Buying a vehicle in Germany and registering it in France
Administration utility vehicles, company cars, bankruptcy trucks: the steps to bring back and register a vehicle bought at auction.
1. Documents to collect
Check that the seller provides the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II (equivalent to the registration certificate) and the invoice. Without these papers, registration becomes complicated.
2. Bring the vehicle back
Two options: have it transported on a flatbed, or drive it with temporary German plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen or export plates), to be requested in Germany with temporary insurance.
3. Register in France
Generally allow for: the certificate of conformity, the quitus fiscal issued by the tax office, an MOT less than 6 months old for a vehicle over 4 years old, then the application on the ANTS website.
4. The pitfalls
Read the description: "nicht fahrbereit" (does not drive), "Motorschaden" (engine damaged), "ohne TÜV" (without valid MOT). Bidorado flags these mentions on the lot page.