You are the new owner of a licensed vehicle. What do you have to do?

When you become the new owner of a licensed vehicle in Germany, you must inform the licensing authority about the change in ownership. This ensures that the vehicle registration reflects the correct owner. Additionally, you must provide proof that there is valid liability insurance for the vehicle, as this is legally required for all registered vehicles to be driven on public roads.

However, you are generally not required to arrange a vehicle roadworthiness test (such as the TÜV inspection) specifically at the time of ownership transfer unless the vehicle's inspection is due. The test is scheduled according to the vehicle’s regular intervals, not automatically triggered by a change of ownership.

Understanding these rules helps you comply with legal requirements and avoid penalties when you acquire a vehicle.