Buying a Car in Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide
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A foreigner can buy a car in Germany if they have proof of residence and the necessary documents to register the vehicle. However, the right to buy a car and the right to drive it are two different things: before making a purchase, check whether your driver’s license is valid in Germany and whether you need to exchange it for a German license.
Read our guide on this topic:
A Guide to German Driver’s Licenses
What Kinds of Cars Are Sold in Germany
New Cars
Neuwagen—a new car from a dealer or manufacturer. You can customize it to your liking, but the wait time and price are usually higher than for a car in stock.
Used Cars
Gebrauchtwagen—a used car. These are sold by dealers, used-car dealerships, and private sellers. Dealers usually make it easier to handle paperwork and ensure consumer rights, while private sellers sometimes offer lower prices but come with a higher risk of hidden defects.
Jahreswagen
Jahreswagen—a car that was typically first registered no more than a year ago. Such cars are often sold by authorized dealers: they have already lost some of their value since their initial registration but are still relatively new.
Where to Look for a Car
For an initial search, it’s convenient to use major platforms and dealer websites:
- mobile.de — one of Germany’s largest car marketplaces;
- AutoScout24 — a large platform with filters for price, mileage, model year, and seller type;
- websites of official dealers for a specific brand;
- Local used-car dealers.
When searching for a car, don’t focus solely on the price. Other important factors include the odometer reading (Kilometerstand), date of first registration (Erstzulassung), number of previous owners, service history, whether the vehicle has a valid HU inspection, fuel type, emissions class, equipment level, and warranty terms.
Step-by-Step Buying Process
1. Determine Your Budget
Be sure to factor in not only the price of the car but also the associated costs:
- Kfz-Versicherung—mandatory liability insurance and, if necessary, Teilkasko or Vollkasko;
- Kfz-Steuer – vehicle tax;
- registration fees and license plates;
- Umweltplakette for low-emission zones;
- HU/AU, if your inspection is about to expire;
- first service, tires, parking, and possibly a car club.
Don’t rely on outdated average prices from articles: the market, insurance rates, and maintenance costs are constantly changing. For a specific car, check current offers, the Kfz-Steuer calculator on the Zoll website, and insurers’ rates.
2. Check the ad
Before visiting the dealer, ask for the following key information:
- VIN/Fahrgestellnummer, if the seller is willing to provide it;
- the Erstzulassung date;
- mileage and service records;
- the date of the next HU;
- number of previous owners;
- information on accidents and repairs;
- Required documents: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II, COC if necessary, service records;
- Terms of payment and vehicle transfer.
If a listing is too cheap compared to similar options, the seller is rushing you to transfer money, or won’t let you see the documents, that’s a reason to stop.
3. Inspect the car and take it for a test drive
It’s best to inspect the car during the day and without rushing. Check the body, windows, tires, brakes, lights, interior, electronics, signs of rust, and make sure the VIN matches on the documents and the car itself.
During the test drive, pay attention to how the engine starts, how the transmission shifts, the braking, any unusual noises, the engine temperature, and how the car handles at different speeds. If you’re not familiar with cars, it’s a good idea to have an independent inspection performed at a repair shop, by TÜV/Dekra/GTÜ/KÜS, or to use the ADAC checklist for buying a used car.
4. Review the sales contract
You’ll need a Kaufvertrag (sales contract) to make the purchase. It must include the seller’s and buyer’s information, a description of the car, the VIN, mileage, price, date of transfer, a list of required documents, and any known defects.
When buying from a dealer, it’s important to distinguish between a “Garantie” and a “gesetzliche Gewährleistung.” A “Garantie” is a voluntary or contractual promise with specific terms. A “Gewährleistung” is the seller’s legal liability for defects that already existed at the time of delivery. In the sale of used goods to consumers, the liability period may be shortened, but it cannot be less than one year.
When buying from a private seller, the contract often includes a disclaimer of liability for Sachmängel. Therefore, inspecting the vehicle and verifying the documents are especially important.
5. Understand HU and AU
Hauptuntersuchung (HU) – mandatory vehicle inspection. In everyday speech, it’s often called TÜV, although inspections can be conducted by various accredited organizations, including TÜV, Dekra, GTÜ, and KÜS. For standard passenger cars, the first HU after new registration is usually conducted after three years, and then every two years thereafter.
If your HU inspection is about to expire, agree on who will undergo the inspection and pay for it. The cost depends on the state, the inspection facility, and the type of vehicle; for a passenger car with an AU in 2026, it’s wiser to check the current price at a specific inspection station in advance rather than relying on average figures.
6. Get insurance and obtain an eVB
You cannot register a car without an eVB number. The eVB is an electronic insurance confirmation issued by the insurer after you take out Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung (motor vehicle liability insurance).
Types of Auto Insurance in Germany:
| Type of Insurance | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung | mandatory third-party liability insurance |
| Teilkasko | partial comprehensive insurance: e.g., theft, glass damage, natural hazards as specified in the contract |
| Vollkasko | comprehensive auto insurance, covering many types of damage to your own vehicle under the terms of the policy |
The price depends on the model, region, Schadenfreiheitsklasse, mileage, the driver’s age, parking conditions, and coverage. For new drivers in Germany, the rate may be significantly higher than for drivers with a proven history of accident-free driving.
