Can I drive completely without license plates after online registration?

No. While the official adhesive seals may be missing for up to 10 days, the embossed aluminum license plates must be mounted on the vehicle.

Do I have to print the provisional registration certificate or is my phone enough?

You must print it on paper and display it visibly behind the windshield, even when parked.

Can I drive abroad with the provisional registration certificate?

No. It is valid exclusively within Germany until the official seals are affixed and the original Registration Certificate Part I is carried.

Provisional registration certificate (i-Kfz): Driving 10 days without seals – Rules & duties

By Editorial Team Digital Vehicle Registration · iKfz-Plattform Thüringen · Updated on 09.11.2026

This guide is aimed at everyone who wants to complete an i-Kfz procedure online in Thüringen – including the specifics and responsibilities for Thüringen.

At a glance

With the provisional registration certificate (vorläufiger Zulassungsnachweis), you are allowed to drive immediately after completing an online registration or transfer (i-Kfz Stage 4) – before your official seals arrive by mail. Under § 12 (4) FZV, this permit is valid for up to 10 calendar days within Germany, provided the certificate is printed on paper behind the windshield and the unsealed embossed license plates are mounted on the vehicle.

This guide applies to all registration offices in Thüringen.

Step by step

1Download PDF after online registration. Save the provisional registration certificate immediately after completing your application.
2Print on paper & place behind windshield. Print the document on paper and place it clearly visible behind the front windshield.
3Mount unsealed license plates. Attach your embossed license plates firmly to the vehicle and drive immediately within Germany.
4Affix seals once mail arrives. Stick the official seals delivered by post (after 2–5 working days) onto your plates.

The 4 mandatory rules for driving with the provisional certificate

To drive and park legally on public roads during the first 10 days, all four requirements must be met:

1. Mandatory paper printout: Print the PDF on paper (A4) and place it clearly visible behind the windshield (showing it on a smartphone is not sufficient).
2. Mounted embossed license plates: The assigned license plate number must be mounted on regular embossed aluminum plates at the front and rear – driving without plates or with cardboard plates is prohibited.
3. Valid for up to 10 calendar days: Official documents and stickers usually arrive by post within 2 to 5 working days.
4. Valid only within Germany: Driving abroad without affixed official seals and the original Part I document is not permitted.

Complete New registration online now

Via iKfz-Plattform Thüringen you complete the procedure for Thüringen online – without an appointment at the registration office, entirely on this platform.

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Frequently asked questions about vehicle registration in Thüringen

Can I drive completely without license plates after online registration?: No. While the official adhesive seals may be missing for up to 10 days, the embossed aluminum license plates must be mounted on the vehicle.
Do I have to print the provisional registration certificate or is my phone enough?: You must print it on paper and display it visibly behind the windshield, even when parked.
Can I drive abroad with the provisional registration certificate?: No. It is valid exclusively within Germany until the official seals are affixed and the original Registration Certificate Part I is carried.

More guides for Thüringen

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Status for Thüringen: 09.11.2026.