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Registration formalities
Those moving to Münster are bound to settle in soon. However, new citizens from EU member states should not forget to perform certain important formalities, which can be completed quickly and easily at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Those moving to Münster from non-EU states require a certificate regarding their residence status. This subject is dealt with in more detail in the next section.
Registration in Münster
Registration must take place one week at the latest after arrival in Münster. The following documentation is required:
- Identity card or passport
- Form entitled “Registering with the registration authorities”. This form is available in the Citizens' Advice Bureau and from the Münster Information point in Stadthaus 1. It can also be downloaded online at
www.muenster.de/stadt/buergeramt/registration_formalities.html .
Registration permits can only be issued personally for reasons of data protection. In the event that a third party performs the registration process, he or she must produce a genuine power of attorney signed by the applicant.
Those moving again within the city are obliged to report any change of address to the Citizens' Advice Bureau: www.muenster.de/stadt/buergeramt/change_address_ms.html.
Those leaving both Münster and Germany and returning to their home countries must also report their departure: www.muenster.de/stadt/buergeramt/deregistration.html.
Radio and television registration
Numerous public television and radio stations can be received in Münster, either via antenna, cable or satellite. These are predominantly financed via the radio licence fees paid by viewers and listeners. All those in possession of a television or radio are therefore obliged by law to register themselves with the "Gebühreneinzugszentrale" (GEZ, or Central Radio and Television Toll Collecting Agency). It is possible to fill in applications at the Citizens’ Affairs Office when completing the usual registration process. Online applications can be made at: www.gez.de. The monthly fees for television and radio are currently set at 17.98 euros (5.76 euros for a radio). It is possible to obtain a fee exemption in certain cases. Applicants can obtain further information from the GEZ by calling its service telephone number (0 1 80 / 5 01 65 65).
Car registration
Those bringing their cars to Münster are obliged to register it in the city and to obtain MS car registration plates. The vehicle registration office is responsible in these cases.
The following documentation is required in order to officially register the vehicle's change of location:
in the case of vehicles registered in Germany / with German number plates
- Registration at the local public office
- Identity card or passport belonging to the registered keeper of the vehicle
- In the case of non-EU citizens: residence permit
- vehicle registration certificate, parts I and II
- In the case of old vehicle registration documents: vehicle registration documents ("Fahrzeugbrief" and "Fahrzeugschein") or document confirming that the previous vehicle registration has been cancelled
- Proof of third party insurance via the submission of the seven-figure insurance confirmation number; this combination of numbers and letters (e.g.: H7FX5A3) allows the vehicle registration office to view an electronic insurance confirmation document stored in a database
- Written proof that the vehicle has undergone an exhaust inspection
- Main inspection report (TÜV (Technical Inspection Authority), DEKRA, GTÜ etc.)
- Direct debit authorisation for vehicle tax
- In the case that the vehicle is registered by a third party: power of attorney and identity card belonging to the authorised individual
- Car number plates (only in the case of a registered vehicle)
in the case of vehicles registered abroad:
- Registration at the local public office
- Identity card or passport belonging to the registered keeper of the vehicle
- In the case of non-EU citizens: residence permit
- direct debit authorisation for vehicle tax
- proof of third party insurance via the submission of the insurance confirmation number (IC number), which can be obtained from the vehicle insurance company
The following documents are also required in the case of vehicles previously registered in EU countries:
- Foreign vehicle registration certificates - part I and possibly part II; COC (Certificate Of Conformity)
- If the vehicle is more than three years old: main inspection and exhaust inspection certificates (TÜV (TIA), DEKRA or GTÜ)
- contract of sale or invoice
The following documents are also required in the case of vehicles previously registered in non-EU countries:
- Original foreign vehicle registration documentation and number plates
- TÜV (TIA) certificate in accordance with paragraph 21 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations
- Contract of sale or invoice
- Customs clearance certificate
Driving licence
The vehicle registration office also provides assistance in the case of queries regarding driving licences.
- For EU citizens: EU and EEA driving licences are also valid in Germany. However, the validity period may change after the holder takes up residence in Germany. As a general rule, these driving licences can be exchanged for a German driving licence with no additional driving examination.
- For non-EU citizens: Those taking up residence in Germany and in possession of a driving licence from a non-EU country may drive a vehicle for six months after their arrival. After this, the licence automatically expires. The vehicle registration office is on hand to answer any questions regarding the subsequent issue of a German driving licence, which may be associated with a driving examination.
Applying for a residents' parking permit
Life in the city centre is attractive. However, parking spaces are often in short supply – for precisely this reason. Residents’ parking permits significantly improve your chances of finding a parking space. This is why Münster is divided into parking zones: www.muenster.de/stadt/buergeramt/parking_zone.html.
All those whose main place of residence lies within a city centre parking zone and who do not have a garage or permanent parking space are entitled to apply for a residents' parking permit from the Citizens' Advice Bureau. Applicants must present their identity card or passport, and their vehicle registration documents.
Information: www.muenster.de/stadt/buergeramt/parking_permit.html
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