Buying a Car in Germany: TÜV Inspections, Mandatory Insurance and Car Tax
Llandora·Updated 2026-10-14
⚠️ Disclaimer: For general information only — not tax, financial, legal, or medical advice. Figures may be outdated or incorrect; tax rules change frequently. Verify important decisions with the CRA/IRS or a qualified professional (for health topics, a licensed healthcare provider). You use this information at your own risk.
The short answer
Buying a car in Germany is straightforward, but owning one comes with three non-negotiable obligations: a periodic roadworthiness inspection, mandatory liability insurance, and an annual vehicle tax. Get these three right and the rest is paperwork.
TÜV / HU: the roadworthiness inspection
Every car must pass the HU (Hauptuntersuchung, general inspection) — commonly called "TÜV" after the best-known inspection organisation, though DEKRA and other licensed bodies perform it too. Key facts:
Generally every 2 years for standard passenger cars (new cars: first inspection after 3 years).
The inspection covers brakes, lights, emissions, tyres, rust and safety systems — anything safety-relevant.
A passed inspection is shown by the coloured Plakette (sticker) on the rear number plate, indicating the month and year of the next due date.
No valid HU means no registration — you cannot register or re-register a car without a current inspection report, and driving with an expired one risks fines.
Budget for repairs before the appointment: cars rarely fail on paperwork — they fail on worn brakes, tyres and emissions.
Motor third-party liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung) is compulsory — driving without it is a criminal offence, not just an administrative fine. How it fits the process:
You arrange insurance before registration; the insurer issues an eVB-Nummer (electronic insurance confirmation number).
You hand the eVB number to the registration office (Zulassungsstelle) — without it, the car cannot be registered.
Liability-only cover is the legal minimum; Teilkasko (partial comprehensive) and Vollkasko (full comprehensive) add protection for your own car against theft, storm, or at-fault damage. Newcomers with no German claims history start at the most expensive no-claims class — ask insurers how foreign driving history is treated .
Kfz-Steuer: the annual vehicle tax
The Kfz-Steuer (motor vehicle tax) is levied annually on every registered car. It is calculated from engine displacement (Hubraum) and CO₂ emissions — so a small efficient petrol car pays far less than a large diesel SUV. The exact bands and amounts change with legislation, so check the current figures with the official calculator rather than relying on rule-of-thumb numbers [具体金额待核实]. The tax is debited automatically once you authorise SEPA collection at registration.
Registering the car (Zulassung)
Registration happens at the local Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office), often by appointment. Typically required: ID/passport, the eVB insurance number, proof of ownership (purchase contract), the previous registration documents, and a valid HU report. You receive your number plates there — or bring pre-made plates from a plate shop. Online registration (i-Kfz) is available nationwide for standard cases.
Foreign driving licences
EU/EEA licences are recognised without conversion.
Non-EU licences are generally valid for 6 months after you establish normal residence in Germany; after that you need a German licence. Whether your country has a reciprocal agreement (no tests required) or you must take theory and practical exams depends on the issuing country — the details are .
An International Driving Permit alongside your national licence is a sensible bridge document, but it does not extend the 6-month rule.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a car need the TÜV/HU inspection?
Generally every 2 years for ordinary passenger cars. The due date is shown on the Plakette sticker on the rear plate — check it when buying used.
Which car insurance is legally required?
Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung (third-party liability) — mandatory before registration, arranged via the eVB number. Teilkasko and Vollkasko are voluntary upgrades covering your own vehicle.
What is the Kfz-Steuer based on?
Engine displacement and CO₂ emissions. Cleaner, smaller engines pay less; the exact amounts follow current legislation .
Can I drive in Germany with my non-EU licence?
Generally yes for the first 6 months after taking up residence. After that you need a German driving licence — whether conversion is paperwork-only or requires tests depends on your licence's country of issue .
What documents do I need to register a car?
Typically: ID, eVB insurance confirmation number, proof of purchase/ownership, previous registration papers, and a valid HU inspection report — presented at the Zulassungsstelle.
Sources
Make it in Germany (official federal portal): https://www.make-it-in-germany.com
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