How to buy a Car in Germany #

Buying a car or motorcycle in Germany doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you understand the steps, the process is quite straightforward. This guide covers everything you need from where to find vehicles to how to register them and start driving.

Do you really need a Car? #

If you live in Berlin, probably not. Parking is expensive, traffic is bad, and public transport is cheaper and faster. A car is only useful for traveling outside the city or moving large items.

1. Find a Vehicle #

Most people in Germany search on:

• mobile.de
• Kleinanzeigen
• Autohasu24

Dealerships also list their cars online. When you find something you like, contact the seller to visit and test-drive it.

2. Dealership or Private Seller? #

• Taxes: Dealership prices include 19% VAT. Private sales have no VAT.
• Warranty: Dealerships must offer a 1-year warranty on used cars and 2 years on new ones. Private sales usually have no warranty.
• Be careful if a dealer says they’re selling “on behalf of someone else” that means no tax and no warranty.

3. Check the Vehicle Papers #

Every car has two registration certificates (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I & II). Never buy a vehicle without them, you won’t be able to register or drive it. If it’s deregistered (Abgemeldet), you’ll need temporary plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen) to test drive.

4. TÜV Inspection #

All cars must pass a TÜV inspection every two years. If the inspection is expired (TÜV abgelaufen), the car can’t be registered. Check the expiry date before buying.

5. Environmental Zones #

Inside Berlin’s Ringbahn, only cars with a green Umwelt-Plakette can drive. You can buy this sticker at registration offices, garages, or gas stations. Motorcycles don’t need one.

6. Buying the Vehicle #

After agreeing on the price:

• Use a written sales contract (Kaufvertrag) templates are available from ADAC or Mobile.de.
• Make payment (cash or SEPA transfer).
• Get the registration papers, maintenance history, all keys, and manuals.

7. Get Insurance (eVB Number) #

Before registration, you need proof of insurance. Get an eVB number from an insurance provider (compare on Verivox or Tarifcheck). You’ll need this number to register the car.

8. Register the Vehicle #

You can register your car:

• Online via your BundID account
• In person at the Kfz-Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office) e.g Hamburg vehicle registration office
• Through a service like Kroschke, which handles the process for you (around €150)

Bring:

• ID and proof of address (Meldebescheinigung)
• eVB number
• Filled registration form and SEPA debit form
• Old licence plates (if any)
• Payment for fees (€20–30) and plates (€15)

9. Drive and Maintain #

Once registered, you can drive. You’ll automatically be billed for the vehicle tax (Kraftfahrzeugsteuer) once a year. Each year, compare car insurance before renewal switching can save you a lot.

Checkout our detailed guide on How to get driving license in Germany