Reading the vehicle registration document correctly - where is the information and what is it needed for?

The German vehicle registration document, also known as registration certificate part 1 since 2005, consists of 6 pages and must be carried in the original on every journey wihtin Germany. It is used by the police to identify the vehicle and provides information about who the vehicle is registered to and whether there are any entries for it. In addition, the German vehicle registration document also helps to determine the correct spare parts. Therefore, the vehicle registration document is also often needed for workshop appointments.

But how can a layman read the German vehicle registration document correctly? What information is given where and what is it needed for? How can you find the right spare parts with the help of the vehicle registration document? All these questions are answered in this article. The vehicle registration document explanation refers to the new vehicle registration document, the registration certificate part 1, as this has replaced the old one since 2005. In addition, you will find further useful information about the German vehicle registration document at the end.

How to select the vehicle with the KBA number?
How is the vehicle selection made with the vehicle identification number?
How can spare parts be determined with the help of the vehicle registration document?
Things to know about the vehicle registration document
Vehicle registration document declaration at a glance

Thanks to the vehicle registration certificate explanation you can choose the right vehicle in the store

The first page of the German vehicle registration document contains the license plate number and the details of the vehicle owner. The two inside pages are more interesting when you open the vehicle registration document.

On the inside left are the important details of the KBA number (2.1 and 2.2) and the vehicle identification number (field E). The KBA number is the so-called key number for a car. It is a fixed sequence of numbers and letters that can be used to identify the vehicle in general. Therefore, the KBA number is very helpful in identifying the correct car parts. It is also called HSN / TSN number and is located on the inside left side of the vehicle registration certificate at the top center and right. HSN is the manufacturer key number, while TSN is the type key number. Together, the make, model and type can be uniquely determined. When entering the KBA number, all 4 characters from field 2.1 are required for the HSN number field and the first 3 characters from field 2.2 are required for the TSN number. The remaining numbers from field 2.2 are key numbers for the body shape, the engine and the fuel type. These numbers are not needed for the selection of the vehicle when purchasing parts.

Based on the KBA number from the German vehicle registration document, you can thus select your vehicle in our store. Alternatively, it is also possible to select your vehicle individually with make, model and type via the drop-down fields in our store. For the correct type you need the indication of the cubic capacity. This can be found on the left inside of the vehicle registration document in the lower half in the field P.1. This is rounded up to the frontmost figure in the dropdown mask. For example, a displacement of 1.598 corresponds to the specification 1.6. The KW specification from the vehicle registration document is also required, i.e. the power, in order to select the correct vehicle. This value can be found on the inside right of the vehicle registration document, 1st line, in the center of field P.2. Last but not least, field B (top left) is also important for the vehicle selection, since the date of first registration allows a conclusion to be drawn about the year of manufacture.

By selecting the vehicle on our store, our range is reduced to only suitable items for your vehicle. Thus, it is even easier for you to find the right products with us.

As mentioned above, a general vehicle selection is made via these channels. However, it may well happen that the vehicle manufacturers make adjustments to the vehicle within a series. Thus, it is possible that a later built car requires different spare parts than the previously built vehicles of the same series. For this reason, our products have corresponding notes and possibly restrictions that should be observed before purchase. These can always be found in the vehicle list below on the respective product page in our store and for the most part also as an extra note field at the top of the page. These notes can refer to information on year of manufacture, chassis numbers or the like. In the case of a restriction with a chassis number, this is to be placed from behind on top of the vehicle identification number.

Example:
Vehicle identification number for an Opel Insignia is: WOLGXSEG2M1XXXXXX
The image displayed below shows the restriction from chassis number K1067825
The last 8 character strings are now taken from the vehicle identification number M1XXXXXX and compared with the chassis number
The chassis number starts with K. The M comes after the K, so this item is suitable for the vehicle with the above VIN number.

If you are unsure here whether the product fits your vehicle, please feel free to contact our customer service.

