Registration checklist

Deadlines – Germany

Seller immediately Notify the registration office of the change of owner (plate, buyer's name and full address, buyer's confirmation of receiving ZB) without delay – not needed if the buyer has already re-registered. Otherwise the office may publish a 4-week notice and end the registration.
Buyer immediately Re-register the car (eVB insurance number, ZB I and II). Online via i-Kfz if papers issued after 01.01.2018 (needs eVB, HU, SEPA mandate and online ID card) [KM].

i-Kfz online re-registration possible [KM].

Summary from public sources (as of 31.10.2026). [KM] = not verified. Check the official page before the sale.

Contract: use the contract for your own country. Your country's law applies, and only that text is binding. The buyer can read the version in their language; it is for information only.
Plates: the buyer takes the car home on temporary or export plates from your country. Germany: short-term plates (5 days) or export plates. Netherlands: white export plate, up to 14 days after export at the RDW. Poland: temporary registration, up to 30 days. Elsewhere: ask the registration office.
The buyer registers the car in their own country. Give them every document: registration papers, contract, inspection report.
You: deregister the car or report the sale in your country. Germany: report the change of owner without delay. France: déclaration de cession within 15 days. Spain: notify the DGT or deregister for export. Italy: radiazione per esportazione at the PRA. Netherlands: the buyer exports the car in their name at the RDW. Poland: report the sale within 30 days.
Payment: hand over the car and the papers only once the full price is in your account. Be wary of buyers who send a 'transport company' or want to pay in advance with extra fees.