Landungsbrücken

Hamburg Waterways and Shipping Office

Registration of pleasure boats

Since March 1st, 1995, small vehicle identification has been mandatory for all types of watercraft on German inland waterways. Only personal watercraft need an official number plate on the sea shipping lanes. For all others, home port and ship name are...

Since March 1st, 1995, small vehicle identification has been mandatory for all types of watercraft on German inland waterways. Only personal watercraft need an official number plate on the sea shipping lanes. For all others, home port and ship name are sufficient as identification.
There are official license plates from the waterway and shipping authorities and officially recognized license plates from the associations (DSV, DMYV and ADAC). At the WSA Elbe-Nordsee locations, you will only receive official license plates. These are valid indefinitely.

Important notes

Documents required

Upon submission of the following documents, the ID card for the small vehicle registration number will be issued immediately:

  • Fully completed and signed application
  • Submission of proof of ownership (sales contract, invoice)
  • Alternatively, a declaration of ownership can be filled out.
  • Presentation of a valid identity card or passport
  • For the re-registration or change of ownership of a valid license plate, the original ID card for the small vehicle license plate is also required. Only then is it possible to re-register and keep the number plate.
  • In the case of self-construction, photos or construction plans must be submitted for registration.

Please note

In order to avoid unnecessary expenses, the application must be submitted by the applicant personally or by a person authorized by him/her.

The ID card is personal and must not be passed on to the buyer. If you sell your sports boat, you are asked to informally return the original ID card so that the sports boat can be deregistered. Lost ID must be reported in writing.


For more information, see the "Links" section.

Procedure & Fees

Procedure

The registration or re-registration of small vehicles as well as a change can be made in person or by post at the WSA Elbe-Nordsee.

  • Application in person: payment of the corresponding fee in cash
  • Digital application: Please ask for the application documents and transfer data by e-mail or telephone.

Processing time

After the required documents have been submitted, the ID card for the small vehicle registration number will be issued immediately.

Fees

Costs according to inland shipping costs regulation:


  • Allocation of the license plate number, issue of the ID card: €29.70

  • Change of ownership, issuance of ID card: €14.85

  • Registration of a change (name, address, technical details): €14.85

  • Replacement ID card (if lost): €14.85

  • Allocation of a variable number plate (only for boat companies): €29.70

Downloads & Links

Links on the Internet

Enlarge map

Address and contact information

Address

Hamburg Waterways and Shipping Office
Moorweidenstraße 14 20148 Hamburg

Opening hours

Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-11.15 a.m.

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