Vehicle selection via vehicle identification number

When you contact our customer service, they will ask you for the vehicle identification number. This is also abbreviated as the VIN number and is the successor to the chassis number. It is a way to uniquely identify the vehicle. Our colleagues have access to special databases where it is stored for each vehicle exactly which parts were installed. This enables our service team to find the exact parts you need. Asking for the vehicle identification number is thus necessary to provide you with the best service and offer you the correct spare parts.

What other information from the German vehicle registration document is relevant when searching for spare parts?

In addition to the information relevant to vehicle selection, there are other fields in the vehicle registration document that are important for purchasing suitable spare parts.

1. The field 13 (right side 4th line) gives information about the tongue load. The value is important when using the trailer hitch for bike racks, trailers or caravans. It must not be exceeded. Therefore, when using bicycle carriers, the weight of the carrier itself and the weight of the bicycles must be added on the one hand. The total must not exceed the maximum drawbar load of the trailer hitch.

   Example calculation:
   Permissible support load according to vehicle registration certificate: 75 kg
   Dead weight of the bike carrier: 20 kg
   75kg – 20 kg = 55 kg

   This means that a maximum of 55 kg of weight may be added by the bicycles, regardless of whether the bicycle carrier is permitted for a higher load. The decisive factor is the weight that the trailer coupling can withstand. If extensions are used, the dead weight of the additional carrier must also be taken into account in the calculation.

2. When buying hubcaps and rims, the tire diameter in inches is important. This information can be found on the right side of the German vehicle registration document in the middle area at field 15. The inch specification is the value after the R.

Information such as the roof load and the braking system is not specified in the vehicle registration document. The roof load is relevant for the use of roof racks and roof boxes. This information can be found in the service booklet. The calculation of the possible payload of the roof box is calculated in a similar way to the drawbar load. Here, too, the dead weight of the carrier and the roof box must be deducted from the permissible roof load.

The brake system, on the other hand, is important to buy the right brake pads. Not every brake pad fits every brake system, because the brake systems can differ from each other. The specification for this can be found on the brake caliper. Depending on the type of rim, the tire must be removed once to take a look at the brake caliper.

At the VAG Group, so-called PR codes are required to identify the correct spare parts for the brake system. These numbers are also not in the vehicle registration document, but can be found on a sticker in the trunk or in the service booklet.

On a few vehicles, the engine code can also be found in field D.2 of the vehicle registration document. This code is important for spare parts such as the water pump, the timing belt set or the timing chain, as these directly affect the engine. If the engine code cannot be found in the vehicle registration document, the information can be found under item 21 in the chain of custody document. The CoC paper should be included with the purchase. Otherwise, it can be requested from the car manufacturer.

Alternatively, you can also contact our customer service about the parts you need. Using the vehicle identification number, our team can retrieve the relevant information and find the right spare parts for you.

In addition to vehicle selection as well as identifying the correct spare parts the vehicle registration document can also be used to calculate the maximum payload.

The formula for this is:
Field F.2 (permissible total weight) minus field G (unladen weight) gives the maximum payload. Both fields can be found in the German vehicle registration document on the right-hand side in the upper half. Caution: The body weight of all passengers must also be taken into account here. In addition, the permissible axle loads must also be observed when loading. These can be found under item 8 in the vehicle registration document on the right-hand side, approximately in the middle.

Calculation example from the illustration:
Permissible total weight: 1.802 kg
Empty weight: 1.274 kg
1802 - 1274 = 528 kg Payload possible incl. passenger weights

Reading a German vehicle registration document correctly is therefore not that difficult. Much of the information is general data about the vehicle and therefore only of interest to the authorities. Nevertheless, the vehicle registration document contains helpful information for you as well. A complete vehicle registration document explanation of all fields, you will find in the lower area of this page clearly arranged in a table.

Things to know about the German vehicle registration document

Now that you know how to read the German vehicle registration document correctly and where to find which information, here are some important Q&A about the German vehicle registration document.

