Are there any additional costs involved in applying for a temporary license plate in Germany?
Yes. The 5-day temporary license plate that we apply for on your behalf costs €250,- excl. VAT, including third-party liability insurance with a green card (valid throughout the entire EU). In addition, delivery charges apply: €45,- excl. VAT for delivery to an address in the Netherlands (excluding the Wadden Islands and the South Holland islands), or €35,- excl. VAT for delivery to the seller in Germany — convenient if you collect the car there yourself. Advance payment is required: after we receive your payment we will start processing the application, and you should allow for a minimum delivery time of 2 working days. Please provide the required documents no later than 3 working days before the collection day. More information: https://www.dasimport.nl/auto-importeren/tijdelijk-kenteken-duitsland.
What is a temporary licence plate from Germany and why would I need it?
A temporary licence plate (Kurzzeitkennzeichen or Ausfuhrkennzeichen) is a German temporary number plate that allows you to legally drive the car on the road temporarily. You mainly need this if you collect the car yourself in Germany and want to drive it to the Netherlands. If Das Import arranges the transport (on a trailer), then such a temporary licence plate is usually not needed — which we also recommend, because your car is then transported with all-risk insurance. Would you prefer to arrange the transport yourself, or would you like us to take care of it?
Can Das Import provide me with a one-day temporary licence plate?
No, we cannot apply for a one-day temporary licence plate for you: only the RDW (Dutch vehicle authority) issues that, and exclusively on the day of your inspection there. What we can arrange for you is the 5-day German temporary licence plate (Kurzzeitkennzeichen), including third-party liability insurance with a green card — with which you drive the car yourself from Germany to the Netherlands. If you would rather not deal with any of this, we recommend our all-risk insured transport (part of the car import service packages).
What details are needed for a 5-day temporary licence plate?
For a correct and timely application, we request that you supply the documents and details no later than 3 working days before the planned pick-up day in Germany:
- Copy of the front and back of the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 1 (Fahrzeugschein)
- Copy of the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 2 (Fahrzeugbrief)
- Copy of the Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung (COC)
- A valid APK inspection (valid at least for the duration of the requested licence plate)
- Copy of a valid form of identification (not a driving licence)
- Your contact details (telephone number and email address), invoice address and delivery address for the licence plates
- The pick-up date of the vehicle in Germany
If applicable, also take into account the timely purchase of Autobahn vignettes and environmental stickers.
How long does the registration process at RDW and the Tax Authority take?
We take the entire registration process at RDW (Dutch vehicle authority) and the Tax Authority off your hands. After arrival in Zaandam we usually handle the import within one working day, after which you can count on an average of 5–9 working days until the registration certificate. Your car is inspected at our own location, so you have no waiting time at an inspection station.
Would you like to know what we can do in your situation? Feel free to request a no-obligation quote or contact one of our advisers.
Can I drive my car to the Netherlands with a temporary licence plate?
Yes. For that we apply for the 5-day German temporary licence plate (Kurzzeitkennzeichen) for you, including third-party liability insurance with a green card that is valid throughout the entire EU — with which you drive the car yourself from Germany to the Netherlands. Please note: driving on a foreign licence plate remains a grey area in the Netherlands, and the third-party liability insurance does not cover damage to your own car. If you do not want to run that risk, we recommend our all-risk insured transport (part of the car import service packages). A German licence plate with a red border (Ausfuhrkennzeichen) can only be applied for by you on-site in Germany, with your driving licence and all vehicle documents; we do not arrange that.
What do I have to do to have my imported car registered and inspected by the RDW?
You can make an appointment at the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority) for the registration and inspection of your imported car. Alternatively, you can opt for our Registratiepakket at Das Import, in which we handle the entire process for you, from the Registratie (registration) to obtaining a Dutch licence plate. This makes the process a lot easier and ensures that everything is handled professionally and efficiently.
Can I use my imported car immediately after receiving the registration certificate, or are there other steps I need to follow?
You can only use the car once you have the license plates and the car is insured. If you use our car import service packages or the Registratiepakket, we will ensure that your car is ready to drive on Dutch license plates at your location, including license plates. You arrange the insurance yourself (if desired, we can put you in touch with our intermediary). This way you can hit the road immediately after delivery.
