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Applying for a short-term registration number

If you would like to carry out test drives or transfer drives with an unregistered vehicle, you will need a short-term license plate for this purpose. It begins with the number "03" or "04".

  • Basic information

    The registration authorities allocate short-term license plates in accordance with Section 16a (1) of the German Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV).

    The short-term license plate entitles the holder to the following journeys:

    • Test drives:
      Journeys to determine and prove the serviceability of the vehicle (§ 2 No. 23 FZV).
    • Transfer journeys:
      Journeys to transfer the vehicle to another location (§ 2 No. 25 FZV).

    More detailed information can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure: https://www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/DE/Artikel/StV/ueberblick-ueber-die-kraftfahrzeugkennzeichen.html

    Requirements

    • The applicant's main residence or place of business is in Bremen or the location of the vehicle for which the short-term license plate is to be applied for is in Bremen. (Note: Location must be proven by written purchase contract).
    • The vehicle must be immobilized and have a valid general inspection.

    Driving with a short-term license plate without a valid main inspection is only possible in the following cases:

    • To carry out a general inspection or obtain an operating permit to the nearest inspection or assessment center in the registration district or adjacent district and back.
    • To the nearest repair shop in the registration district or in an adjoining district and back for the immediate repair of significant or minor defects found. This does not apply to vehicles determined to be unsafe for road use during inspection.

  • Procedure
    • The application must be submitted to the locally responsible registration authority. A representative (e.g. car dealer) can also be appointed with a written power of attorney.
    • Tickets for processing are available at the self-check-in terminals on the lower and first floors.

  • Necessary Documents
    • Valid original identity card, passport or national passport including the electronic residence permit (eAT) of the applicant vehicle owner
    • in case of representation with written power of attorney
      • Additionally: identity card or passport of the authorized person
    • electronic insurance confirmation (eVB)
    • Certificate of registration Part I or Part II (alternatively, a current report for obtaining a type approval or chain of custody document)

      Presentation in the original, no copy.

      If the ZB II is in the possession of a third party (e.g. leasing bank), you must arrange for it to be sent to the licensing authority. The change can only be made once the document has been received by the authority. As a rule, the ZB II is available at the licensing authority 2 to 3 weeks after it is requested. After completion, it is returned to the sender. The costs for storage and return are usually borne by the holder.

    • valid test report on a general inspection
      • e.g. TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS, GTS, FSP
    • if registered to companies
      • in addition:
        • Current and valid business registration and, if available, current and valid extract from the commercial register (also as a copy)
        • Power of attorney if the authorized person does not personally submit the application on site

  • Competent Department

  • Forms

  • Fees / Costs

    13,10 EUR The costs for the car plates are not included in the price.

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    These indicators have a maximum validity period of five calendar days. They are valid from the date of issue and cannot be applied for in advance.

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

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This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.

The official information in German is complete and correct. 02.10.2025

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