Glossary: terms of digital vehicle registration in Germany

i-Kfz (internet-based vehicle registration)

The nationwide procedure of the German registration authorities for registering, transferring, re-registering and deregistering vehicles online. Applications are checked automatically and decided immediately.

Why it matters for dealers: Since September 2023 i-Kfz has, according to the Federal Ministry of Transport, also been open to legal entities – i.e. dealerships, fleets and registration services.

Example / distinction: Distinction: the i-Kfz portal is the access per authority; the large-customer interface is the technical access for high volumes.

Read more: Digital vehicle registration in the dealership: the complete guide · i-Kfz for companies and dealers: portal, large-customer interface or service

Registration certificate part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I)

The document carried in the vehicle. Copies issued after 1 January 2015 carry a hidden security code.

Why it matters for dealers: Its code is needed for deregistration and transfer – and after deregistration once more for re-registration.

Example / distinction: After deregistration part I is cancelled but not worthless: without it there is no digital re-registration.

Read more: Vehicle deregistration online: take vehicles out of service digitally – for dealers and fleets · Re-registration online: put deregistered vehicles back into service digitally

Registration certificate part II (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II)

The vehicle's title document. Copies from 1 January 2018 carry a hidden security code needed for new registration, re-registration with change of keeper and day registration.

Why it matters for dealers: Without part II with code no digital new registration is possible; older papers only work in person.

Example / distinction: The power of attorney under Annex 12 FZV can specify that part II goes to a third party – such as the financing bank.

Read more: New registration online: register new cars digitally and hand over the same day · Registration certificate part II lost: procedure, deadlines and consequences for the trade · Digital registration power of attorney: how the dealership registers for the customer with legal certainty

Security code (Sicherheitscode)

A hidden string of characters on registration certificate part I, part II and the stickers. It is uncovered (peeled or scratched) and entered in the application.

Why it matters for dealers: An uncovered or damaged code invalidates the document or sticker – so uncover it only when the case really starts.

Example / distinction: Most common reading error: lower-case l and upper-case I, O and 0.

Read more: Uncovering the security code: registration certificate part I, part II and stickers · Digital vehicle registration in the dealership: the complete guide

Registration sticker (Stempelplakette)

The registration authority's seal on the number plate. Newer stickers have a security code under a cover.

Why it matters for dealers: For deregistration the codes of both stickers are needed. As soon as the cover is peeled off, the plate is invalid.

Example / distinction: After a digital registration the new stickers arrive by post and must be fitted within 10 days.

Read more: Vehicle deregistration online: take vehicles out of service digitally – for dealers and fleets · Number plates in the digital registration case: own press or order with shipping

eVB number

The electronic confirmation of third-party motor insurance. It is stated in the application and, under the FZV, verified electronically with the insurer.

Why it matters for dealers: Mandatory for new registration, transfer, re-registration and day registration; not for deregistration. It must be in the name of the future keeper.

Example / distinction: Typical error: eVB in the company's name instead of the owner's, or already used for another vehicle.

Read more: eVB number in vehicle registration: proof of third-party insurance in the digital application

Temporary registration proof (vorläufiger Zulassungsnachweis)

A printout that is available online immediately after the automated decision and is placed visibly in the vehicle. It allows the vehicle to be driven for 10 days.

Why it matters for dealers: With it the dealership hands over the vehicle the same day – before papers and stickers arrive by post.

Example / distinction: The proof must be retrieved within 30 minutes of the decision; otherwise immediate use is not possible.

Read more: New registration online: register new cars digitally and hand over the same day

Registration power of attorney (Annex 12 FZV)

The authorisation with which a keeper instructs a dealership or service to file the registration application for them. Content and mandatory entries are set out in Annex 12 of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance.

Why it matters for dealers: Without a valid power of attorney the dealership cannot register for the customer. For companies the signing person must be authorised to represent.

Example / distinction: Option 1 = single registration for one vehicle, option 2 = multiple registration for up to 100 vehicles in one list.

Read more: Digital registration power of attorney: how the dealership registers for the customer with legal certainty

Qualified electronic signature (QES)

The highest level of electronic signature under the EU eIDAS Regulation (910/2014). It is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature and is created after identification of the person.

Why it matters for dealers: At Zevra the keeper signs power of attorney and SEPA mandate by QES on the smartphone – without an activated online ID card.

Example / distinction: Distinction: a simple e-mail confirmation or a signature drawn on the screen is not a QES.

