Digital vehicle registration: Registering your car online is so easy!

Digital vehicle registration: Registering your car online is so easy!

Since October 1, 2019, vehicle owners in Germany have had the opportunity to register, de-register or re-register their vehicles online. This process, known as i-Kfz, has undergone significant changes since its introduction to increase user-friendliness and reduce costs. In September 2023, the entire online vehicle registration offering was fully automated, making processes more efficient. These developments aim to significantly simplify the registration process for cars, motorcycles and trailers.

To use the i-Kfz, an ID card with online functionality and an electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number) are required. The latter is a crucial step, as registration cannot take place without this seven-digit code, which serves as proof of liability insurance. The eVB number can be applied for easily and free of charge from your own car insurance company and is usually valid for a maximum of three months.

Digital approval process

The digital vehicle registration process involves several steps. First, vehicle owners must prove their identity, which is done by using the BundID or online ID. Companies can use MyUK for this. Users then fill out the online application. The necessary documents for this include confirmation of the vehicle insurance (eVB number), the vehicle documents with security codes and proof of the general inspection (HU) and the security check (SP). After entering the payment details, which include bank details (IBAN), temporary registration documents can be printed out and visibly attached to the vehicle.

An outstanding feature of online registration is the provisional proof of registration, which allows you to drive for up to ten days. During this time, vehicle owners should also carry the electronic registration certificate with them. After the ten days have passed, you will receive the original documents and the patches for the license plates by post.

Cost efficiency and automation

The i-vehicle registration is not only practical, but also cost-effective. It usually offers cheaper fees compared to the local admission office. For example, the initial registration can be carried out online for around 16 euros, instead of 30 euros if you appear in person. In addition, the process, which will also be available to legal entities such as companies and organizations from September 1, 2023, has now been fully automated.

To re-register a vehicle, the security code of the registration certificate Part I and the date of the last general inspection are required. When deregistering, the license plates and security codes on the stickers must be ready. It is also possible to deregister vehicles without identification, HU and SP proof, which further simplifies the process.

Digital vehicle registration in Germany could therefore be seen as groundbreaking, as it not only shows technical progress, but also meets the needs of modern society. Further information is available on the website BMDV as well as Car newspaper available.