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 registering in Stuttgart, you can drive with your foreign driver's license for another 6 months. After that, you will need a  domestic driving license. You may still have to take tests or provide certain proof. The  driving license office will be happy to answer any further questions on the subject.

Holders of a valid driving 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 require a domestic driving license, even if they live in Germany. If you have any questions, please contact the  vehicle registration and driving license office or consult the  European Commission's website (opens in a new tab) on this topic.

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

There are exceptions to the six-month period for students and 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 (resident in non-EU member states and working in the EU).

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

Only vehicles of certain emission classes are allowed to drive in the Stuttgart area. This is intended 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 (opens in a new tab) or alternatively  in person at the vehicle registration office or the  citizens' offices (opens in a new tab). The stickers are also available from private organizations and garages. Costs may vary and should be enquired 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 post.

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.