Ukrainian refugees
Ukrainians in Germany must re-register their cars by the end of September: what you need to know

Ukrainian refugees staying in Germany should pay special attention to the new requirements for re-registration of cars. According to German law, all owners of vehicles with Ukrainian license plates that have been in the country for more than a year are required to re-register their cars and obtain German license plates by September 30, 2024. This rule is mandatory for the legal use of a car on the country’s roads. It is aimed at ensuring compliance of all vehicles operated in Germany with local safety standards and environmental requirements.
How to re-register a car with Ukrainian plates in Germany: step-by-step instructions
- Pass technical inspection (TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS):
The first and most important step in the re-registration process is passing a technical inspection of the car. If you have a certificate of compliance with EU standards (Certificate of Conformity), you only need to pass a general technical inspection. If there is no such certificate, you will have to sign up for a special inspection that will check the car’s compliance with local standards. The average cost of such a procedure is about 259 euros. - Registration of compulsory car insurance (KFZ-Haftpflichtversicherung):
The second important step is to obtain mandatory car insurance in Germany. This insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property and medical expenses in the event of a traffic accident. The insurance registration procedure can be done both online and offline. It is recommended to compare different offers from insurance companies in order to choose the most profitable option. - Car insurance registration procedure:
- You can submit an application to the insurance company about the intention to insure a car, both online and in person.
- Prepare the necessary documents.
- Sign the contract and pay.
- Get an eVB number – an electronic confirmation of the existence of an insurance policy, which is required for re-registration of a car.
- Necessary documents for registration of mandatory car insurance:
- Driver’s license.
- Identity document (passport or residence permit).
- Information about driving experience.
- Technical passport of the car.
- Documents confirming the purchase of the car may also be required.
Compliance with these requirements and timely re-registration of cars will allow Ukrainians in Germany to safely and legally use their vehicles, avoiding possible fines and problems with the law.