What a German license plate looks like and what each part means

A German license plate is a white rectangle with a blue section on the left side. The blue section contains the EU flag, the letters "D" for Deutschland, and a two-letter regional code. The rest of the plate holds a combination of letters and numbers that identifies the specific vehicle.

The format is always: two letters (the regional code), then one or two letters, then one to four numbers. For example, a plate might read "B-AB 123" where "B" is Berlin, "AB" are the owner's chosen letters, and "123" is the assigned number. The regional code tells you which German state (Bundesland) issued the plate — "B" for Berlin, "M" for Munich (Bayern), "K" for Cologne (Nordrhein-Westfalen), and so on.

The owner can choose the letter combination (within limits), which is why you sometimes see vanity plates with meaningful initials or words. The numbers are assigned sequentially by the registration office and cannot be chosen.

Key Takeaways

  • The two-letter regional code on the left identifies which German state issued the plate, and the format never changes regardless of the vehicle type.
  • German plates are white with a blue EU section on the left, and the letter-number combination is unique to that specific vehicle registration.
  • Vehicle owners can select their own letter combination (within rules against offensive content) but cannot choose the numbers.
  • A German plate stays with the vehicle owner, not the vehicle itself — if you sell the car, the new owner can keep your plate or request a new one.

The regional codes and what they represent

Each two-letter code corresponds to a specific German administrative district or city-state. "B" is Berlin, "M" is Munich, "K" is Cologne, "D" is Düsseldorf, "F" is Frankfurt, and "H" is Hanover. Smaller districts use codes like "AB" for Aachen, "AC" for Aachen district, or "AK" for Altenkirchen. There are over 400 regional codes across Germany.

The code does not necessarily mean the owner lives in that region now — it reflects where the vehicle was first registered. If you move to a different state, you can keep your original plate or explore for a new one with your new region's code. Many Germans keep their original plates as a matter of preference or regional pride.

How German plates differ from other European systems

German plates are recognizable across Europe because of the blue EU section and the "D" designation. Other countries use different formats: France uses a white plate with a blue EU section but a different letter arrangement, the UK uses a different regional code system, and Italy uses a different color scheme entirely.

One key difference is that German plates are transferable between owners. When you buy a used car in Germany, you can request to keep the seller's plate (if you like it) or get a new one issued. This is unusual in many other countries, where the plate is tied to the vehicle and changes hands with it.

Temporary and special-use German plates

Germany issues temporary plates for specific situations. A yellow temporary plate (Überführungskennzeichen) is used when transporting a vehicle that is not yet registered — for example, when you buy a car and drive it to the registration office. These plates are valid for a limited time and cannot be used for regular driving.

A red plate (Oldtimer-Kennzeichen) is issued for classic vehicles over 30 years old that meet certain conditions. Red plates allow owners to drive these vehicles occasionally without full registration, though they come with restrictions on use and mileage.

Dealer plates (with a red "07" or "06" at the end) are used by car dealerships and repair shops to test-drive or transport vehicles. These are not available to private owners and are only issued to businesses in the automotive trade.

What happens when you buy or sell a car in Germany

When you purchase a vehicle in Germany, you must register it at your local registration office (Zulassungsstelle) within two weeks. You will need the vehicle's inspection certificate, proof of insurance, your ID, and proof of residence. The registration office will issue you a plate with your chosen regional code and letter combination.

If you are buying a used car and want to keep the seller's plate, you can request this during registration — the seller must agree and provide written consent. The plate will be re-registered in your name. If you prefer a new plate, the old one is deactivated and the seller can use it again if they register another vehicle.

When you sell your car, you remove the plates and keep them. You can use them on your next vehicle (if registered in the same region) or return them to the registration office. The new owner must register the vehicle and either request your plates or receive new ones.

Reading a German plate to understand vehicle history

The regional code tells you where the vehicle was first registered, but not necessarily where it is now or where the owner lives. A car with a "B" (Berlin) plate might belong to someone who moved to Bavaria years ago and kept the original plate.

The letter combination and numbers do not encode any information about the vehicle's age, type, or safety status — they are straightforward a unique identifier. Unlike some older systems in other countries, German plates do not reveal when the vehicle was registered or any technical details about it.

If you see a plate with a red "07" or "06" at the end, that vehicle is a dealer or repair shop vehicle, not a private car. If you see a yellow plate, the vehicle is in temporary transit and not yet fully registered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose any letters I want on my German license plate?

You can choose the letter combination within limits set by the registration office. Offensive, discriminatory, or obscene combinations are rejected. Some letter pairs are reserved (like "SS" in some regions due to historical sensitivity). The registration office will tell you which combinations are available when you register.

What does the blue section on the left of a German plate mean?

The blue section identifies the vehicle as registered in the European Union. It contains the EU flag, the letter "D" for Germany, and the two-letter regional code. This format is standard across all EU member states, though each country uses its own letter designation.

If I move to a different German state, do I have to change my license plate?

No, you can keep your original plate if you want. Many Germans keep their plates as a matter of preference or regional identity. If you prefer a new plate with your new state's code, you can request one at your new registration office, but it is not required.

What is a yellow German license plate used for?

A yellow temporary plate is issued for transporting a vehicle that is not yet registered — typically when you buy a car and need to drive it to the registration office or inspection. These plates are valid for a limited period and cannot be used for regular driving after that time expires.

Can I buy a used car in Germany and keep the seller's license plate?

Yes, if the seller agrees. During registration at the Zulassungsstelle, you can request to keep the existing plate. The seller must provide written consent, and the plate will be re-registered in your name. Alternatively, you can receive a new plate with your chosen letter combination.