Reporting loss or theft of numberplates
Were one or both numberplates of your vehicle stolen? Have you lost one or both numberplates? Then you must apply for a new registration number. The old one will then be blocked. You cannot then be held responsible if another person commits offences or crimes with your old numberplates.
Please note: You may not drive your vehicle on public roads without numberplates.
Conditions
loss or theft of numberplates
Process
In case of theft, you must make a report to the police as quickly as possible. The notification must contain the following details:
- Official registration number
- What numberplates were stolen (front or rear)
- When the theft took place
In case of loss or theft, you or another person must apply for a new registration number for your vehicle at the competent body. Many licensing authorities have a form available for downloading or an online service via the Internet.
The licensing authority will issue your vehicle with a licence plate and attach the stickers (main inspection and stamp) to it.
Should you wish to drive in environmental zones, you must also apply for a particle emissions sticker for the new registration.
Tip: You can obtain numberplates from private providers, which are usually located close to the approval authorities.
You can also have a new vanity plate issued.. Your old registration number will remain blocked for a certain period of time, in order to avoid misuse.
Documents
- Valid personal identity document or passport
- Additionally in case of representation:
- Written power of attorney
- Valid personal identity document or passport of the representative
- In case of minors: additional declaration consent and identity documents of the parents/guardians
- For legal entities/companies:
- excerpt from the Commercial Register,
- Business Registration or
- excerpt from the Register of Associations (Vereinsregisterauszug)
- Certification of registration part I (previously: registration certificate)
- Certification of registration part II (previously: registration certificate)
- Proof of a valid main inspection (MI)
- In case of loss: Loss declaration or affidavit of the vehicle owner
- Additionally in case of theft: written confirmation of the theft notification to the police
- If only one numberplate was stolen: the second numberplate
Note: The licensing authorities can request an affidavit in respect of the whereabouts of the numberplate. Many licensing authorities offer forms for downloading for:
- affidavit concerning the loss of numberplates
- power of attorney
Time limits
You have to report the loss or theft of the license plate without delay.
Costs
Depending on time taken for administration: from 26.80 EUR
Additional costs will be incurred for the number plates.
Reference point
Geben Sie in der Ortswahl Ihren Hauptwohnsitz, den Betriebssitz oder Ort der Niederlassung ein.
Responsible
- to report the theft: the police
- For the issuing of the new numberplates: the approval authorities in whose area you maintain your place of residence, company headquarters or branch office. The authorities are
- for an urban district (Stadtkreis): the city council (Stadtverwaltung)
- for a rural district (Landkreis): the rural district office (Landratsamt)