Moving to Munich with a car, or buying one here? Vehicle registration in Germany is handled locally, and the rules are strict about documents. This guide explains the process in plain English — who is responsible, what to bring and where newcomers usually get stuck.
Which office is responsible
The registration office (Zulassungsstelle) is determined by your registered address:
- City of Munich: Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR), vehicle registration, Eichstätter Straße 2, 80686 München
- Munich district (e.g. Garching, Unterföhring, Ismaning, Unterhaching, Grünwald): Landratsamt München
Both offices work almost exclusively by appointment, booked online. More in German: Zulassungsstelle München.
Step one: register your address
Before you can register a car, you must register your residence at the Bürgerbüro (Anmeldung). The registration office will ask for your ID or passport together with the confirmation of residence (Meldebescheinigung). Without it, nothing else works.
Documents you need
- Passport or ID card plus Meldebescheinigung
- Vehicle documents: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II for German cars, or the foreign registration papers
- An eVB number — the electronic confirmation of insurance from a German insurer
- A SEPA direct debit mandate for the vehicle tax, from an account in the SEPA area
- Proof of a valid technical inspection (Hauptuntersuchung, often called “TÜV”)
- If someone registers on your behalf: a power of attorney (Vollmacht)
Bringing a car from abroad
A car registered in another EU country usually needs its foreign registration papers and the Certificate of Conformity (COC). Cars from outside the EU — for example from the US or the UK — often need an individual technical approval and proof of customs clearance. This is the most document-heavy case; details (in German) under Importauto zulassen.
Driving licence is separate: Exchanging a foreign driving licence is handled by the driving licence office (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde), not the vehicle registration office. An appointment for one does not cover the other.
Number plates
The registration office assigns the combination, but you buy the physical plates from a plate maker. You can also reserve a personalised plate (Wunschkennzeichen) in advance. We make plates on site at our office in Munich.
Costs
Official fees for a standard registration are around 30 euros. Add the plates, an optional personalised plate, insurance and annual vehicle tax, which depends on engine size and CO₂ emissions.
Let us handle it
Kfz-Voll-Service has been handling vehicle registrations in Munich since 1983. With a power of attorney we go to the registration office for you, check your documents beforehand and bring back your papers and stamped plates. Our office: Rüdesheimer Straße 21, 80686 München, Monday to Thursday 7 am – 5 pm, Friday 7 am – 4 pm, phone +49 89 54 71 94 10. Send us your request — you can describe your situation in English.