The transfer of ownership involves the registration of a used vehicle. The transfer of ownership of a vehicle is necessary if there has been a change of owner or a change of residence. In this case, you must note the following distinctions:

• Transfer of ownership of a vehicle with a foreign German license plate to Mainz with a change of owner and a change of license plate
• Transfer of a vehicle with a foreign German license plate to Mainz without a change of owner and with a change of license plate
• Since January 1, 2015, the obligation to re-register when changing residence without a change of owner has been abolished nationwide. If owners of registered vehicles move within Germany, they can take their license plate with them or keep it if they wish. However, the vehicle must still be re-registered in Mainz.

Application:

• In person
• Representation by an authorized person

Appointment:

• By appointment during opening hours 
• With an online appointment made in advance (see link in the "Service" section at the bottom of this page)

• The owner of the vehicle has their primary residence in Mainz.
• The company headquarters or branch office is located in Mainz.
• The vehicle has a valid general inspection.
• There must be no outstanding motor vehicle tax arrears.
• All outstanding fees incurred in connection with registration must be paid.

If you move within Mainz without changing the owner or if you change your name (e.g., due to marriage), this is not considered a transfer of ownership, but rather a correction of the vehicle documents. See the links "Change registration certificate part I" and "Change registration certificate part II" in the "Similar services" section.

Vehicle registration now only possible with direct debit authorization for motor vehicle tax

Anyone who registers a new vehicle or re-registers an existing vehicle must issue a direct debit authorization for motor vehicle tax to the Ulm Main Customs Office. The direct debit authorization for motor vehicle tax is only valid for the registered vehicle and expires when the vehicle is deregistered.

Due to the switch to the SEPA direct debit procedure, you must generally submit a SEPA direct debit mandate for the collection of motor vehicle tax with each registration. The SEPA direct debit mandate valid for the Mainz registration authority can be found in the "Forms" section and in paper form on site.

Applications and information on tax relief for a vehicle can be found on the customs website. Applications for tax relief due to severe disability can be submitted to the registration authority as part of the registration process. To do so, you must present the original copy of your severe disability card.

Outstanding fees at the registration authority

Registration is dependent on you having paid all outstanding fees incurred in connection with the registration. You can pay outstanding fees on site as part of the registration process.

• Section 15 of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV) (opens in a new tab)
• Schedule of Fees for Measures in Public Road Traffic (GebOSt) (opens in a new tab)
• Section 5 Motor Vehicle Tax Implementation Ordinance (KraftStDV) (opens in a new tab)

• SEPA direct debit mandate for motor vehicle tax (form available in the "Forms" section or from your local registration authority)

If represented by an authorized person, additionally

• Identification document of the authorized representative (and the person granting the power of attorney)
• Signed power of attorney

For registration of minors, additionally

• Written consent of both legal guardians
• Identity documents of the legal guardians
• Custody ruling, if applicable

For commercial registration, the following additional documents are required:

For companies listed in the commercial register

• Commercial register extract (from the local court) and business registration (both no older than 3 years)
• Power of attorney of the managing directors or authorized signatories with ID (copy) for registration by a third party
• Identification of the authorized person
• For taxi or rental car businesses: Original or copy of the license

For freelance professions (e.g., lawyers, doctors)

• Proof of freelance or self-employed status, as current as possible

For professions with business registration (e.g., e.K.)

• Business registration (not older than 3 years; if necessary, have the trade office confirm that it is up to date)
• For taxi or rental car businesses: Original or copy of the license

For registered associations (e.V.)

• Excerpt from the register of associations
• Power of attorney of the representative with ID (copies) for third-party registration
• Identification of the authorized representative

For civil law partnerships (GbR)

• Overview of all partners (partnership agreement)
• Power of attorney and declaration stating which natural person is to be admitted (signed by all partners)
• Identification of all partners
• For taxi or rental car businesses: Original or copy of the license

Special vehicle use

• If the business suggests special vehicle use (taxi, rental car, self-drive rental vehicle, public bus, passenger transport), the completed and signed "Vehicle Use" form (available in the "Forms" section at the bottom of this page or from the local registration authority)

• Transfer of a vehicle with a foreign German license plate to Mainz with a change of owner
  Standard fee: €30.30
• Transfer of a vehicle with a foreign German license plate to Mainz without a change of owner
  Standard fee: €28.30
• Additional fees may apply depending on the individual case.
• The fees do not include the cost of license plates.