Read more: Digital registration power of attorney: how the dealership registers for the customer with legal certainty · Vehicle registration without online ID: why the customer needs no eID when the dealership registers

Standing power of attorney (Dauervollmacht)

A power of attorney granted once by a business for all vehicles where the business itself is the keeper – day registrations, demonstrators, its own fleet.

Why it matters for dealers: Afterwards every further case starts without a new signature. At Zevra it is included in the price.

Example / distinction: It does not apply to customer vehicles – there the customer signs as keeper.

Read more: Day registration online: first registration for one calendar day – digitally from the dealership · Digital registration power of attorney: how the dealership registers for the customer with legal certainty

Large-customer interface (Großkundenschnittstelle, GKS)

The technical access of the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt to the i-Kfz procedure for high-volume applicants. According to the KBA, large customers are legal entities under private law with regularly more than 500 registration applications per year.

Why it matters for dealers: For a single dealership the threshold is usually out of reach; a connected service such as Zevra files without its own registration.

Example / distinction: Zevra's connection is provided in cooperation with Sunstone UG (haftungsbeschränkt).

Read more: i-Kfz for companies and dealers: portal, large-customer interface or service

Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA)

The federal authority in Flensburg that, among other things, keeps the central vehicle register and operates the large-customer interface.

Why it matters for dealers: Every digital application is checked against the central vehicle register – for example whether a vehicle is already out of service.

Example / distinction: The KBA does not decide on the application; the local registration authority does.

Read more: i-Kfz for companies and dealers: portal, large-customer interface or service

Registration authority and registration district

The authority competent for the keeper's residence or registered office. Its district determines the distinguishing sign at the start of the plate.

Why it matters for dealers: What counts is not the dealership's location but the keeper's. Digitally, distance does not matter.

Example / distinction: A dealer in Dorsten registers for a customer in Munich – the vehicle gets a Munich plate.

Read more: Vehicle registration by the dealer – also in another federal state

New registration (Neuzulassung)

The first registration of a vehicle. Needed: registration certificate part II with security code, eVB number and the keeper's SEPA mandate.

Why it matters for dealers: The standard procedure in new-car sales – digitally with temporary registration proof and handover the same day.

Example / distinction: Distinction: day registration is also a first registration, but with automatic deregistration on the same day.

Read more: New registration online: register new cars digitally and hand over the same day

Day registration (Tageszulassung)

A first registration with simultaneous automated deregistration on the same calendar day. According to the Federal Ministry of Transport it is aimed mainly at motor-trade businesses and manufacturers.

Why it matters for dealers: Afterwards the vehicle counts as a used car with one previous owner; the sale runs as a re-registration with change of keeper.

Example / distinction: The registration certificate part I of the day registration belongs in the vehicle file – its code is needed at sale.

Read more: Day registration online: first registration for one calendar day – digitally from the dealership

Transfer (Umschreibung, with or without change of keeper)

The change of an existing registration: with change of keeper when a used car is sold, without change of keeper when the address or location changes.

Why it matters for dealers: The standard procedure in used-car sales. The plate can be kept.

Example / distinction: If the vehicle has been deregistered in the meantime, the correct procedure is re-registration, not transfer.

Read more: Transfer online: re-register a used car to the buyer digitally

Re-registration (Wiederzulassung)

The renewed registration of a vehicle taken out of service – to the previous or a new keeper.

Why it matters for dealers: In the trade this procedure most often fails because the cancelled registration certificate part I is missing.

Example / distinction: For a change of keeper the code of part II is also needed; a valid HU is checked automatically.

Read more: Re-registration online: put deregistered vehicles back into service digitally

Deregistration (Abmeldung, Außerbetriebsetzung)

The vehicle is taken out of service. Digitally the security codes of registration certificate part I and the stickers are enough – no identification of the keeper is required.

Why it matters for dealers: The fastest digital procedure: purchase, returns, export, scrapping without the customer's involvement.

Example / distinction: Most common rejection reason: the vehicle is already deregistered.

Read more: Vehicle deregistration online: take vehicles out of service digitally – for dealers and fleets

Keeper (Halter)

The person or company in whose name a vehicle is registered and who actually uses it or has it used. The keeper is not necessarily the owner.

Why it matters for dealers: The keeper grants the power of attorney, provides the eVB and the SEPA mandate – and determines the registration district.

Example / distinction: In leasing the leasing company is usually the keeper, the customer drives.

Read more: Digital registration power of attorney: how the dealership registers for the customer with legal certainty

Roadworthiness test (HU) and safety inspection (SP)

The regular technical inspection of the vehicle; for certain vehicle types additionally the safety inspection.

