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The Zulassungsbescheinigung (Teil I & II) is the vehicle registration and proof of ownership document. The Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil l is the equivalent of what used to be known as the Fahrzeugbrief (proof of ownership) and the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II is the equivalent of the former Fahrzeugschein (vehicle registration certificate). These changes were made to comply with EU standards. Where and When to Register a VehicleForeign vehicles staying for up to one year in Germany do not have to be registered, but a German translation of the vehicle's registration certificate is necessary to bring the vehicle into Germany. After a twelve month period the vehicle will become liable for German registration and the accompanying statutory roadworthiness tests. To register a vehicle, visit the local Vehicle Registration Office (Kraftfahrzeugzulassungsstelle).
The procedure and necessary documents differ slightly depending on whether the vehicle is being imported from inside the EU or from elsewhere. Importing a Vehicle from Another EU CountryPrior to registering a vehicle in Germany it must have an EU certificate of conformity (Konformitätsbescheinigung or EWG - Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung) to ensure it conforms to German road safety standards. In 1996 an EU regulation came into effect requiring vehicle manufacturers to provide an "operational standard certificate" (EU-Betriebserlaubnis) to allow cars bought in EU countries to be imported without undergoing additional technical examination regarding conformity. These certificates can be expensive due to the technical expertise required to carry out the inspection. The German Automobile association ADAC warns people to beware of falsified certificates. If the vehicle does not have this certificate (if it is too old, for example) it must be inspected by the TÜV (Technische Überwachungs-Verein) or DEKRA (in the new Federal States, formerly East Germany), who will issue the certificate if it meets the required standards. The following information is required:
Importing a new vehicleIf a new vehicle is imported, then duty (Umsatzsteuer) must be paid to the local tax office (Finanzamt) within ten days of the date of sale. Proof of this is needed to register the vehicle. It will also require a tax clearance certificate (Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung) from the Federal Motor Vehicle Authority (Kraftfahrtbundesamt) Importing a used vehicleIn line with EU regulations no duty is payable on a used vehicle imported for personal use provided that the VAT has been paid in the EU country of origin, and that it has been owned and registered in that country and has been driven for at least 6,000 Km prior to entry in to Germany. The following documents are required to import a used vehicle from another EU country:
RegistrationTo register a new or used vehicle the following must be taken to the local vehicle registration office (Kraftfahrzeugzulassungsstelle):
Note: If a vehicle is less than six months old or has been driven less than 6,000 Km it is still classed as "new". Proof that duty has been paid (Mitteilung der Umsatzsteuer) will also be required. Proof of ownership documents will be returned, but the foreign vehicle registration documents will be kept and returned to the respective authorities in the country of origin. Original number plates on used cars will either be destroyed or returned. Importing a Vehicle from Outside the EUMotor vehicles from outside the EU that are imported into Germany are subject to import duties and VAT. However, bringing a vehicle into Germany from outside the EU as part of personal and household effects may mean that it is exempt from customs duties and VAT. The owner must have lived outside the EU for at least the previous twelve months, have bought the car outside the EU and have driven it for at least six months prior to arrival, must be registered as a resident in Germany and must subsequently keep the vehicle for personal use for a minimum of twelve months following import. Information in English is available from the Information Office of the German Customs (Zoll).
Once the relevant taxes have been paid the owner will receive a customs clearance receipt (Zollrechtliche Bescheinigung) or a customs exemption certificate (Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung). The vehicle must also undergo a roadworthiness and emissions test to ensure that it complies with German technical, environmental and safety standards.
RegistrationTo register a vehicle from a non-EU country the following documents will be required in addition to those for EU countries:
Vintage & Classic Cars
Deregistering a Vehicle (KfZ-Stilllegung)To deregister a vehicle registered in Germany on a temporary or final basis visit the local vehicle registration office (Kraftfahrzeugzulassungsstelle).
The following documents must be provided:
Disposing of a vehicleIf a vehicle is to be disposed of then proof of recycling is required and certification for correct vehicle disposal must be submitted to the registration authority. Since the Act on the Disposal of End-of-life Vehicles came into force on 1 July 2002 manufacturers and importers are obliged by law to collect end-of-life vehicles and a nationwide collection system is being set up. This means that owners who wish to dispose of their vehicle can return it to the manufacturer or importer free of cost for recycling and reclamation. The dismantlers issue a certificate of destruction and are obliged to meet stringent recycling targets.
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