Summary
- A prerequisite for registering a motorhome is the fulfillment of the requirements of category M as a special vehicle
- Documents for registration: ID card, vehicle registration certificate (Part II), if applicable vehicle registration certificate (Part I), proof of insurance, certificate of technical inspection/emissions test (HU/AU), certificate of G 607 inspection, proof of EC type approval, vehicle identification, SEPA direct debit mandate
- Costs: approx. €30, varying depending on the authority. Additional costs: license plate stamping (€20–40), personalized license plate (additional €12.80), technical inspection/emissions test (approx. €120)
Table of contents
Vehicle category M: When is a vehicle classified as a motorhome?
A sleeping place alone does not make a motorhome. Especially for self-converted vehicles, the criteria of vehicle category M for approval as a special-purpose vehicle are relevant. Only if these requirements are met does the vehicle actually qualify as a motorhome. The minimum equipment according to the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) is as follows:
- A fixed built-in bed is required. It may also serve as seating during the day
- The majority of the vehicle cabin must be living space and appropriately usable
- Seating and a table must be available, whereby the table may be removable or foldable
- A permanently installed cooking facility is required. The number of burners is not specified; possible fuel sources include electricity, gas, or alcohol
- Adequate storage space for luggage and loose items must be available
Only if your vehicle meets these criteria is it considered a motorhome by definition. This is important because motorhomes are subject to a lower vehicle tax. This is due to the fact that, unlike modern passenger cars since 2021, taxation is not primarily based on CO₂ emissions, but still on total weight and emissions class.
If the criteria of vehicle category M are not met, the vehicle is not considered a motorhome. It can then only be registered as a passenger car or – depending on its total weight – as a truck.
The four types of motorhome registration
The special category M provides a total of four types of motorhome registration:
- Year-round registration: Full-year registration with a standard vehicle license plate. This option is relevant for anyone who wants to travel flexibly throughout the year.
- Seasonal registration: Registration for 2–11 months per year with a seasonal license plate. Ideal for those whose camping season runs from spring to late autumn.
- Short-term registration: Valid for 5 days from issuance. This registration is intended for test drives and vehicle transfers.
- Classic car registration: Motorhome with historic (H) license plate. Requirement is first registration at least 30 years ago and a classic car appraisal. With a historic plate, both year-round and seasonal registration are possible.
What is the process for registering a motorhome?
- Obtain all required documents in good time before your appointment. In the case of a new purchase, these are usually provided by the dealer; for a used vehicle, you must consult the previous owner.
- Take out motorhome insurance. This is mandatory for operation.
- Arrange an appointment at your vehicle registration office. This can usually be done easily online.
- If desired: reserve your personalized license plate in advance.
- Bring all required documents to the appointment and register your motorhome.
- Attach the stamped license plates to your motorhome.
Checklist: documents required for motorhome registration
For registration as a motorhome, you need essentially the same documents as for passenger car registration. Please note that it makes a difference whether you purchased the vehicle new or used.
The exact requirements may also vary depending on the responsible registration authority. You should therefore definitely check with your local authority which documents are actually required. In general, the following documents are needed:
- Passport or identity card.
- For a deregistered vehicle (initial or new registration), the vehicle registration document (registration certificate Part I). For a change of ownership, both the vehicle registration document and the vehicle title (registration certificates Parts I and II).
- Insurance double card / proof of insurance coverage (it is important to check whether the insurance also covers motorhomes).
- Certificates of the most recent technical inspection and emissions test (HU/AU).
- Certificate of the most recent G 607 inspection for liquefied gas systems.
- Proof of EC type approval.
- Vehicle license plates.
- A completed and signed SEPA direct debit mandate for vehicle tax collection.
- If the motorhome is registered on behalf of a third party, a power of attorney is required.
What are the costs involved in registering a motorhome?
The registration itself costs approximately €30 at the authority, with minor variations depending on the responsible office. In addition, there is a mandatory license plate embossing fee, which is typically between €20–€40.
If you wish to use a personalized license plate, an additional €2.60 is charged for advance reservation and €10.20 for allocation. If a technical inspection including emissions testing is required – for example in the case of modifications or used vehicles – this costs approximately €120.
The total costs for motorhome registration therefore amount to approximately €50–€80 for a new vehicle.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about motorhome registration
To register a motorhome as a special-purpose vehicle under category M, the following are required: a fixed bed, seating with a table, a permanently installed cooking facility and adequate storage space. In addition, the majority of the vehicle’s cabin should be usable as living space.
If you buy a motorhome, it will of course usually meet these criteria (with the possible exception of very old second-hand vehicles). It is more important to consider this if, for example, you are converting a van into a motorhome yourself.
To register a motorhome, you will need the following documents: identity card, vehicle registration document, vehicle registration certificate (if applicable), proof of insurance, certificate of general inspection (HU) and emissions test (AU), certificate of G 607 inspection, proof of EC type-approval, vehicle identification number, and a SEPA direct debit mandate.
The specific requirements vary depending on the relevant vehicle registration authority and whether the vehicle is a new purchase with first registration, a second-hand purchase or a conversion. You should therefore always check with your local registration office.
When you need to register your motorhome depends on the specific circumstances:
- New purchase: You should register a new vehicle immediately after receiving the vehicle documents and before the planned handover at the dealership. This allows you to drive away from the forecourt without any issues.
- Second-hand purchase: If the motorhome is still registered, you can transfer it under the seller’s registration and then re-register it immediately. However, it is better to apply for a temporary number plate for the transfer and register the motorhome immediately after the transfer.
- Conversion: If you convert a van yourself, the roadworthiness certificate expires upon conversion. Once all components have been fitted, you must first have the vehicle inspected by TÜV or DEKRA. You must then apply for new vehicle documents and officially register the vehicle.
The registration itself costs around 30 euros, although there may be slight variations depending on the relevant authority. There are also costs for the number plate to be made (20–40 euros). If you would like a special number plate, there is an additional charge of 12.80 euros for reservation and allocation.
For used vehicles or modified vehicles, it is normally also necessary to have a roadworthiness test including an emissions test (HU/AU) carried out. This costs a further approx. 120 euros.
Registration as a special-purpose vehicle under vehicle category M offers advantages in terms of road tax. This is because, in this case, the tax is calculated solely on the basis of weight and emissions class, rather than on actual CO₂ emissions, which have been given greater weighting for passenger cars since 2021. This saves you money.