Why it matters for dealers: At transfer and re-registration a valid HU is checked automatically in the procedure – with an expired HU no approval.

Example / distinction: Vehicles that have been standing for a while often fail exactly here.

Read more: Re-registration online: put deregistered vehicles back into service digitally · Transfer online: re-register a used car to the buyer digitally

SEPA direct debit mandate (vehicle tax)

The keeper's authorisation to collect vehicle tax, filed with IBAN in the digital application and verified in the procedure.

Why it matters for dealers: No SEPA mandate, no registration. At Zevra it is signed together with the power of attorney in one QES signature.

Example / distinction: Outstanding vehicle tax of the keeper is checked automatically in the procedure.

Read more: New registration online: register new cars digitally and hand over the same day

Personalised plate (Wunschkennzeichen)

A self-chosen combination of letters and numbers after the distinguishing sign, which is reserved and stated in the application.

Why it matters for dealers: In the dealer portal the plate is reserved within the case; the plates come from your own press or by shipping.

Example / distinction: Distinction: the “next free plate” is assigned by the authority, a reserved plate by the applicant.

Read more: Number plates in the digital registration case: own press or order with shipping

E, seasonal and H plates

Plate types for electric vehicles (E), for an operating period within the year (seasonal) and for classic cars (H). According to the Federal Ministry of Transport all three can be chosen in the i-Kfz procedure.

Why it matters for dealers: For E plates the E is not entered as stamped but marked as plate type – Zevra applies this automatically in the application.

Example / distinction: Rental companies use seasonal plates for vehicles that only run in summer.

Read more: Number plates in the digital registration case: own press or order with shipping

Vehicle identification number (FIN / VIN)

The 17-character, globally unique number of a vehicle. It appears in both registration certificates and on the vehicle.

Why it matters for dealers: Every digital application starts with the VIN; text recognition in the Zevra portal suggests it from the uploaded document.

Example / distinction: For vehicles not yet produced, the power of attorney can state HSN/TSN instead.

Read more: Digital vehicle registration in the dealership: the complete guide

HSN/TSN (manufacturer and type key numbers)

The key numbers that uniquely identify manufacturer and vehicle type. They appear in registration certificate part I under 2.1 and 2.2.

Why it matters for dealers: Annex 12 FZV allows a power of attorney for vehicles not yet produced via HSN/TSN – relevant for manufacturers and importers.

Example / distinction: HSN/TSN also determine the insurance classification.

Read more: Digital registration power of attorney: how the dealership registers for the customer with legal certainty

Online ID function (eID)

The function of the German ID card, eID card or electronic residence permit to identify oneself online with a PIN – via the AusweisApp or a card reader.

Why it matters for dealers: In the i-Kfz portal private individuals must identify themselves with it. If the dealership registers by power of attorney, the customer needs no eID.

Example / distinction: Alternative in the portal: BundID with ELSTER certificate; for companies the company account with ELSTER certificate.

Read more: Vehicle registration without online ID: why the customer needs no eID when the dealership registers

Data processing agreement (AVV)

The contract under Art. 28 GDPR with which a company instructs a service provider to process personal data on its behalf.

Why it matters for dealers: The dealership hands Zevra its customers' ID copies, vehicle papers and bank details – that requires a DPA.

Example / distinction: Zevra provides the DPA before the first case; sub-processors are named on the data security page.

XRechnung (e-invoice under EN 16931)

The structured, machine-readable invoice format under the European standard EN 16931. A PDF is not an e-invoice within the meaning of the law.

Why it matters for dealers: Receiving e-invoices has been mandatory for companies in Germany since 2025; Zevra delivers the consolidated invoice as PDF and as XRechnung.

Example / distinction: The XRechnung can be imported directly into accounting systems.

i-Kfz stage 4

The expansion stage of internet-based vehicle registration in Germany that for the first time lets legal entities use first registration, transfer, re-registration and deregistration online.

Why it matters for dealers: Since September 2023 dealerships and fleets can register digitally themselves or via a connected service; one-day registration and fully automated decisions are also new.

Example / distinction: Distinction: stage 4 describes the scope of the procedure; the bulk-customer interface is one of the access routes to it.

Read more: i-Kfz stage 4: what is new – and what does it mean for dealerships?

Immediate entry into service

Taking part in road traffic directly after the registration notice has been issued – even without stamped plates, using a temporary proof.

Why it matters for dealers: The proof is valid for 10 days from retrieval; the vehicle can be handed over on the day of sale.

Example / distinction: The authority posts the documents within six days of the application.

Read more: i-Kfz stage 4: what is new – and what does it mean for dealerships?

