Deregister a car in Germany online — no appointment, no ID check
You can deregister (abmelden) a car in Germany online, without visiting the registration office and without an ID check. You need the registration certificate part I (Fahrzeugschein), its hidden security code and the codes on both plate stickers. ZulassungOnline24 submits the deregistration for €24.99 including all official fees, and the deregistration certificate comes by e-mail. Vehicle tax ends on the day of deregistration.
Deregister a car now (form in German) Register a car
What do I need to deregister online?
- Registration certificate part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I, Fahrzeugschein),
- the security code on its back, uncovered by removing the sticker,
- the security codes of the stamp stickers on the front and rear plate (one plate on motorcycles and trailers).
You do not need the part II certificate, an ID or a signature. Whoever presents these documents is treated as authorised by the keeper (§ 16 (1) FZV); online the uncovered codes replace presenting documents and plates (§ 25 (2) FZV).
What does it cost?
€24.99 at ZulassungOnline24, including VAT and all official fees; the same price applies with a recycling certificate (Verwertungsnachweis). There is no separate fee notice from the authority.
What happens after deregistration?
- Vehicle tax ends on the day of deregistration; the main customs office refunds overpaid tax automatically.
- Insurance: the registration office informs your insurer (§ 50 FZV). Check your contract for the end date.
- Number: you can reserve your number for up to twelve months (§ 16 (1) FZV).
- Plates: keep or dispose of them; online they count as unstamped through the uncovered codes.
I sold my car. Who deregisters?
Either you deregister before handing the car over, or the buyer transfers it to his or her name. In the second case, report the sale to the registration office with the buyer's name and full address (§ 15 (5) FZV); until then you remain the keeper. The German guide Auto verkaufen: abmelden oder ummelden compares both ways.
I am leaving Germany with the car. What now?
If you drive the car abroad and register it there, you can deregister it in Germany online once the new registration is done. For the drive itself there are export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen) with a red date field, issued at the counter for €31.40 official fee.
Deregister a car now (form in German)
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to hand in the number plates?
No. Online, the uncovered security codes replace the de-stamping of the plates.
Can someone else deregister my car?
Yes. Whoever has the certificate part I and the security codes can submit the deregistration.
Do I get vehicle tax back?
Yes, the part paid for the time after deregistration. The main customs office refunds it without an application.
Can I deregister without the part II certificate?
Yes. Deregistration only needs part I and the codes.
Sources
Legal information checked on 24 September 2026. Information only, not legal advice.