Decoding the Autobahn: How to Read a German License Plate
If you are an enthusiast looking to add a custom German license plate to your build, you want it to look as authentic as possible. To do that, you need to understand exactly how the German government structures its vehicle registration codes.
As a former specialist at the Berlin DMV (Kraftfahrzeug-Zulassungsbehörde), here is your definitive guide to reading and designing an authentic German license plate.
The Blue Euroband
Every modern plate starts on the far left with a blue vertical strip known as the Euroband. It features the 12 yellow stars of the European Union flag and a white country code at the bottom. For Germany, this letter is always "D" for Deutschland.
1. The City or District Code (Prefix)
The first section of black text (1 to 3 letters) indicates the city or district where the car is registered. As a general rule, the largest cities have the shortest codes. For example, "B" is for Berlin, "M" is for Munich, and "F" is for Frankfurt. Smaller districts require two or three letters, such as "WOB" for Wolfsburg.
2. The Registration Seals
Immediately following the city code are the two official registration seals.
Top: The TÜV safety inspection sticker, which indicates the year and month the vehicle's next inspection is due.
Bottom: The Landeswappen (State Seal), which identifies the specific federal state of the registration office.
3. The Random Serial Characters
After the seals, you will find the unique serial identifier for that specific vehicle. This is strictly formatted as 1 or 2 letters, followed by a space, and then 1 to 4 numbers (e.g., B - MW 1234).
Specialty Plate Colors
While standard civilian and commercial plates always feature black text on a white reflective background, Germany does use color-coded text for specific registrations. For example, dealer plates feature red text and borders, while tax-exempt vehicles (like forestry tractors) feature green text.
Whether you want to replicate an exact city code or create a completely custom vanity phrase, our Knoxville, TN shop presses every plate on heavy-duty aluminum using the mandatory German FE-Schrift font.
(Originally published March 15, 2023. Updated February 2026)