Original number plates when importing a car

We are moving to Munich and planning to ship our car (2007 Suzuki Aerio/Liana).

I have heard that I will need the original number plates in order to use/register it in Germany. But local authorities say I have to remove our current registration and hand back the number plates before shipping. Has anyone registered an imported car without original plates or know the procedure? I do have other purchase documents etc.

Thanks in advance for any info.

You don't need the original plates to register, but to be honest, you're probably better getting shot of your old car where you are and getting a new one over here - otherwise you're going to have all the fun of the TüV and any changes you have to make to your car to get it legal over here.