7. Prepare the documents for the Kfz-Zulassungsstelle
The exact list depends on the city and your specific situation, but you’ll usually need:
- ID card or passport;
- Proof of address, if required by your Zulassungsstelle;
- eVB number;
- Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II;
- confirmation of a valid HU;
- SEPA Direct Debit Mandate for vehicle tax;
- license plates, if you ordered them in advance;
- Power of attorney, if someone else is handling the registration.
Registration is often done online. In many cases, i-Kfz online procedures are available, but practical accessibility depends on your documents, eID, and your local Zulassungsstelle.
Read our guide on this topic:
How to Register a Car in Germany
8. Order license plates and an Umweltplakette
License plates can be purchased at auto shops near the Zulassungsstelle or ordered in advance if you’ve already reserved a Wunschkennzeichen. To enter low-emission zones, many vehicles require an Umweltplakette. You can obtain it at the registration office, as well as at many auto shops and inspection agencies.
9. Register the car
At the registration office, they will issue or renew your Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I, enter the owner’s information into the documents, assign a license plate number, and affix the necessary stickers to the license plates. After that, you can pick up the car and legally drive it on the roads, provided all conditions are met.
Image source in the original article: t-online.com
How Long Does It Take to Buy a Car?
The timeframe depends on the readiness of the documents, a valid HU inspection, the insurer’s processing speed, the appointment at the Zulassungsstelle, and the payment method. At a dealership, the process often takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. With a private seller, everything can go faster if the documents are in order and there’s an available appointment for registration.
General procedure:
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Inspection Day | Car Inspection, Test Drive, Negotiations |
| After Making a Decision | Purchase Agreement, Deposit, or Payment as Agreed |
| Before Registration | Insurance, eVB, license plates, documents, HU (if necessary) |
| Registration Day | Visit to the Kfz-Zulassungsstelle or online procedure, if available |
| Handover | Receiving keys, documents, invoices, and service history |
Can You Buy a Car Online?
Yes, there are online platforms and dealers in Germany that sell cars remotely and can arrange delivery. This option is convenient if you want to minimize the hassle of registration and logistics, but you should check the contract, return policy, warranty (Gewährleistung), delivery terms, and the language of the documents particularly carefully.
If a service provider promises to register the car for you, make sure to clarify:
- who is listed as the seller in the contract;
- Who is responsible for defects discovered after the transfer of ownership;
- what documents you will receive;
- whether there is a right of cancellation or return;
- Who pays for shipping and return shipping in case of cancellation;
- What language the contract and supporting documents are in.
Post-Purchase Expenses
Kfz-Steuer
The Kfz-Steuer is administered by Zoll. The amount depends on the car’s specifications, including the engine, date of first registration, CO2 emissions, and fuel type. For an accurate estimate, use the official calculator or information from Zoll; the average amount for someone else’s car may differ significantly from yours.
Insurance
Compulsory Kfz-Haftpflicht insurance is required for all registered vehicles. Choose between Teilkasko and Vollkasko based on the car’s value, the risk of theft, parking conditions, and your personal willingness to pay for repairs out of pocket. Average insurance premiums are only a rough guide: the final price is calculated on a case-by-case basis.
Registration and License Plates
Registration fees, Wunschkennzeichen, license plates, and the Umweltplakette vary in cost depending on the city and provider. Check the website of your Kfz-Zulassungsstelle before making an appointment.
HU/AU and Maintenance
If the car’s HU inspection is about to expire, set aside money for the inspection and any necessary repairs. After buying a used car, you should also plan for a basic service, replacement of consumables, and a set of seasonal tires, if these aren’t included in the deal.
Automobile Club
The ADAC and other automobile clubs can be helpful for roadside assistance, towing, and additional services. This isn’t a mandatory expense, but it’s worth comparing it to the Schutzbrief offered by your insurance company.
Checklist Before Paying
- Make sure the documents match the car and the seller.
- The VIN matches in the documents and on the vehicle.
- The mileage seems consistent with the service history.
- Is the HU valid, or is it clear who is responsible for getting it before the transfer?
- The Kaufvertrag specifies any defects and the vehicle’s equipment.
- Determine whether you’re buying from a dealer or a private seller.
- Money must be transferred via a method that can be verified.
- eVB, registration, license plates, and tax are all sorted out by the day of transfer.
- For financing, check the interest rate, term, final payment, and the right to early repayment.
If necessary, also read:
Getting a Loan in Germany as a Foreigner
Quick Summary
Buying a car in Germany boils down to four main steps: selecting and inspecting the car, signing a clear Kaufvertrag, arranging insurance with an eVB, and registering the car at the Kfz-Zulassungsstelle. The most costly mistakes usually occur not during registration, but earlier: due to insufficient inspection of a used car, an unclear contract, unprepared insurance, and underestimating post-purchase expenses.
