If you want to carry out a test drive to check the serviceability or a transfer trip with a non-registered vehicle within the Federal Republic of Germany, you need a short-term license plate (until 1998: " red license plate") for one-time use.

From April 1, 2015, short-term license plates will be assigned to a specific vehicle if

• this vehicle corresponds to an approved type or
• an individual approval has been issued and
• the vehicle is insured.
• There must also be a valid main inspection and, if necessary, a valid safety inspection

Driving without a main inspection or safety check is possible under the new regulation in the following cases:

• To an inspection station in the registration district that issued the license plate. The same applies to return journeys.
• to the nearest workshop in the registration district that issued the license plate or in a neighboring district and back for the immediate repair of significant or minor defects found. This does not apply to vehicles that were classified as unsafe to drive during the inspection.

The short-term license plate may only be used for test or transfer drives in compliance with the restrictions entered in the vehicle registration document. Due to the future vehicle reference, the short-term license plate can also no longer be used on another vehicle.

Once the short-term license plate has expired, the vehicle may no longer be used on public roads.

• Original registration certificate Part I
• Valid main inspection report or corresponding entry in the registration certificate part I and part II
• Identity card or passport with registration certificate - not older than 3 months
• Electronic insurance confirmation (eVB) in accordance with § 23 of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV)

In the case of processing by a third party, additionally

• informal, written power of attorney from the applicant and identity card of the person for whom the vehicle is to be registered

for persons without a primary residence in the registration district additionally:

• Purchase contract with proof of vehicle location

for companies additionally:

• Extract from the trade register or commercial register
• the identification documents of the person responsible and authorized to sign (managing director, authorized signatory) and their power of attorney
• for companies without a registered office in the registration district
  • Purchase contract with proof of vehicle location

for associations additionally:

• Extract from the register of associations
• ID of the person responsible and authorized to sign (board of directors) and their power of attorney

for underage vehicle owners additionally:

• Declaration of consent and signature of both parents
• their identity cards
• Specification of the intended use and the type of vehicle

The following documents must also be submitted
Proof of type/individual approval (if applicable, registration certificate)

Note:
At least a copy of the registration certificate part I must be available