German temporary plates: Kurzzeitkennzeichen and Ausfuhrkennzeichen

Germany has two kinds of temporary plates: the 5-day Kurzzeitkennzeichen (yellow edge, number starting with 03 or 04) for test and transfer drives in Germany, and the Ausfuhrkennzeichen or Zollkennzeichen (red stripe) for exporting a car.

Key facts

Kurzzeitkennzeichen: valid from the day of issue up to the fifth day (FZV section 42); tied to one vehicle (VIN)
Conditions: car deregistered, eVB insurance and a valid inspection (HU); without HU only to the nearest inspection
Cost: office fee about EUR 13, plates about EUR 10–40, insurance about EUR 30–150 (ADAC)
Who applies: the registration office of the holder's residence or of the vehicle's location; possible with a power of attorney
Ausfuhrkennzeichen: for export; valid according to the insurance, at most 1 year (FZV section 45); HU, export insurance and vehicle tax; the car must be presented at the office

Is a Kurzzeitkennzeichen valid abroad?

According to ADAC, the Kurzzeitkennzeichen is a national plate with no general recognition abroad. There are agreements with Austria, Italy, Denmark and Switzerland; problems have been reported e.g. in France, Benelux, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria (refused entry, fines). It is therefore not a reliable way to drive a car from Germany to Finland.

Driving from Germany to Finland

The Ausfuhrkennzeichen is intended for export and can be used to drive abroad while the insurance and inspection are valid. A Finnish transfer permit requires one end of the route to be in Finland. Germany accepts a foreign document issued solely for transferring a vehicle only if it has been published in the Verkehrsblatt (FZV section 46) – we have not been able to verify the status of the Finnish transfer permit there.

FAQ

How long is a Kurzzeitkennzeichen valid?

From the day of issue up to the fifth day. It cannot be issued in advance for a later date.

Can a foreigner get a Kurzzeitkennzeichen?

There is no nationality requirement. Without a German residence the office of the vehicle's location is competent, and offices may require a receiving agent resident in Germany.

Can export plates be ordered by post?

Usually not: the car must be presented at the registration office before export plates are issued.

Country guides

Sources

Checked against official sources on 10 November 2026. Rules and fees change – always check the current information with the authority before driving.