Number plate theft in Germany – here’s what to do in such a situation!

Around 160,000 number plates are stolen in Germany every year. However, number plates can also be lost on a bumpy road if they have not been fitted correctly. Regardless of whether it is stolen or lost, losing a license plate in Germany means trouble and costs for the car owner. Below we advise what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Number plate theft in Germany – act quickly

If you notice that your car is missing a number plate you should act quickly as driving without a number plate is illegal in Germany (60 euro fine). It does not matter whether you have lost your number plate or it was stolen: if someone has committed a crime with your stolen or lost number plate, you can get into trouble if you do not report the loss immediately.

Law enforcement officials may turn a blind eye if you can prove that your license plate was just lost and you happen to be driving home. The cardboard replacement license plate often used in this situation is generally not allowed, but is sometimes tolerated for short drives home.

Having a stolen number plate in Germany – here is what to do!

If your license plate has disappeared, it is imperative that you:

  • Report the theft to the police
  • Inform your insurance company
  • If the plate(s) is (are) lost: return the remaining license plate (if available) to the department of transportation (KFZ Zulassungsstelle) where the vehicle is currently registered and apply for a new license plate.
  • If the plates are stolen: apply for new plates at the appropriate registration office by presenting a police report of theft (you will receive this immediately upon reporting the theft of the plates at the police station).

To re-register your car in Germany, you will need the following documents:

  • ID card or passport
  • If the vehicle belongs to a company, association or other legal person: extract from the register of companies or associations, document confirming the establishment of the business
  • If a person cannot come to the registration authority himself, an authorized person requires: A signed written authorization (original) and an identity card of the authorized representative (original) and an identity card of the authorized representative (copy)
  • Registration certificate Part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I)
  • Registration certificate Part II (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II)
  • Technical inspection certificate from the TÜV

Information about the new number plate in Germany

You will be issued with a new number plate at the registration department. The previous combination is blocked for several years for security reasons, since thieves often use stolen plates for various crimes, such as stealing fuel at petrol stations or transporting stolen cars. Whether or not the cost of getting new number plates will be covered by your insurance company depends on the terms of your insurance. In this situation, it is advisable to contact your insurance company and inquire.

All content published on the website is protected under German copyright law, Urheberrechtsgesetz (§ 52 ff UrhG).

Top stories

3,331FansLike

Latest articles

200 euro fine! An 80-year-old collected too many mushrooms in Germany

In Germany, mushroom picking is regulated by law, which means you can't pick any amount of these gifts of...

Germany: FDP still opposes 300 euro lump sum payment to pensioners due to energy price hike

The FDP continues to oppose paying pensioners in Germany the so-called Energiepauschale, a 300 euro lump sum intended to...

Berlin is the capital of monkeypox. The number of infections in Germany is increasing

An increasing number of monkeypox cases are being reported in Germany. On Tuesday, the Robert Koch Institute reported that...

Monkeypox: German health minister announces first vaccine shipment

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach expects the first 40,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine to be delivered in the first...