1. Is it allowed to carry a copy of the vehicle registration document?
   No, according to the vehicle ordinance, the vehicle registration document must be carried in the car every time you drive. However, a copy is not a valid document and it may thus come to a warning fine during a police check.


2. Can the vehicle registration document be left in the car?
   Yes, the vehicle registration document can be left in the car. However, in the event of theft, this would encourage criminal activity, possibly leading to stress with insurance companies. The vehicle registration, on the other hand, should never be carried around and certainly not kept in the car. This is your proof that the vehicle belongs to you.


3. What to do if the vehicle registration document has been lost?
   In the event of loss, a new vehicle registration document can be applied for at the vehicle registration office. If the vehicle registration document has been stolen, this must be accompanied by a theft report to the police. To obtain a new vehicle registration certificate the following documents are required: Identity card or passport, valid HU report, registration certificate part 2 (vehicle title) and in the case of theft a receipt of the report to the police. In addition, an affidavit is required stating that the vehicle registration document has been lost. The affirmation can also be made out at the registration office. If you find the old vehicle registration document later, it must be handed in at the registration office, as it is invalid.


4. Who is allowed to make changes in the vehicle registration certificate?
   Changes to the vehicle registration certificate may only be made by the vehicle registration authority.


5. What changes must be entered in the vehicle registration document?
   Modifications requiring registration include all changes to safety-relevant areas such as brakes, engine, exhaust system, steering, chassis, bodywork, tires and most conversions and retrofits. These include, but are not limited to, the addition of a trailer hitch, installation of a particulate filter or catalytic converter, performance increases or decreases, change in emission class and emission standard, change in body type or vehicle class, changes in vehicle weight or permissible axle loads or other loads, change in vehicle dimensions or number of seats or standing places, change in exhaust or noise levels if this results in changes in vehicle tax or traffic bans. Many of these changes require a technical certificate, e.g. issued by the TÜV, before they can be entered in the vehicle registration certificate. This certificate also states which changes must be entered immediately by the registration office and which changes must be entered at the earliest opportunity. For some changes, it is sufficient to carry the certificate in the car.


6. Which changes do not have to be entered in the vehicle registration document?
   Everything that is not relevant to safety can be modified. For example, paint, wind deflectors, sports brakes, window tinting films, etc.. Most of these parts have either their own ABE (General Operating Permit), an EC or ECE approval, a type approval or a parts certificate. In these documents it is noted whether the carrying of these documents is sufficient, or the installation must be approved by an expert opinion.


7. Is the old vehicle registration document still valid?
   Yes, the old vehicle registration certificate is still valid. However, it will be exchanged for the new registration certificate part 1 and part 2 together with the old vehicle registration certificate at the next opportunity.


8. Is it possible to deregister a vehicle only with the vehicle registration document?
   Yes, the vehicle registration certificate is required for deregistration. Otherwise, report the loss of the vehicle registration certificate as listed in item 3.


9. Is the German vehicle registration document required when purchasing a vehicle?
   Yes, in order for the purchase to be valid and for the buyer not to have difficulties in re-registration, in addition to the vehicle registration document and the certificate of approval Part 2 must also be handed over.

The vehicle registration certificate at a glance:

We have once again provided you with an overview of all the fields in the vehicle registration document. In addition to the field number and the associated designation from the back of the vehicle registration document, we have listed two other items in the overview. Firstly, the position of the field on the German vehicle registration document and secondly, an explanation and / or examples of where the designation is not self-explanatory. With this we would like to make it even easier for you to read the vehicle registration document. Unfortunately, the designations of the fields with the letters and digits in the vehicle registration document are sorted neither chronologically nor alphabetically. Therefore, it is difficult to find the correct fields, even if the number or digit of the respective field is known. On the back of the vehicle registration document, you can only find the designation of the fields, but not their position on the front. Our overview is therefore sorted alphabetically according to the contents, e.g. vehicle identification number, HSN, engine capacity, power, drawbar load etc.. This way you don't have to search through the German vehicle registration document line by line, but can go specifically to the field you need.