Which German documents come with the car?
A German car usually comes with the following documents:
- Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I (Fahrzeugschein) and Teil II (Fahrzeugbrief, the proof of ownership)
- Maintenance booklet (Scheckheft), unless this is digital
- Invoices
- Possibly a TÜV/HU report
Das Import requests these documents for you and checks whether everything is complete and correct, so that you do not have to worry about it. Would you like to know what we can do for your import? Feel free to request a no-obligation quote or contact one of our advisers.
How long is a temporary licence plate from Germany valid?
A temporary German licence plate is usually valid for 5 or 14 days, depending on the type. Das Import can only apply for a 5-day plate for you (remotely); a 14-day plate can only be arranged by you on-site in Germany. Please note: driving on a foreign (export) licence plate in the Netherlands is a grey area — this is not simply permitted and may lead to questions during checks. We therefore advise choosing our all-risk insured transport, so that you have nothing to worry about. More information: https://www.dasimport.nl/auto-importeren/tijdelijk-kenteken-duitsland.
Which documents do you need?
We need these documents in order to draw up a definitive quotation for the import of your car and to be able to make an accurate calculation of all costs.
- Your personal details: name, address and place of residence
- Your telephone number and email address
- A copy of the front and back of the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 1 (Fahrzeugschein)
- A copy of the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 2 (Fahrzeugbrief)
- A copy of the Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung (COC)
- The current mileage of the car
- The option list of the car, if available
You can send these to
[email protected]Which documents are needed to import a car from Germany?
Important are the German registration documents (Teil I and Teil II) and the CoC document (Certificate of Conformity). These documents are needed for the RDW inspection, the BPM declaration and the registration of the car in the Netherlands. Das Import helps with collecting and checking the required papers, so that the import process runs smoothly.
Why can't I insure my imported car myself before it is on a Dutch registration?
Most insurers can only insure a car once a Dutch registration number and a report code (the last four digits of the VIN) are known. That registration is only issued after the car has been imported, the BPM has been paid and the RDW has created the registration certificate, which takes several days. During that interim period your car can fall through the cracks in terms of insurance. That is why we offer an additional all-risk cover with our services, so that your car is already insured during the import process.
For the final insurance on the Dutch registration we work together with a fixed intermediary. They can insure the car based on the actual purchase value instead of a standard list value, which often works out more favourably for an imported car. We will put you in contact with them if desired.
From what moment does the temporary licence plate take effect?
The 5-day temporary licence plate takes effect on the day it is created and sent. It is delivered to your home by courier service (DHL/PostNL). PLEASE NOTE: Das Import is not responsible for any delays with the delivery services. More information: https://www.dasimport.nl/auto-importeren/tijdelijk-kenteken-duitsland.
What is a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and do I need it?
A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is the "birth certificate" of your car: it proves that the vehicle complies with EU requirements and states, among other things, the CO2 emissions, which are needed for the calculation of the BPM (Dutch vehicle registration tax). With an EU registration, the CoC is not always mandatory, but its presence considerably speeds up the check.
We are happy to take care of this for you: Das Import checks whether the CoC is present and arranges the document for you if it is missing, so that you do not have to worry about it.
Would you like to know how we arrange this for your specific car? Feel free to request a no-obligation quote or contact one of our advisers.
What is type approval and when is individual approval required?
A valid EU type approval means that the vehicle has already been approved for the European market. In that case, only an identification at the RDW (Dutch vehicle authority) is needed upon import. If that approval is missing — for example with special versions or import from outside the EU — then an individual approval is required, which entails extra time and costs.
To avoid surprises, Das Import checks this in advance for you, so that you know exactly where you stand. Please feel free to request a no-obligation quote, and we will map out the situation for your vehicle.
Can Das Import arrange the registration completely?
Yes, Das Import handles the entire registration for you. We take the RDW import, the BPM (Dutch vehicle registration tax) declaration, the number plates and the registration completely off your hands, so you don't have to look into any of this yourself. The result is a road-ready car registered in your name.
Would you like to know exactly what we can do for you? Feel free to request a no-obligation quote or contact one of our advisers.
Do I receive luxury number plates with my imported car?
