Letter from the Kfz-Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office): what it means
Letters from the Zulassungsstelle (registration office) usually come when something is missing for a registered vehicle: the Versicherungsschutz (insurance cover) or payment of the Kfz-Steuer (vehicle tax). In both cases the authority is required by law to act and, if necessary, to take the vehicle out of service (außer Betrieb setzen). If you react quickly, you can often still prevent a forced deregistration (Zwangsabmeldung). Write to the authority in German; the templates (Vorlagen) on this site are in German.
Typical letters
- Aufforderung wegen fehlenden Versicherungsschutzes (request due to missing insurance)The deadline is stated in the letter. Regardless of that, the keeper must have a vehicle without insurance taken out of service without delay.
- Abmeldung wegen Kfz-Steuerrückstand (deregistration due to unpaid vehicle tax)The deadline for payment or for presenting the documents is stated in the letter. Against the decision, the deadline in the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung (information on legal remedies, usually at the end of the letter) applies, usually one month.
Which Zulassungsstelle is responsible?
The registration authority of the city or district where the vehicle keeper (Halter) lives is responsible. You also report a move or a change of keeper there. The Zoll (customs administration) learns from the Zulassungsstelle who the keeper is and then sets the Kfz-Steuer (vehicle tax).
How do I contact the Zulassungsstelle?
The address, the Aktenzeichen (file reference number) and usually a phone number are in the letter. If you receive a request with a short deadline, it is best to call and also send the proof in writing, so that you can show it arrived.
Write your reply in German. German authorities work in German, so a letter in German is the safest way to make sure your reply is understood and processed. The templates (Vorlagen) on this site are in German.
What should I watch out for?
Driving without liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) is prohibited and a criminal offence. Stop using the vehicle as soon as there is no insurance cover.
The insurer is still liable for one month. Towards accident victims, the old insurer remains liable for one month after it has notified the Zulassungsstelle that the insurance has ended. This gives you no protection yourself: the insurer can claim the payments back from you.
A forced deregistration costs extra. The authority charges fees and expenses for it. It is cheaper to deregister the vehicle yourself or to provide the proof in time.
Common questions
What does "außer Betrieb setzen" mean?
It is the official term for deregistration (taking a vehicle out of service). After that, the vehicle may no longer be used on public roads. With a forced deregistration, the authority removes the stamp stickers from the number plates.
I have moved. Do I have to tell the Zulassungsstelle?
Yes. You report changes of name or address to the Zulassungsstelle, not to the Zoll (customs). The Zulassungsstelle passes the data on to the Hauptzollamt.
Do I get back vehicle tax I overpaid after deregistration?
Yes. After deregistration, the Hauptzollamt issues a new decision and refunds tax you paid too much or offsets it against unpaid amounts.
Sources (German law and official pages)
- § 51 Maßnahmen und Pflichten bei fehlendem Versicherungsschutz (FZV)
- § 117 Leistungspflicht gegenüber Dritten (VVG)
- § 6 Gebrauch eines Fahrzeugs ohne Haftpflichtversicherung (PflVG)
- § 13 Nachweis der Besteuerung (KraftStG)
- § 14 Abmeldung von Amts wegen (KraftStG)
- Zoll: Kraftfahrzeugsteuer, Besteuerungsverfahren
- Zoll: Kraftfahrzeugsteuer, Fälligkeit und Zahlung
Research as of: 10 November 2026