Vehicle registration: minors as vehicle owners

A minor can apply for the registration of a vehicle if their legal representatives give their consent (Sections 106, 107 of the German Civil Code - BGB). For this purpose, written consent must be given to the vehicle registration authority.

As a rule, the legal representatives of the minor are the parents (§ 1626 BGB), possibly one parent or a guardian (§ 1793 BGB).

In addition to the above-mentioned declaration of consent, the vehicle registration authority requires a declaration from the legal representative(s) stating that they assume personal liability for any consequences arising from the registration of the vehicle.

A vehicle may only be registered to minors without a disability if the minor has an appropriate driving license for this vehicle.

When registering the vehicle, the following documentsmust be submitted in addition to those otherwise required for vehicle registration(see also Vehicle registration for new vehicles)

• Declaration of consent from the parent/ minor (the ADAC offers a sample declaration of consent on its website)
• Original identity cards of parents/parent/legal guardian and minor
• For underage driving license holders: Driving license or test certificate "Accompanied driving from 17" and power of attorney if not presented in person
• For severely disabled minors: severely disabled person's pass
• For minors with sole custody: proof of custody