Applying for an operating licence for a vehicle without registration

Various types of vehicles that do not require registration require an operating licence in order to be able to participate in road traffic. These include, for example

• Self-propelled machines and forklifts
• Single-axle tractors for agricultural or forestry purposes
• Light motorbikes
• two- or three-wheeled mopeds
• Motorised medical wheelchairs
• Small electric vehicles such as e-scooters
• Trailers in agricultural or forestry operations

Depending on the vehicle type, you can be issued an operating licence with or without the allocation of your own number plate.

The general operating licence (ABE) is issued by the manufacturer for series-produced vehicles.

You must apply for an individual type approval (EBE) if your registration-free vehicle does not have an EU type approval or other national approval such as an ABE. These can be, for example

• self-constructed vehicles
• Individual productions
• Vehicles from small series
• Vehicles from abroad without EU type approval

To obtain an EBE, you must submit an expert opinion from an officially recognised expert or a technical service appointed to test complete vehicles in the relevant vehicle category, which contains various test reports. These reports must prove that the necessary tests have been carried out and that the vehicle complies with the regulations.

You receive the operating licence for an unlimited period. It expires if:

• you make changes to the vehicle and the vehicle type approved in the operating licence is changed,
• a hazard to road users is to be expected,
• the exhaust or noise behaviour is worsened,
• you do not comply with possible requirements for installations or extensions or
• you permanently decommission the vehicle.

After the operating licence has expired, you can apply for a new operating licence with an expert opinion from an officially recognised expert or a technical service appointed to test complete vehicles of the respective vehicle category. The final decision on the granting of a new operating licence is made by the competent authority according to the respective state law.