you will have to pay a fee of 10,20€ for the desired license plate. The duration varies depending on the registration district, but usually three to twelve months are possible.
Submit the Documents
Once at the office, go to the designated counter and submit your documents. The clerk will check your documents and process your application for de-registration. This process usually takes around 15-30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
Receive Confirmation
Once your documents have been processed and the fee paid, the clerk will issue a de-registration stamp (Stilllegungsvermerk) on your vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugschein or Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I). This de-registration stamp is a critical piece of proof that your car is officially de-registered. Done!
Is an unstamped licence plate permitted?
Journeys in connection with the registration procedure may be made within the registration district and an adjoining district with unstamped number plates. These are, for example, journeys to the general inspection. However, this is only possible if the authority has assigned a registration number to the vehicle in advance and the vehicle is insured.After deregistering the vehicle, you may still use the unstamped number plate for return journeys, (for example; to go back home) until the end of the day - provided the insurance is still valid.
