Short-term plates or export plates?
Two plates. Two different purposes. Read in simple words which one is right for you.
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Can you finish your trip in 6 days? Then we recommend the short-term plate (Kurzzeitkennzeichen). It is cheaper and easier.
The export plate (Ausfuhrkennzeichen) is valid for longer. But it is expensive and takes more time. It is also called a customs plate (Zollkennzeichen).
Compare directly. Decide easily.
The most important differences in one table.
| Comparison | Short-term plate | Export plate |
|---|---|---|
| Valid | Up to 6 days | Up to 1 year, but only until the TÜV or the insurance ends |
| Registration fee | €13.10 | About €80–150 |
| Vehicle tax (Kfz-Steuer) | No | Yes |
| Car is deregistered | No | Yes, for good in Germany |
| Show the car at the office | No | Yes |
| Appointment at the office | Usually easier | Often hard to get |
Plates and insurance cost extra. With an export plate, vehicle tax is also extra.
Similar names. Different use.
The short-term plate
The short-term plate is for short trips. For example: you pick up a car and drive it home.
It is valid for up to 6 days.
It works in Germany and across Europe. Some countries do not always accept it. The insurance still applies if the country is not crossed out on the Green Card. (The Green Card is the international proof of insurance.)
Registration costs €13.10. Appointments at the vehicle registration office (Zulassungsstelle) are usually easier to get.
The export plate
The export plate is for cars that go abroad. The car is deregistered in Germany for good.
The plate is valid for up to 1 year. But only as long as the TÜV is valid. (The TÜV is the technical inspection for your car.) The insurance must also run that long. The plate is valid until the first of them ends.
Example: The insurance is valid for 6 months. Registration starts on 1 July. The TÜV ends on 27 October. Then the plate is valid only until 27 October.
You must come to the registration office with the car. The officer checks the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the condition of the car. This is also true if the TÜV is still valid.
You also pay vehicle tax (Kfz-Steuer) for as long as the plate is valid. For this you need a SEPA direct debit mandate. (This is your permission for the tax to be taken from your bank account.)
Registration costs about €80 to €150. The price depends on the city and the vehicle (car, motorcycle, truck or special vehicle). Plates, insurance and tax cost extra.
At many registration offices it is hard to get an appointment. Plan enough time.
The car was deregistered. If it should drive in Germany again, registration costs more.
In most cases the car must go to the TÜV for a big inspection. It is called a full inspection (Vollabnahme) under § 21 StVZO. This is also true if the export plate was valid for only 1 day. Ask your registration office or the TÜV first.
Which plate do I need?
How long will you drive with the plate?
Frequently asked questions
How long is a short-term plate valid?
Up to 6 days.
How long is an export plate valid?
Up to 1 year, but only until the TÜV ends. The insurance must also run that long. The plate is valid until the first of them ends.
What does an export plate cost?
Registration costs about €80 to €150. Plates, insurance and vehicle tax come extra.
Do I pay vehicle tax with an export plate?
Yes, for as long as the plate is valid. For this you need a SEPA direct debit mandate.
Is the car deregistered?
Yes. With an export plate, the car is deregistered in Germany for good.
Can I drive abroad with a short-term plate?
In many countries, yes. Look at your Green Card. The country must not be crossed out.
What if the car comes back to Germany?
Registration costs more. In most cases a full inspection (Vollabnahme) under § 21 StVZO is needed. Ask your registration office or the TÜV first.
The next step to your plate
You can order short-term plates and eVB with our partners. (The eVB is the electronic insurance confirmation.) An offer for export plates is in preparation.
eVB number only
You get the proof of insurance. You do the registration and the plates yourself.
kurzzeit-evb.de ↗The complete package
Insurance, registration and ready plates. Shipped by our partner.
kurzzeitkennzeichen-versand.de ↗You leave this page. The order is made directly with the partner.