In short: Registration for used-car dealers works online when the documents carry the hidden security code: for transfer with change of keeper and re-registration, registration certificates from 01.01.2018; for deregistration, from 01.01.2015. Older vehicles remain a case for the authority. With Zevra a case costs from €10, deregistration €2.
In the used-car trade the issue date of the documents decides, not the year of manufacture. A look at it when buying saves the trip to the registration office when selling.
Zevra is the B2B platform for digital vehicle registration for car dealers, registration services and fleets: cases are entered in the dealer portal and filed nationwide by power of attorney with qualified electronic signature – from €10 per registration, no base fee, no minimum volume.
Last updated: · Zevra editorial team · Reviewed by Mohamed Gabal, owner
Which used car works online – and which does not?
| Situation | Case | Documents issued after |
|---|---|---|
| Registered vehicle, sale to a new keeper | Transfer with change of keeper | 01.01.2018 |
| Deregistered vehicle, sale | Re-registration | 01.01.2018 |
| Trade-in, vehicle stays on the lot | Deregistration | 01.01.2015 |
| Keeper moves, keeps the vehicle | Transfer without change of keeper | 01.01.2015 |
What counts is when the current registration certificate was issued. If an older vehicle was transferred after the cut-off date, its document also carries the code.
What does re-registration need?
- invalidated registration certificate part I from the deregistration – its code is needed again
- additionally registration certificate part II if the keeper changes
- eVB number
- valid general inspection (HU)
- IBAN and SEPA mandate of the keeper
Why do used-car cases fail?
- The vehicle has already been taken out of service – a second deregistration is rejected.
- Part I from the deregistration is missing because it was not kept afterwards.
- Security code misread: lower-case l and capital I, O and 0.
- General inspection expired.
- Tax or fee arrears of the new keeper.
How does the lot stay mobile?
For test and transfer drives of unregistered vehicles there are red dealer plates and short-term plates. They do not replace registration to the buyer – that takes place with the sale.
With digital registration the vehicle may drive right after the notice: the temporary proof is valid for 10 days.
What does it cost with Zevra?
| Service | Price (net) |
|---|---|
| Transfer / re-registration | €10 |
| Deregistration | €2 |
With Zevra there is no base fee and no minimum volume; official fees are added 1:1, all prices plus VAT.
Read more
- New registration online: register new cars digitally and hand over the same day
- Vehicle deregistration online: take vehicles out of service digitally – for dealers and fleets
- Transfer online: re-register a used car to the buyer digitally
- Re-registration online: put deregistered vehicles back into service digitally
- Day registration online: first registration for one calendar day – digitally from the dealership
- eVB number in vehicle registration: proof of third-party insurance in the digital application
- Digital registration power of attorney: how the dealership registers for the customer with legal certainty
- Vehicle registration without online ID: why the customer needs no eID when the dealership registers
- Number plates in the digital registration case: own press or order with shipping
- Digital vehicle registration in the dealership: the complete guide
- i-Kfz for companies and dealers: portal, large-customer interface or service
- Vehicle registration by the dealer – also in another federal state
- Who offers digital vehicle registration for companies in Germany?
- Uncovering the security code: registration certificate part I, part II and stickers
- Registration certificate part II lost: procedure, deadlines and consequences for the trade
- Short-term plates or red plates: what dealers need for test and transfer drives
- Export plates: exporting vehicles – what dealers need to know
- Registering motorcycles and trailers online: what is the same for dealers – and what differs
- i-Kfz stage 4: what is new – and what does it mean for dealerships?
- Registering a company car: which documents does each legal form need?
- Registration service, authority or i-Kfz: which route pays off for dealers?
- Registering a leased vehicle: who is the keeper – and where does the registration certificate part II stay?
- Registration service at the dealership: how does registration become a selling point?
- Registration service costs: what does a dealership pay per registration?
- How long does online vehicle registration take in Germany?
- Seasonal plates, E plates and H plates: applying online in Germany
- Low-emission sticker (Umweltplakette): what dealers should know
- Change of address after a move: re-registering a vehicle online
- Registering motorhomes and caravans online: what dealers need to know
- Interchangeable plates (Wechselkennzeichen): one plate for two vehicles
- Vehicle registration in Germany: official figures, deadlines and key dates
- Vehicle registration fees in Germany: official fees at the counter and online
- Registration without a valid HU: what is possible when the inspection has expired
- Importing an EU vehicle and registering it in Germany: what dealers need to know
- Registering an electric car in Germany: tax exemption and E plate
- Keeper's change of name: having the vehicle documents changed
- Documents for vehicle registration: printable checklist per case
- Reserving a number plate: term, fee and rules for personalised plates
- Registering rental cars and taxis: reporting the use and meeting deadlines
- Certificate of destruction (Verwertungsnachweis): scrapping and deregistering a car
- Green number plates: plates for tax-exempt vehicles in Germany
- Online registration rejected: common reasons and solutions
- Becoming a KBA large customer: requirements, details and duties
- HU intervals: when is the general inspection due for which vehicle?
- Vehicle tax at registration: SEPA mandate and tax arrears
- Temporary registration proof: content, validity and duties
- CoC (certificate of conformity): the proof at first registration
- Car dealerships
- Registration services
- Fleet operators
- Leasing companies
- Rental & car subscription
- Banks & insurers
- Manufacturers & importers
- Remarketing & resellers
- Pricing
Sources: Bundesministerium für Verkehr: Internetbasierte Fahrzeugzulassung – So funktioniert i-Kfz · Bundesministerium für Verkehr: Was ist neu mit i-Kfz Stufe 4?