Yes. When using the car import service, Das Import fits your imported car as standard with luxury number plates featuring so-called raised letters: the letters are placed on the plate instead of being pressed into the plate. This gives a refined effect that suits cars in the higher segment.
The luxury plates are included with all car import service packages and with the Registratiepakket; you pay nothing extra for them.
Why is Das Import faster at the RDW than when I do it myself?
As one of the few companies in the Netherlands, Das Import is permitted to use the 'Versnelde Individuele Aanvraag' (accelerated individual application) at the RDW and has cars inspected directly on location in Zaandam, without waiting time. Getting an inspection yourself by appointment at an RDW inspection station involves an average waiting time of four to eight weeks. As a result, the lead time to the issuance of the registration is shorter.
Does my foreign license plate need to be deregistered for a temporary German license plate?
Yes. The foreign license plate must be deregistered at least 48 hours before you need the plates, otherwise Das Import cannot apply for the temporary license plate (Kurzzeitkennzeichen). In addition, provide complete and correct documents, because without these the application can be refused.
Am I fully (all-risk) insured with a temporary German license plate?
No. The temporary license plate comes with a temporary third-party liability insurance with a green card; with it you are covered for legal liability within the EU, so also in the Netherlands. Damage to your own car (excess) is, however, not covered by this, because this is not all-risk. If you want maximum certainty, choose the car import service with all-risk insured transport by trailer.
What is the 'Vrijstelling voor BPM en MRB bij kortstondig gebruik' (exemption from BPM and MRB for short-term use) and why is it recommended?
If you drive the car over yourself on a temporary German licence plate, it is advisable to apply to the Belastingdienst (Tax Authority) for a 'Vrijstelling voor BPM en MRB bij kortstondig gebruik'. This allows you, as a Dutch resident, to drive in the Netherlands with a foreign licence plate for a maximum of two consecutive weeks. You apply for the exemption online with DigiD, and per car this is possible once every twelve months. Please note: within those two weeks you must also have submitted your BPM declaration.
Good to know: the regulations regarding the use of foreign export plates by Dutch nationals on Dutch roads remain a grey area. In our experience, driving from the border almost always goes well, but very occasionally fines are issued and we cannot be held responsible for the consequences in the event of a stop. Driving the car over yourself is therefore at your own risk. The exemption considerably reduces the chance of discussion with the police; if you want maximum certainty, choose all-risk insured transport by trailer.
You can apply here: https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontentnl/themaoverstijgend/programmas_en_formulieren/vrijstelling_voor_bpm_en_mrb_bij_kortstondig_gebruik
May I drive in the Netherlands with a temporary German licence plate?
In Germany it poses no problem at all and the third-party liability insurance with green card provides European coverage, so legal liability is also covered in the Netherlands. However, the regulations regarding the use of foreign export licence plates by Dutch people on the Dutch road are a grey area: in our experience, driving on from the border almost always goes well, but very occasionally fines are issued. We cannot vouch for the consequences in the event of a stop. To avoid discussion, we advise applying for the exemption for short-term use; for maximum certainty, choose all-risk insured transport by trailer.
Should I think about Autobahn vignettes or environmental stickers if I collect the car myself?
Yes. If you drive a car over yourself from Germany, Austria or Switzerland, take into account purchasing the required Autobahn vignettes and environmental stickers in good time. This is your own responsibility when you drive the car over on a temporary registration.
How many days can I actually use the temporary registration?
The temporary registration has a validity period of five days, but takes effect on the day it is created in Germany and can only be delivered one working day later. We therefore advise ordering the registration plates at least one day too early, so that there is margin if something goes wrong. On balance, in practice this leaves you with the plates usable for about two full days. Count on a minimum of two working days' delivery time after your payment.
Please bear in mind that for the creation and delivery we depend on the German authority and the carrier. We cannot prevent any delays there and they fall outside our control; no rights can therefore be derived from the stated timeframes. So do not plan your trip too tightly, and do not book flights or appointments that cannot be rescheduled.
Which licence plate will my imported car receive?
When importing, you always receive the most recently issued number/letter combination from the Dutch licence plate series in force at that time (unless it concerns a re-import). With the licence registration document issued by the RDW, the licence plates can be made by an RDW-recognised producer; if you use our import service, we will arrange and mount these for you.
