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What is an eVB number and how do I get one in Germany?

In short

The eVB number is a seven character code your insurer gives you to prove to the registration office that your car has liability insurance. It is free and you usually get it within minutes from the insurer you want to use. Without it you cannot register a car, transfer a used car into your name or get temporary plates.

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What is an eVB number and how do I get one in Germany?

What it costs

Fees and costs around the eVB, as of 2026.

ExampleTypical range
eVB number from the insurerEUR 0
New registration at the officeEUR 30, online EUR 12.80
Transfer of a used carEUR 27.10, online EUR 12.10
Pair of number platesabout EUR 20 to 40
Personalised plateEUR 10.20 extra
Short-term eVB for five daysfrom about EUR 43

Fees from published overviews, as of 2026; individual offices may differ for extra services. The total in the example is built from these values.

Worked example

Buying a used car from a private seller

You buy a registered car and transfer it into your name at the office, with a personalised plate.

eVB numberEUR 0
Transfer at the officeEUR 27.10
Personalised plateEUR 10.20
Platesabout EUR 20 to 40

About EUR 57 to 77 in total, much less online without a personalised plate. Insurance is then paid as agreed.

What the code does

Germany does not accept a foreign insurance certificate for registration. Your German insurer stores your details electronically and gives you a code. The first two characters identify the insurer. The registration office (Zulassungsstelle) uses the code to call up the confirmation.

Once the car is registered, provisional liability cover starts. The full contract follows with the policy document. If you also asked for partial or comprehensive cover, the confirmation shows whether that is provisionally included too.

How to get it

Ask the insurer or broker you want to insure the car with. Online or by phone they usually need your name, German address, date of birth and the car details. The number often arrives within minutes by email or text message.

The eVB commits you to nothing until you register the car with it. Once registered, cover runs from that day. If you then move to another insurer, you pay for the days until the switch.

SituationNew eVB needed?
Registering a new caryes
Buying a used car and transferring ityes
Re-registering after deregistrationyes
Temporary plates for a transfer driveyes, a special short-term eVB
Moving within Germanyno, update the address
Switching insurer without re-registeringno, insurers handle it between them

Tips if you are new to Germany

You need a registered German address (Anmeldung) before you can register a car. Bring your passport or ID card, the certificate of registration, the vehicle documents and, for a used car, the purchase contract.

Tell the insurer about your driving history abroad when you ask for the eVB. The price is set then, and a no-claims letter from your previous insurer can make a large difference. The eVB itself does not depend on it.

What registration costs on top

The eVB is free. The registration office charges EUR 30 for a new registration, EUR 12.80 online. Transferring a used car costs EUR 27.10, or EUR 12.10 online. A personalised plate costs EUR 10.20 extra, and you buy the plates themselves from a plate maker for about EUR 20 to 40.

Temporary plates are different: the five day insurance they need is not free and starts at about EUR 43. Pay your first premium on time after registration, otherwise the provisional cover can lapse.

Step by step

  1. Register your address in Germany first.
  2. Have the car details ready, ideally the manufacturer and type codes.
  3. Request the eVB from the insurer you choose and agree the cover.
  4. Take the number, ID, vehicle papers and purchase contract to the office or register online.
  5. Pay the first premium on time and check the policy document.

Checklist

  • eVB issued in the name of the future keeper
  • Car details match the vehicle papers
  • eVB still valid on the registration date
  • Own damage cover provisionally included if wanted
  • Foreign no-claims letter handed in

Common mistakes

  • Taking the dealer's eVB and having to switch later at extra cost
  • Requesting a normal eVB for temporary plates
  • Not paying the first premium and losing provisional cover
  • Paying a third party for an eVB that insurers give for free

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

Does the eVB number cost anything?

No. Regular insurers give it free. Only insurance for temporary plates costs money.

Can I use my insurance from home?

Not for a car registered in Germany. You need a German liability policy and its eVB.

How long is an eVB valid?

As long as the insurer decides, usually three to six months. If it expires, simply ask for a new one.

Am I bound to the insurer after asking for an eVB?

Not until you register the car with it. After that, cover runs and premiums are due.

Can I drive with just the eVB?

No, only once the car is registered and has plates.

Do I need a new eVB when I move?

No. Report the new address, the policy continues. Your regional class may change.

Sources

NAMMERT insurance broker

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