Importing a car from Germany to Austria: buy and register safely

Yes, a used car can be imported from Germany to Austria. Do not pay until the seller's authority to sell, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the registration documents and the Austrian registration route all fit together. Before collection, obtain written confirmation that the number plates and insurance are valid for the entire route; otherwise choose a carrier or trailer.

Purchase decision before payment

Compare the VIN on the vehicle with the purchase contract and with Parts I and II of the German registration certificate. Also check the seller's identity, any power of attorney and their authority to sell. Part II is an important registration document, but does not automatically identify its holder as the civil-law owner; the registration authority does not decide ownership disputes either. 1 2

The contract should clearly state the VIN, mileage, purchase price, known damage, accessories, documents and handover arrangements. If the account holder, seller and contracting party are not the same, evidence explaining the difference must be provided before payment. Registration documents, vehicle history, the statutory roadworthiness inspection and vehicle condition are separate layers of verification.

Check documents and condition separately

Before committing yourself, request copies of both parts of the registration certificate, the draft contract, HU evidence and—for the straightforward Austrian approval route—a COC or other evidence of EU type approval. Any missing information about finance, accidents, maintenance or previous damage remains unverified.

A valid German Hauptuntersuchung (HU) confirms compliance with road-safety and emissions requirements at the time of inspection. It is neither a complete condition report nor a statement about all visible previous damage or foreseeable repairs. It should therefore be assessed separately from an independent pre-purchase inspection. 5 6

Germany was on the verified CarAudit coverage list on 13 September 2026. However, such a pre-purchase inspection is neither import handling, a statutory inspection, a guarantee nor an assurance that every defect will be found. The terms and limitations are set out with the offer below. 9 10 11

Arrange lawful transport from Germany

For permanently taking the vehicle out of Germany under its own power, the German procedure provides for an Ausfuhrkennzeichen (export number plate) together with the prescribed proof of motor liability insurance. Its registration is valid only for the evidenced insurance period, for no more than one year; the authority may set a shorter period or impose conditions. The next HU due date must fall after the export registration ends; otherwise the inspection is required beforehand. 5

During the journey, Part I restricted to the export period must be carried; after expiry, the vehicle may no longer be used on public roads. For a vehicle that is currently registered, the existing number plates and registration certificates are presented during the procedure for de-registration, the old Part I is withdrawn and Part II is continued. A separate prior de-registration is therefore not a blanket prerequisite. 5

Among other things, Berlin lists original identity and registration documents, existing number plates, valid HU evidence, export insurance and tax arrangements; where the applicant has no residence in Germany, a locally reachable authorised recipient is required there. These are Berlin implementation details, not a nationwide assurance about appointments, costs or documents. The current checklist of the specific competent German authority remains decisive. 12

Temporary number plates are not harmonised across the EU. Obtain written confirmation of recognition and insurance cover for the exact plate, the driver, the period of validity and every country crossed. If that is not possible, choose a carrier or trailer. 7 5

After arrival: tax, approval and registration

As Germany and Austria are EU Member States, no customs duty applies to this route. This does not remove NoVA, any Austrian acquisition VAT that may be due, approval, insurance or registration. 14 15

First check the tax classification: a vehicle is regarded as new if it has covered no more than 6,000 km or its first use was no more than six months before acquisition. It is regarded as used only if it has covered more than 6,000 km and its first use was more than six months before acquisition. 16 15

For a vehicle classed as new for tax purposes, a private individual resident in Austria generally owes Austrian acquisition VAT at 20% and NoVA before registration; the treatment of German VAT depends on the conditions for an intra-Community supply. When a vehicle classed as used for tax purposes and previously registered in the EU is bought privately, NoVA generally applies, but this acquisition-VAT branch does not. The NoVA generally follows the regime relevant at the first EU registration and the vehicle's value development. Do not use a flat-rate amount or blindly apply the current formula; a low private purchase price may require Austrian proof of value. 15 8

For the NoVA-2 declaration filed with the tax office, the invoice is used when the purchase is from an authorised motor dealer. For an ordinary private purchase, the purchase contract and a vehicle valuation are required, such as Eurotax, Autopreisspiegel or a report from a generally sworn expert; published individual exceptions do not apply automatically. The other specified documents include the foreign vehicle and approval papers, the extract from the Austrian vehicle approval database and photo ID. Only after any tax due has been paid does the tax authority release the vehicle in the database for registration. 17

