Car

Since January 1, 2015, there has been a significant simplification for people who own a vehicle. If you move to another registration district, you can take your license plate with you nationwide. However, you must have your new address changed in the vehicle registration document.

 You can register your vehicle online here. (opens in a new tab) If you would like to reserve a vanity plate, you  can do so at this address (opens in a new tab).

After your registration in Stuttgart you can still drive with your foreign driver's license for 6 months. After that, you will need a  domestic driver's license. If necessary, you may have to take examinations or provide certain proof. The  Driver's License Office will be happy to answer any further questions on the subject.

Holders of a valid driver 's license from a member state of the European Union (EU) or another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) generally do not need a domestic driver's license, even if they live in Germany. If you have any questions, please contact the  vehicle registration and driver's license office for this as well, or visit the  European Commission's site for (opens in a new tab) more information on this topic.

If you are planning to stay in Germany for longer than six months, you must register your car as soon as possible with the  vehicle registration and driver's license office. Also note the respective  customs regulations for (opens in a new tab) your private vehicle that you are bringing into Germany from a non-EU country.

There are exceptions to the six-month period for students, persons on official business from non-EU member states. They can use their vehicle privately here until the end of their temporary stay. The same applies to commuters (residence in non-EU member states and workplace in the EU).

Stuttgart is an environmental zone. This means that your car needs an environmental badge.

Only vehicles in certain pollutant classes are allowed to drive in the Stuttgart area. This is to reduce the excessively high levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in the air. This is implemented in Germany in so-called environmental zones.

You can purchase an environmental sticker  online or alternatively  in person at the vehicle registration office or  citizens' service points. The stickers are also available from private organizations and garages. Costs may vary and should be inquired about there. This also applies to vehicles that are not registered in Stuttgart. For vehicles with foreign license plates, you can request an environmental sticker in advance by mail.

If you enter Stuttgart without a green sticker, you will have to pay a fine.

In certain areas close to the city center, you need a resident parking permit if you do not have your own parking space for your car.

You can purchase a resident parking permit at the citizens' registration offices or online. Online sales are not possible with foreign license plates.

 You can find more information about the resident parking permit here.