Is a German APK accepted by the RDW?
In many cases yes. When the German main inspection (HU) is still valid and meets the conditions, the RDW (Dutch vehicle authority) usually accepts it. As a result, the car often does not have to be re-inspected for the APK upon import.
From what moment do I pay road tax for my imported car?
The motorrijtuigenbelasting (Dutch road tax) runs from the moment the Dutch registration is in your name. If the car is still in Germany or the registration in your name is not yet complete, you do not yet pay Dutch road tax.
You do not need to register separately for this. The RDW passes on the registration in your name, after which the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax authority) imposes the assessment automatically. The first assessment runs from the date of registration in your name and may therefore cover a partial period.
The amount depends among other things on the weight, the fuel type and the province in which you live. On the website of the Belastingdienst you can calculate this in advance, so that you know where you stand before the registration is in your name.
What is involved in importing a car from outside the EU or a car without EU type approval?
Vehicles from outside the EU zone and without an EU registration we cannot register in the Netherlands. We are therefore unable to guide you through such processes. With such an import, the route runs via customs: a customs declaration (clearance), import duties and VAT, and then an individual approval with the RDW because an EU type approval is lacking. That costs extra time and money and falls outside our standard services.
If the car is indeed registered in a European country with European documents, then we can process it with our Registratie package. If such a vehicle lacks type approval — for example with a special version — then an individual approval is still required. We check this in advance, so that you know where you stand.
Are you in doubt about your situation? Request a no-obligation quote or contact one of our import advisers.
Which documents do I need at the RDW (Dutch vehicle authority) when importing an almost-new car from Germany?
For the RDW registration you will in any case need the German registration documents (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II), the CoC document and the purchase invoice, plus a valid form of identification. The car is inspected and registered at the RDW, and the registration in your name is only finalised once the fiscal side has been dealt with.
With a young car, that fiscal side is extra important. If the car is younger than six months or has driven fewer than 6.000 km, it counts as new for VAT purposes and 21% Dutch VAT is due. Your invoice must then show whether it concerns a VAT car or a margin car and whether it was supplied net (0%); that determines whether you pay double VAT.
Our import advisers assess your invoice and documents in advance. Feel free to request a no-obligation quote.
Who deregisters the car in Germany at the Zulassungsstelle and what happens to the German plates and Teil I?
We coordinate the deregistration of the car in Germany directly with the selling party when you make use of our car import service. You do not have to go to a German Zulassungsstelle yourself or arrange the deregistration.
Upon deregistration (Abmeldung) the German licence plate is decommissioned and the licence plates are invalidated. The deregistration is also administratively processed in the German vehicle documents.
Together with the seller, we ensure that the necessary original vehicle documents are available for the further importation and Registratie in the Netherlands. Think in this respect, among other things, of the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II and, where applicable, the CoC.
Subsequently we collect the car by car transporter and take care of the further importation and Registratie in the Netherlands. You therefore do not have to handle the German deregistration, licence plates or vehicle documents yourself with the seller or German authorities.
What is the difference between a Kurzzeitkennzeichen and an Ausfuhrkennzeichen, and what do I need to arrange myself in Germany?
Both are temporary German licence plates that allow you to drive the car to the Netherlands, but the application process differs.
- Kurzzeitkennzeichen (5 days): we apply for this on your behalf remotely, including third-party liability insurance with a green card that is valid throughout the EU. For this we need, among other things, a copy of the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 1 and Teil 2, the Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung (COC) and a valid MOT that covers at least the term of the plate.
- Ausfuhrkennzeichen (export plate, 14 days, red border): you can only apply for this yourself on site at the German vehicle registration authority, with your driving licence and all vehicle documents. We do not arrange this.
Please note: driving on a foreign licence plate in the Netherlands remains a grey area and third-party liability coverage does not cover damage to your own car. We therefore recommend our all-risk insured transport.
When will I receive the registration card and the transfer code (tenaamstellingscode) for my imported car?
As soon as the car has been registered and the Dutch licence plate is known, we will let you know immediately. At that point you can already arrange the insurance using the licence plate and the notification code (the last four digits of the VIN).
