Wie Viel Kostet Ein Wunschkennzeichen

Hallo zusammen! Planning a trip to Germany and dreaming of cruising around in a stylish rental car? Or perhaps you're thinking of staying a bit longer and registering your own vehicle? Either way, you might have heard about "Wunschkennzeichen" – personalized license plates! It's a fun way to add a personal touch to your vehicle, but how much does it actually cost? Let's dive into the details and break down everything you need to know about getting your own Wunschkennzeichen in Germany.

What Exactly is a Wunschkennzeichen?

The word "Wunschkennzeichen" literally translates to "desired license plate." Essentially, it allows you to choose a specific combination of letters and numbers for your car's license plate, within certain guidelines. Instead of being assigned a random sequence, you can select something that has personal meaning, like your initials, a significant date, or a memorable word. Imagine driving through the autobahn with "BER-LIN" or "ANNA-123" proudly displayed on your car!

While the idea is simple, there are a few rules you need to keep in mind. Each license plate in Germany follows a standard format:

• Prefix: This represents the city or district where the vehicle is registered (e.g., B for Berlin, M for Munich, HH for Hamburg).
• Letters: Usually one or two letters follow the prefix.
• Numbers: This is followed by a series of one to four numbers.

When choosing your Wunschkennzeichen, you only get to select the combination of letters and numbers after the prefix. So, if you're registering a car in Munich, the prefix "M" is non-negotiable.

How Much Does a Wunschkennzeichen Cost? The Breakdown

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks: the costs associated with getting a Wunschkennzeichen. There are two main fees involved:

1. The Standard Fee for Reserving Your Wunschkennzeichen

This is a flat fee charged for reserving your desired license plate combination. This fee is consistent across Germany. The current standard fee is €10.20. This fee is charged whether or not your preferred combination is available.

2. The Fee for Assigning the Wunschkennzeichen

This fee is charged when the reserved Wunschkennzeichen is actually assigned to your vehicle. Like the reservation fee, this is a flat fee that is also consistent across Germany. The current standard fee is €2.60.

So, the total cost for getting a Wunschkennzeichen in Germany is the sum of these two fees:

€10.20 (Reservation) + €2.60 (Assignment) = €12.80

Therefore, you can expect to pay €12.80 in total for your Wunschkennzeichen.

Important Notes on the Costs:

• Price is fixed: The prices listed above are fixed nationwide. You won't find different prices depending on the city or registration office.
• Additional costs may apply: The €12.80 only covers the Wunschkennzeichen itself. This cost is in addition to the standard registration fees for your vehicle, which will vary depending on the type of vehicle, the registration office, and other factors.
• Payment Methods: You can usually pay these fees in cash or by EC card (debit card) at the registration office. Credit cards are often not accepted.

Reserving Your Wunschkennzeichen: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know the cost, let's talk about the process of reserving your Wunschkennzeichen. Thankfully, it's quite straightforward, and in many cases, you can even do it online!

1. Check Availability Online

Most cities and districts in Germany offer an online service where you can check if your desired license plate combination is available. This is the first and most crucial step! To do this, simply Google "[your city/district] Wunschkennzeichen" (e.g., "Berlin Wunschkennzeichen"). This should lead you directly to the relevant page on the local registration office's website (usually called "KFZ-Zulassungsstelle").

On the website, you'll typically find a search box where you can enter your desired letter and number combination. The system will then tell you immediately if the combination is available or already taken. It will also show you alternative suggestions if your first choice is unavailable. If it is available, you can normally proceed with reserving it directly online.

2. Reserve Your Wunschkennzeichen (Online or In-Person)

If your desired combination is available, you can usually reserve it online for a specified period, typically a few days to a few weeks. This reservation ensures that no one else can claim your desired license plate while you complete the registration process. During the reservation process you need to pay the €10.20 reservation fee.

If you prefer, you can also visit the local registration office in person to check availability and reserve your Wunschkennzeichen. However, checking online beforehand is usually the more efficient option.

3. Register Your Vehicle and Obtain Your License Plates

Once you've reserved your Wunschkennzeichen, you'll need to register your vehicle at the local registration office. During the registration process, you'll present your reservation confirmation and pay the remaining fee (€2.60). You'll also need to bring all the required documents for vehicle registration, such as:

• Your identity card or passport
• Vehicle registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I und II)
• Proof of insurance
• Confirmation of passing the vehicle inspection (Hauptuntersuchung or HU)
• SEPA direct debit mandate for vehicle tax

After successful registration, you will receive your vehicle documents and can then have your license plates stamped and affixed to your car.

4. Getting Your License Plates Made

The registration office itself doesn't produce the license plates. You'll usually find several shops right outside the registration office that can make your license plates on the spot. They'll emboss your Wunschkennzeichen onto the plates and affix the official seals. The cost for the physical license plates themselves is usually around €20-€30 per pair.

Important Considerations Before Choosing Your Wunschkennzeichen

Before you get too excited and start brainstorming ideas, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Prohibited Combinations: Certain letter combinations are prohibited in Germany due to their association with Nazi-era symbols. These include "SS," "SA," "KZ," "HJ," and others. The online reservation system will automatically block these combinations.
• Length Restrictions: The total number of characters on your license plate is limited. The length of your desired combination will depend on the length of your city/district prefix. In general, shorter prefixes allow for longer combinations of letters and numbers.
• Availability: Obviously, your desired combination needs to be available. Popular combinations are quickly snapped up, so be prepared to have a few backup options in mind.
• Meaning and Appropriateness: Think carefully about the meaning of your desired combination. While humor is welcome, avoid anything offensive or inappropriate.

Wunschkennzeichen for Rental Cars?

Unfortunately, getting a Wunschkennzeichen for a rental car is generally not possible. Rental cars are registered to the rental company, and they typically don't offer the option of personalized license plates.

Final Thoughts

While you can't get a Wunschkennzeichen for a short-term rental, if you're planning on buying and registering a car in Germany, it's a fun and affordable way to personalize your vehicle. The cost is minimal (€12.80) compared to the overall cost of car ownership, and the online reservation process is quick and easy. So, go ahead, get creative and choose a Wunschkennzeichen that reflects your personality and makes your car stand out on the German roads!

Viel Spaß und gute Fahrt!