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Buying a Car in Germany: Used Cars, Dealerships & Registration
Living in Germany

Buying a Car in Germany: Used Cars, Dealerships & Registration

Oliver Frankfurth
Oliver Frankfurth
March 2026
5 min

11 Years Experience

Guiding expats since 2014.

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Quick Summary

While Germany's public transport is excellent, living in a rural area or having a large family often makes owning a car essential. The German used car market is massive, but it's heavily regulated. Buying a car here isn't just about handing over cash; it involves a strict bureaucratic dance involving insurance (eVB numbers), registration offices (Zulassungsstelle), and mandatory technical inspections (TÜV). This guide walks you through the entire process from test drive to license plates.

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1. Where to find a used car

The days of driving from lot to lot are over. The German used car market is dominated by two massive online platforms where both private sellers and commercial dealerships list their vehicles.

  1. Mobile.de: The undisputed market leader. It has the largest inventory of cars in Germany and Europe.
  2. AutoScout24.de: The second largest platform. Highly reliable and very similar to Mobile.de.

2. The Golden Rules of the Test Drive

When you go to view the car, never go alone. Bring a friend, ideally one who speaks fluent German or knows about cars.

Check the TÜV (HU/AU) Date

critical

The TÜV (technische Überwachung) is the mandatory roadworthiness test. A car must pass it every 2 years. Look at the vehicle documents or the rear license plate sticker. If the car's TÜV expires next month, do not buy it unless the seller agrees to get a new TÜV before the handover.

Check the 'Scheckheft' (Service Book)

required

A car that is "scheckheftgepflegt" has a fully stamped service booklet, proving it received regular oil changes and maintenance at authorized workshops. This is a massive green flag.

The Test Drive (Probefahrt)

required

Before driving, check if the car is registered and insured by the seller. Turn off the radio. Listen for strange rattling noises, test the brakes hard on an empty street, and ensure the steering wheel doesn't pull to one side.

3. The Paperwork: What you MUST receive

If you decide to buy the car and sign the standard ADAC purchase contract (Kaufvertrag), you must ensure the seller hands over the following documents in exchange for your money:

Essential Vehicle Documents

  • Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 1
    Source: Fahrzeugschein (Small green paper)
    easy
  • Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 2
    Source: Fahrzeugbrief (Large white paper - Title of Ownership)
    hard
  • Latest TÜV Report
    Source: HU/AU Bescheinigung
    medium
  • All Car Keys
    Source: Usually 2 sets
    easy

Warning: Whoever holds the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 2 (Fahrzeugbrief) is the legal owner of the car. Never pay money if the seller does not have this document physically in their hands!

4. How to Register the Car (Kfz-Zulassung)

You cannot just drive the car forever on the previous owner's plates. You must register it in your name at the local vehicle registration office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle).

Step 1: Get Car Insurance First! Before you can even book an appointment at the registration office, you must buy car insurance. When you buy a policy online, the insurance company instantly generates an eVB-Nummer (elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung) - a 7-digit alphanumeric code.

Step 2: Go to the Zulassungsstelle Bring your Passport, your Meldebescheinigung (Anmeldung), the eVB-Nummer, both vehicle documents (Teil 1 & 2), the TÜV report, and your bank details (for the annual vehicle tax direct debit).

Step 3: Buy the License Plates The clerk will process your papers and give you a slip of paper. You walk outside the office to a nearby "Schildermacher" (plate maker) shop, pay about €30, and they press your new metal plates. You take the plates back to the clerk, who sticks the official seals on them. Done!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Oliver Frankfurth

About Oliver

Founder of expats.de, former cooperative bank advisor (Bankfachwirt IHK) with 12 years of banking experience, and a §34d licensed insurance broker. Since 2014, Oliver has helped over 10,000 expats navigate the German financial system. Read Oliver's full story →

11 Years Market Leadership34d Licensed

Educational Notice & General Advice

This content is educational and reflects analysis based on our 11 years of market experience, our 200,000+ community insights, and current regulatory knowledge.

As a 34d-licensed insurance broker and experienced financial advisor, I provide this guidance in good faith. However, for personalized advice especially regarding insurance, mortgages, or tax-specific decisions—please consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional in your specific situation. Past expat experiences and historical market data do not guarantee identical results for your unique circumstances.