UK to Germany registration

[bigdog]

Definitely different than the states. The seven came with the V5 document (UK registration) there is no title. The new owner simply fills in the new owner data on the back the old owner does nothing nor signs anything on the V5 showing that it was sold or transferred. The only thing showing I bought the car was a copy of the bill of sale sent via email and is sufficient for the Germans to let me register it in my name. They said they do not need the original bill of sale.

 

Now I know why folks in the UK say to never have your V5 registration papers in the car. Something that will get one in trouble in the US.

[slomove]

There used to be a "Fahrzeugbrief" which is technically only a paper of responsibility for the vehicle not an indication of ownership. But practically it functions as a title paper for insurance and ownership change purpose and if you leave it in the car that gets stolen you are screwed. There have been some changes to comply with EU law in 2005 but I am not completely familiar with that.

[bigdog]

There used to be a "Fahrzeugbrief" which is technically only a paper of responsibility for the vehicle not an indication of ownership. But practically it functions as a title paper for insurance and ownership change purpose and if you leave it in the car that gets stolen you are screwed. There have been some changes to comply with EU law in 2005 but I am not completely familiar with that.

 

While I was on the Zed 4 forum they would talk about the UK V5 and how you could as you put it "get screwed but royally" should you leave it laying about your car. Never paid much attention as I wasn't subject to the same system. But having bought a British registered car I can see what they were on about.

 

Fortunately I don't have to "go all the way" with German registration due to my wife working for the US military as a civilian. We have a bit of a hybrid system that we go through which is easier, Located on post with English speaking Germans and much, much cheaper fees. I.E. The Germans allow us to buy big ticket items with a VAT form free of the 19% tax on everything. Yep, You heard that correctly 19% tax. Buy a car or a house and you will get quite a surprise.