German Car Registration Document Explained

Are you looking to move to Germany? Need more clarification about the car registration document in Germany?

This blog post will cover all you need about the German car registration document. You will discover what a Zulassungsbescheinigung is and the differences between part 1 and part 2 of the registration document. 

Need to know what a German registration plate looks like? Looking for information on how to import a vehicle into Germany?

What is a Zulassungsbescheinigung?

The German car registration document is known as a Zulassungsbescheinigung. Vehicle owners must be able to produce this document for inspection at the request of the German authorities. 

In Germany, this document has two parts. The first part (Teil 1) folds to the size of a business card. You must carry it with you. 

The second part (Teil 2) is the size of a sheet of paper. You must leave it at home.

You get a Zulassungsbescheinigung when you register a vehicle in Germany.

The Zulassungsbescheinigung replaces an older type of registration paper, the Fahrzeugbrief.

The Vehicle Registration – Part 1

The registration certificate Part 1 is issued by the registration office in Germany. 

Both part 1 and part 2 of the registration document contain identical information. However, part 1 of the document also contains the due date of the following general inspection (MOT.)

The field names or EU codes are explained on the back of the document. The registration document will contain the following information relating to your vehicle:

• Code 5: Vehicle category
• Code 7.1-7.3: Permissible axle load in kg
• Code 18: Vehicle length
• Code 19: Vehicle width
• Code 20: Vehicle height
• Code F.1: Maximum weight of the vehicle with passengers
• Code G: Empty weight of the vehicle
• Code P.1: Engine Placement
• Code P.2/P.4: Nominal power in kW/kg (motorcycles only)
• Code Q: Power-to-weight ratio in kW/kg (motorcycles only)
• Code S.1: Information about the seats (including the driver’s seat)
• Code T: Maximum speed in km/h

You must always carry part 1 of the registration document for your vehicle with you. 

The Vehicle Registration – Part 2

The registration certificate part 2 is issued for all motor vehicles subject to registration.

It is considered proof of vehicle type approval and is required for approval or decommissioning of the vehicle.

Part 2 of the registration certificate is issued by the dealer or previous owner when the vehicle is purchased. It contains:

• Important vehicle data including displacement, engine power, dimensions, weights, number of axles and seats.
• The owner’s name and, if applicable, of the previous owner.
• Information concerning the decommissioning and re-registration of the vehicle
• Entries concerning technical modifications to the vehicle

You do not have to carry the registration certificate part 2 when driving. Remember that as part 2 of the document is essentially a deed of ownership, you shouldn’t keep it in the car either.

Are you thinking of taking your German-registered vehicle abroad? If so, you will need to get a Certificate of Conformity for your vehicle. EUROCOC is the market leader in COC certification online, and we make this process very simple. If you need a COC for your vehicle, we can help you with a few easy-to-follow steps. Just click here to get started! 

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