Registration formalities
For new citizens from EU member states things are easier. They should not, however, forget to perform certain important formalities, which can be completed quickly and easily at the Citizen's Office.
Registration in Münster
- Amt für Bürger- und Ratsservice – Bürgerbüro Mitte (Citizens and Council Service Office - Central Office), Stadthaus 1, Klemensstraße 10, ph. 02 51 / 4 92-33 33
buergerbuero-mitte(at)stadt-muenster.de - Monday to Thursday from 8 am - 6 pm, Friday and Saturday from 8 am - 12 pm
www.stadt-muenster.de/en/citizens-office/citizens-office.html - New citizens can also register in the district administration offices and citizens’ advice offices in the Hiltrup, Kinderhaus, Wolbeck, Roxel, Handorf, Gievenbeck, Gremmendorf and Coerde districts. The addresses and opening hours can be viewed at www.stadt-muenster.de/en/citizens-office/citizens-office.html
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 at the Citizens' Office and from the Münster Information point in Stadthaus 1. It can also be downloaded online at www.stadt-muenster.de/en/citizens-office/registration-formalities/change-of-address-in-muenster.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' Office:
- www.stadt-muenster.de/en/citizens-office/registration-formalities/change-of-address-in-muenster.html.
Those leaving both Münster and Germany and returning to their home countries must also report their departure:
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 obligatory radio and TV licence fees paid by viewers and listeners – according to the principle "one flat, one fee". One adult person per flat has to register with the Radio and Television Toll Collecting Agency. It is possible to fill in applications at the Citizens’ Office when completing the usual registration process.
- Online applications can be made at: www.rundfunkbeitrag.de.
The monthly fees for television and radio are currently set at 17.50 euros. It is possible to obtain a fee exemption in certain cases. Applicants find further information by calling the "Rundfunkbeitrag" service telephone number (0 18 06 - 999 555 10 – 20 cents/ minute landline, 60 cents mobile).
Car registration
Those bringing their cars to Münster are obliged to register it in the city and, in certain cases, to obtain MS car registration plates. The Vehicle Registration Office is responsible in these cases.
- Kfz-Zulassung (Vehicle Registration Office), Rudolf-Diesel-Straße 5-7, ph. 02 51 / 4 92 - 35 11
kfz-zulassung(at)stadt-muenster.de - Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 am – 12 noon, Thursday from 7:30 am - 2 pm, plus (strictly on appointment): Monday to Wednesday from 12 noon to 4 pm, Thursday from 2 – 6 pm
www.stadt-muenster.de/kfz/startseite.html
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
- Identity card or passport belonging to the registered keeper of the vehicle
- Non-EU citizens: residence permit
- Vehicle registration certificate, part I (and part II, if the holder wants MS number plates)
- New MS number plates, if desired (not obligatory)
- 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 electronic 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.)
- SEPA 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
In the case of vehicles registered abroad:
- Identity card or passport belonging to the registered keeper of the vehicle
- 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
- MS number plates
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 there is no COC, the car holder needs a TÜV certificate and approval.
- For vehicles 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 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.
- EU citizens: EU and EEA driving licences are also valid in Germany. However, the validity period has to be checked in any case. As a general rule, these driving licences can be exchanged for a German driving licence with no additional driving examination. Special regulations may apply for bus and lorry drivers, which can be inquired for at the Vehicle Registration Office.
- 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. And parking spaces are often in short supply. Residents' parking permits significantly improve chances of finding a parking space. This is why Münster is divided into parking zones: www.stadt-muenster.de/en/citizens-office/service/resident-parking-permit/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' Office. Applicants must present their identity card or passport, and their vehicle registration documents.
Information and online service: www.stadt-muenster.de/en/citizens-office/service/resident-parking-permit.html