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Transport or sell your car when leaving Germany

Selected criteria

  1. I’m planning to leave Germany
  2. Moving and transporting belongings
  3. Move or sell my car

Before leaving, decide whether you will transport your car or transfer it to a new owner. First gather the documents and check which ones you will need for the transaction, re-registration, or continued use of the vehicle. Then clarify the registration status and related payments so you do not leave unresolved matters after moving. If the car was bought on credit, review the contract terms separately: selling it and early repayment may be connected. This scenario helps you prepare the paperwork in order, check registration and tax, and consider the loan before agreeing with a buyer or organising transport.

Plan overview

Prepare documents and check registration, tax, and any loan before selling or transporting your car.

What to do step by step

  1. 1

    Gather car documents

    Separate documents needed on the road from those needed for sale or re-registration.

    Articles for this step

    Car Documents in Germany: What to Carry With You and What to Keep at Home
  2. 2

    Check registration details

    Find out whether a registration action is needed because of your move, change of address, or change of owner.

    Articles for this step

    Registering a Car in Germany After Purchase: Documents, Zulassungsstelle, and i-Kfz
  3. 3

    Clarify motor vehicle tax

    Check how vehicle registration is linked to Kfz-Steuer and notifications to Zoll.

    Articles for this step

    Kfz-Steuer in Germany: How Car Tax Is Calculated, When It’s Due, and What Exemptions Are Available
  4. 4

    Check the loan agreement

    If the car is financed, review the terms for early repayment and selling it before the loan ends.

    Articles for this step

    Car Loan in Germany: Choosing a Bank, Dealer and Repayment Plan

Important notes

  • Check how vehicle registration relates to motor vehicle tax before leaving.
  • Do not leave the question of Teil II until the last minute: it is important for the transaction.

Common mistakes

  • Keeping important documents in the car
  • Not checking the loan before selling