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Red license plate (dealer license plate)

The red license plate is intended for dealers (e.g. vehicle manufacturers, dealers, garages) for test, inspection and transfer drives of otherwise unregistered vehicles. The assigned license plate number always begins with "06". Multiple use is also possible.

  • Basic information

    The license plate entitles you to the following journeys:

    • Test drives: journeys to determine and prove the serviceability of the vehicle (§ 2 No. 23 FZV)
    • Test drives: journeys to have the vehicle tested by an officially recognized expert or tester for motor vehicle traffic or test engineer of an officially recognized inspection organization, including the journey of the vehicle to the test location and back (§ 2 No. 24 FZV)
    • Transfer journeys: journeys to transfer the vehicle to another location (§ 2 No. 25 FZV)
    • For a necessary journey for refueling and exterior cleaning on the occasion of a journey according to the above-mentioned points as well as for a necessary journey for the purpose of repair or maintenance of the vehicle concerned (§ 41 para. 1 FZV)

    Journeys for other purposes are not permitted with this license plate!

    Important:

    Red license plates (dealer license plates) can only be taken out of service at the registration authority that issued them.

    Requirements

    • Reliability of the applicant, to be proven as a rule by:
      • Information from the Federal Central Criminal Register (certificate of good conduct)
      • Information from the central trade register
      • Information from the driving aptitude register at the Federal Motor Transport Authority
    • Registered motor vehicle-related business operation
    • Proof of the need for red license plates for dealers
    • There must be no outstanding fees and expenses from previous transactions
    • No motor vehicle tax arrears (including ancillary tax payments, such as interest, late payment penalties)

    In the event of payment or tax arrears, the central vehicle registration authority may not register the vehicle until these have been settled.

  • Procedure
    • A separate application is required to obtain a red dealer license plate.
      • The application must be completed and submitted, along with other supporting documents, during an in-person appointment at the Central Motor Vehicle Registration Authority. A representative may also be authorized to submit the application with a written power of attorney.
    • Starting July 2, 2026, the processing of red permanent license plates for holders will only be possible by appointment. The only exception is for holders who submit the documents for red permanent license plates through commercial vehicle registration services
    • nothing will change for them.
    • Appointments can be scheduled on the following days:
      • Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
      • Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
    • Provided all required documents are submitted, requests are typically processed during the appointment. Therefore, a separate pickup is not necessary. The required documents primarily include the vehicle registration booklet, the logbook, and a completed cover sheet specifying the requested action. Depending on the matter, license plates may also be required. Please refer to our instructions in the service description under “Forms” and “Further Information.”
    • Once the applicant’s background check has been completed (approximately 6–8 weeks), the registration authority will issue a vehicle registration booklet. 
    • The Central Motor Vehicle Registration Authority automatically notifies the insurance company of the license plate assignment. 

    Tip: 

    The license plates can be manufactured after registration is complete. Private providers have set up shop near the registration authority for this purpose. The cost of the plates is not included in the fees. The license plates are stamped by the registration authority, meaning they are affixed with stickers indicating the registration district. 

    Note: 

    Commercial registration requests are also accepted during the service hours of the counter for commercial customers and car dealerships at the BSC-Stresemannstraße office.

    More information

    Vehicles with this license plate are tax-privileged and are subject to a flat-rate motor vehicle tax in accordance with the German Motor Vehicle Tax Act (Kraftfahrzeugsteuergesetz, KraftStG).

  • Necessary Documents
    • Business registration
    • for legal entities:
      • In addition: extract from the commercial register and identity card of all managing directors or authorized signatories
    • in case of representation with written power of attorney
      • Additionally: identity card or passport of the authorized person
    • electronic insurance confirmation (eVB)
    • Direct debit authorisation for motor vehicle tax (SEPA Direct Debit Mandate)
    • written explanations of needs
    • Proof(s) of the application for access to the register
      • Information from the Federal Central Criminal Register (certificate of good conduct document type O)
      • Information from the central trade register
    • Valid original identity card, passport or national passport including the electronic residence permit (eAT) of the applicant vehicle owner
    • Depending on the issue:
      • Vehicle Registration Book
      • Logbook
      • License plates 

      Please refer to the cover sheet for commercial registration services and car dealerships regarding the red permanent license plate under “Further Information.”

  • Forms

  • Fees / Costs

    10,20 EUR bis 205,00 EUR

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

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. 01.07.2026

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