The registration card itself is sent by the RDW (Dutch vehicle authority) by post to the address of the person in whose name the car is registered. The tenaamstellingscode (transfer code) is stated on the registration card; you will need this code later, for example when selling or transferring the car. For this reason, do not keep the card in the car.
Have you lost the registration card or the tenaamstellingscode? Then you can request a new registration card via the RDW; you will need a valid form of identification for this.
Do you have questions about your file? Our advisers will be glad to look into it with you.
What can I do if the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (Fahrzeugbrief) is not available, for example because the German bank is holding it or it has been lost?
The RDW requires the complete original foreign registration document: Teil I as well as Teil II. Without Teil II, the car cannot be registered in the Netherlands, even if the rest of the file is complete.
In practice, we encounter two situations:
- The Teil II is held by a German bank or financier because there is still a loan on the car. The document is only released after the financing has been paid off; the seller must arrange this before delivery.
- The Teil II has been lost. A replacement copy can only be requested from the German Zulassungsstelle, by the party currently registered as the holder.
We check the documents for you before you proceed with the purchase. Are you running into this issue? Then contact one of our advisers; this is tailor-made work.
Can the car be registered in the name of my company or in someone else's name?
Yes. We assist with both private and business imports, and the Registratie (registration) can be put in the name of your company. We take care of the RDW (Dutch vehicle authority) entry, the BPM (Dutch vehicle registration tax) declaration, the licence plates and the Registratie for you, so that the car reaches you ready to drive and in the correct name.
If you opt for financial lease, then Das Import purchases the car itself and we align the import process with the chosen lease arrangement; the payment to the German seller can then run through the leasing company. In all other cases, you in most cases buy directly from the German seller yourself.
Would you like to register the car in the name of a third party or a leasing company? Then please contact one of our import advisers; they will review with you what is needed in your situation.
My car once had a Dutch licence plate and is now in Germany. Will I get the old licence plate back on re-import?
A re-import concerns a car that was previously registered in the Netherlands and was subsequently exported. The RDW registers vehicles by chassis number (VIN). If the chassis number matches the earlier Dutch registration, then as a rule the original licence plate is reassigned to the car instead of a new combination from the current series.
The car does, however, have to go through the regular process again: identification and inspection at the RDW, BPM declaration and licence plate registration. In this we take care of, among other things, the purchase contract, the foreign registration papers, the CoC document (if available) and the documents for the RDW.
When submitting your application, provide the chassis number and, if you have it, the old Dutch licence plate. Then we will find out for you what is possible in your situation.
I'm not picking up my car in Germany but in Belgium, Austria or Italy — how does a temporary registration work then?
The temporary registration we apply for is a German plate: the 5-day Kurzzeitkennzeichen, including third-party liability insurance with a green card. We apply for this for cars that are located in Germany and picked up there.
If the car is in another EU country, the rules of that country apply. You arrange a temporary registration or export plate there yourself, usually at the local registration authority or through the seller, with your driving licence and all vehicle documents. Please note that driving on a foreign (export) plate in the Netherlands remains a grey area and that third-party liability cover does not compensate damage to your own car.
Are you considering a car outside Germany? Then contact an import advisor. He will look into what is possible in that country and which route is the most sensible.
What happens if my temporary registration expires or the application does not go through?
A temporary German registration is valid for five days, counted from the day it is created in Germany. After that date you may no longer drive with it; extending the same registration is not possible.
An application can be refused if the documents are incomplete or incorrect, if the APK is not valid during the term, or if your foreign registration has not been deregistered at least 48 hours in advance. Therefore submit the details no later than three working days before the pick-up day.
Don't make the five days, or does something go missing along the way? Then contact your import advisor directly. In many cases our all-risk insured transport is the fastest solution: you then don't have to drive to Germany yourself.
What identification do I need for a temporary German registration?
For the application of a temporary German registration we need a copy of a valid passport or identity document. A driving licence is not accepted as identification for this.
In addition, we need some personal details and the required vehicle documents in order to process the application.
More information about the temporary registration and the required documents:
https://www.dasimport.nl/auto-importeren/tijdelijk-kenteken-duitsland
