Desired license plates in Gmünd: How to secure the coveted numbers!

Desired license plates in Gmünd: How to secure the coveted numbers!

On June 9, 2025, Christian Baron, the First Mayor of Schwäbisch Gmünd, took advantage of the opportunity to reserve a coveted desired license plate (GD-CB 1). The GD license plate was introduced in February 2013 after it had no longer been available since the Ostalbkreis was founded in 1973 the previous year. At the time, Baron was a CDU city councilor and head of health, order and traffic in the Esslingen district and has now secured his personal license plate.

License plates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested can currently reserve one of the 2,731 GD license plates with a number that are still available. However, it should be noted that a desired license plate with a single-digit number can only be requested by telephone or in person, not online. For such a license plate there are fees of 10.20 euros plus 2.60 euros for the reservation, for a total of 12.80 euros.

Reservation and availability

Personal license plates, which are often based on name abbreviations or significant dates, are particularly in demand. Since the reintroduction of the GD license plate in 2013, a total of 65,900 vehicles have been registered with GD license plates, which is the current status as of March 31, 2025. A federal regulation had to be changed to make the reintroduction possible.

Those interested should also find out that in Germany there are combinations such as HJ, KZ, NS, SA and SS, which are illegal. Some letter combinations are also reserved for special user groups, such as transport companies or municipal companies. In such cases, the vehicle registration office offers comprehensive advice and can also help with reserving license plates that are subject to special restrictions.

License plate reservation in Germany

The reservation period for license plates is 60 to 90 days in most regions. However, there are exceptions; Strausberg in Brandenburg enables reservations of up to 365 days. In cities like Cologne the deadline is 90 days, while the negative record holders from Meißen (10 days), Siegburg (14 days) and Mannheim (1 month) stand out.

It is important that a reserved number does not guarantee that the license plate will be allocated, as it is a courtesy of the respective municipalities or districts. The allocation is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Road Traffic Act and the Vehicle Registration Ordinance. In order to register a vehicle, you must bring the reservation confirmation with you, as well as when ordering a registration service.

Anyone who would like to reserve a desired license plate in Schwäbisch Gmünd or elsewhere should be well informed and take all the necessary steps in good time to secure their personal license plate.

For further information about desired license plates and their reservation, visit the official website of the vehicle registration office at Gmünder daily post and admission office.de.