Documents for selling a truck: the checklist

Which documents do you need to sell a truck?

When selling a truck, there are several important documents you should definitely prepare so that the sale goes through quickly and smoothly. Here are the key documents for selling a truck:

1. Registration certificate part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) (also known as Fahrzeugschein)
2. Registration certificate part II (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II) (also known as Fahrzeugbrief)
3. Inspection report from the last general inspection (Hauptuntersuchung, HU)
4. Inspection booklet or service book (Inspektionsheft or Scheckheft) (optional, but recommended)
5. Sales contract – which details belong in it?
6. General operating permit (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis, ABE) for modifications (if applicable)
7. License plates

1. Registration certificate parts I & II: what you need to know

Registration certificate part I (Fahrzeugschein) and registration certificate part II (Fahrzeugbrief) are the most important documents in a truck sale. They confirm the vehicle's registration and ownership of the truck. When a truck is sold, the buyer receives registration certificate part II (Fahrzeugbrief), which confirms that they are the rightful owner of the vehicle. Without these documents, the buyer cannot register the truck.

2. Inspection report from the current general inspection (HU)

The inspection report from the last general inspection (HU) is especially important for trucks aged three years or older. The HU report confirms that the truck is roadworthy. This report should be handed over to the buyer at the time of sale to build confidence in the condition of the vehicle. A fresh HU sticker shows that the truck passed the TÜV inspection without defects, which can increase the selling price.

3. General operating permit (ABE) for modifications

If the truck has undergone modifications such as additional axles or a tail lift, the general operating permit (ABE) for these modifications is required. Without this ABE, the buyer may not be able to obtain legal approval for the modification. Make sure you provide this operating permit to make the truck sale easier.

4. Maintenance records or service book

Although it is not a legal requirement, an inspection booklet or service book can be a great advantage in a truck sale. A complete maintenance record shows that the truck has been serviced regularly, which increases the chances of selling and the price. The buyer can see that the truck has been well looked after and that all service intervals have been observed.

Sales contract: what needs to go in it?

A legally sound sales contract is essential for a truck sale. Especially in a commercial sale or a sale to a private individual, all important points must be set out in the contract to avoid legal problems. The sales contract should include the following information:

1. Buyer and seller details – full contact details and identification
2. Vehicle data – make, model, vehicle identification number (VIN, in German FIN), mileage, date of first registration, previous owners
3. Known defects and damage – all existing defects must be documented precisely
4. Exclusion of liability (for commercial sales) – if you sell to a company, you can exclude liability for material defects (Sachmängelhaftung). This exclusion of liability must be stated in the contract.
5. Price and payment terms – net price, VAT (Umsatzsteuer) and total price
6. Additional agreements – warranties or repair conditions can optionally be included in the contract.

When selling to a private individual, you cannot fully exclude liability for material defects. The contract should contain wording that safeguards the legal framework of the truck sale.

Important notes on deregistering a truck (Abmeldung) at the registration office (Zulassungsstelle)

If the truck is to be deregistered before the sale, the following documents are required:

• Registration certificate parts I & II
• License plates
• Deregistration certificate (Abmeldebescheinigung)

Deregistration is crucial, because the buyer cannot re-register the truck in their name without this deregistration certificate. Make sure that all the necessary deregistration documents are ready to allow a quick and straightforward re-registration (Ummeldung) of the vehicle.

Conclusion: selling a truck made easy

Selling a truck becomes much simpler with the right documentation and a legally sound sales contract. Prepare all the necessary paperwork and make sure that the contract contains all relevant details. This ensures a safe and successful truck sale that is a pleasant experience both for you as the seller and for the buyer.

Further guides

Selling with legal certainty · VAT on truck sales · Exporting used trucks · free truck valuation · Sell a truck