Every imported vehicle must be entered in the Austrian vehicle approval database before registration. EU type approval usually avoids a new Austrian approval, but not the database entry; evidence such as a COC or foreign registration certificate can be used for this. This entry can cost up to EUR 180.00. Without EU type approval, individual vehicle approval (Einzelgenehmigung), and possibly an additional exemption approval, is required; approximately EUR 150.00 is stated depending on the evidence, not as a cost cap. 17 3

To register at an Austrian vehicle registration office, you need motor liability insurance valid in Austria, identity and approval evidence and, where applicable, both parts of the previous EU registration certificate. If the periodic inspection is due and there is no positive report in the Austrian database, a current positive inspection report is required. A private import additionally requires the database entry and NoVA clearance. 4

The Austrian one-month rule is no substitute for checking the transport arrangements: a person resident in Austria may generally use the vehicle with foreign number plates for one month from first bringing it into Austria. A further month is possible only if it can be credibly shown that registration within the first month was not possible. This extends neither the German export number plate nor the insurance. 16

Budget without false precision

The table uses only the carrier-or-trailer option and the EU type-approval branch; export number plates and individual vehicle approval are not added. Because mandatory amounts remain unresolved, there is no total. Any necessary translations and modifications must be determined separately. Fees and quotes must be verified as at 13 September 2026.

Chronological checklist

Complete the steps in order. Stop payment, departure or registration until the evidence specified for that stage is available.

Frequently asked questions

Is customs duty due when importing a car from Germany?

No. No customs duty is due in Austria on a vehicle from Germany, an EU Member State. NoVA, any applicable Austrian acquisition VAT and the approval, insurance and registration requirements remain unaffected. 14, 15

When is the vehicle regarded as used for tax purposes?

Only when both thresholds have been exceeded: more than 6,000 km and first use more than six months ago. If it has covered no more than 6,000 km or its first use was no more than six months ago, it is regarded as new for this tax branch. 16, 15

Which taxes should a private individual in Austria budget for?

For a vehicle classed as used for tax purposes and previously registered in the EU, generally the vehicle-specific NoVA, but not the new-vehicle acquisition-VAT branch. If it is classed as new for tax purposes, Austrian acquisition VAT at 20% and NoVA are generally due before registration. The treatment of German VAT depends on the conditions for an intra-Community supply. 15, 8, 17

Does the German registration certificate Part II prove ownership?

No. It is an essential registration document, but does not automatically identify its holder as the owner. You should therefore check the contract, identity, authority to dispose of the vehicle and VIN together. 1, 2

Does a valid HU replace a pre-purchase inspection?

No. The HU concerns road-safety and emissions requirements at the time of inspection. An independent pre-purchase inspection considers the present condition more broadly, but likewise cannot guarantee detection of every hidden defect and replaces neither vehicle approval nor the Austrian § 57a periodic roadworthiness inspection. 5, 6, 10

May I drive to Austria on a German export number plate and continue driving there for one month?

Only if the export registration, period of validity, recognition and motor liability cover are evidenced for the specific driver and every country on the route. Use on public roads is prohibited after expiry. The Austrian one-month period starts when the vehicle is first brought into Austria, but extends neither the number plates nor the insurance; a second month requires credible evidence that registration within the first month was not possible. Without clear evidence, choose a carrier or trailer. 5, 7, 16

Request a pre-purchase inspection

If the location, vehicle and appointment are available, you can request a CarAudit inspection for a purchase in Germany. According to the information verified as at 13 September 2026, the standard inspection cost EUR 229.00 including VAT and the technician's travel; the optional traction-battery diagnostics cost EUR 179.00. The target report window of 48 hours after the inspection excludes weekends and public holidays and remains subject to seller access and operational limits. The inspection does not replace import processing, the HU, Austrian vehicle approval or the Austrian § 57a periodic roadworthiness inspection, and is not a guarantee of condition or registrability. 9, 10, 11

Sources

1. Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung § 14 — Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II
2. Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung Annex 8 — registration certificate Part II
3. Import von Kfz — Genehmigungsdatenbank und Typisierung
4. Kfz-Zulassung
5. Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung § 45 — permanent movement of a vehicle abroad
6. AutoKaufCheck — used vehicle check before purchase
7. Buying and leasing a car in another EU country
8. NoVA Steuersatz
9. CarAudit Austria — service and order page
10. CarAudit Austria — Was wir prüfen
11. CarAudit-Bedingungen
12. Apply for export plates for new and used domestic vehicles
13. Überstellungskennzeichen
14. Kfz-Import aus EU-Ländern
15. Fahrzeugerwerb aus Mitgliedstaaten der Europäischen Union
16. Allgemeines zum Eigenimport von Kfz
17. Verfahren bei Fahrzeugimport