Company account (Unternehmenskonto BUND)

The organisation account with which legal entities identify themselves in the i-Kfz portals – based on an ELSTER certificate.

Why it matters for dealers: Without a company account a business cannot use the i-Kfz portal itself.

Example / distinction: With Zevra the dealership works with its dealer account and a power of attorney from the keeper.

Read more: i-Kfz stage 4: what is new – and what does it mean for dealerships?

Low-emission sticker (Umweltplakette)

The sticker under the 35. BImSchV that marks vehicles of emission groups 2 to 4: red, yellow or green. It is 80 mm in diameter and sits inside the windscreen.

Why it matters for dealers: The issuing body writes the vehicle's plate number on it – after a plate change the old sticker no longer matches.

Example / distinction: Distinction: the registration sticker sits on the plate and belongs to the registration; the low-emission sticker does not.

Read more: Low-emission sticker (Umweltplakette): what dealers should know · Transfer online: re-register a used car to the buyer digitally

Interchangeable plate (Wechselkennzeichen)

One plate for 2 vehicles of the same keeper from the same vehicle class M1, L or O1. It consists of a common and a vehicle-specific part and may be used on only 1 vehicle at a time.

Why it matters for dealers: The vehicle without the complete plate may neither be driven nor parked on public roads.

Example / distinction: Distinction: an interchangeable plate may not be issued as a seasonal plate.

Read more: Interchangeable plates (Wechselkennzeichen): one plate for two vehicles · Number plates in the digital registration case: own press or order with shipping

Short-term plate (Kurzzeitkennzeichen)

A plate for test and transfer drives of an unregistered vehicle (§ 42 FZV). The identification number starts with 03 or 04; it is valid until the end of the fifth day after assignment and only for this one vehicle.

Why it matters for dealers: It is often requested only for the transfer drive to the customer – a digital registration makes that drive unnecessary.

Example / distinction: Distinction: the red plate (06) is meant for recurring use on changing vehicles.

Read more: Short-term plates or red plates: what dealers need for test and transfer drives

Red plate (rotes Kennzeichen, 06)

A plate for recurring business use for inspection, test and transfer drives (§ 41 FZV). It is assigned to reliable motor dealers, workshops and manufacturers; the identification number starts with 06.

Why it matters for dealers: For each vehicle a separate page of the vehicle document booklet must be filled in before the first drive.

Example / distinction: Distinction: the short-term plate is valid for a single vehicle and only a few days.

Read more: Short-term plates or red plates: what dealers need for test and transfer drives

Export plate (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)

The plate for a vehicle that drives abroad permanently under its own power (§ 45 FZV). The registration is limited to the term of the liability insurance, at most 1 year; the expiry date is on the plate.

Why it matters for dealers: If the vehicle is shipped, deregistration is enough – and that works digitally.

Example / distinction: Example: export by truck or container – deregistration stating “export” instead of an export plate.

Read more: Export plates: exporting vehicles – what dealers need to know · Vehicle deregistration online: take vehicles out of service digitally – for dealers and fleets

Change of address (Wohnsitzwechsel)

The keeper moving home or registered office. It must be reported to the registration authority without delay (§ 15 FZV); on moving to another registration district the previous plate can be kept.

Why it matters for dealers: Online, the security code replaces presenting registration certificate part I; the decision is enough as proof for up to 10 days.

Example / distinction: Distinction: with a change of keeper the person changes, with a change of address only the address.

Read more: Change of address after a move: re-registering a vehicle online · Transfer online: re-register a used car to the buyer digitally

Certificate of destruction (Verwertungsnachweis)

Proof that a vehicle of class M1, N1 or L5e has been handed to a recognised facility for recycling. It is presented on deregistration.

Why it matters for dealers: If it is missing, the authority calls in the documents with a deadline of 4 weeks; after that the registration ends.

Example / distinction: Distinction: if the vehicle is only exported, deregistration stating “export” is enough.

Read more: Certificate of destruction (Verwertungsnachweis): scrapping and deregistering a car

Green plate (grünes Kennzeichen)

A plate with green lettering on a white background for vehicles whose keeper is exempt from motor vehicle tax. 7 groups are excluded, such as authority vehicles.

Why it matters for dealers: It is not listed for the internet-based procedure – the application goes through the registration authority.

Example / distinction: Distinction: the E plate marks the drive, the green plate the tax exemption.

Read more: Green number plates: plates for tax-exempt vehicles in Germany

Large customer (Großkunde, KBA)

A legal person under private law that regularly files more than 500 applications a year and is registered with the Federal Motor Transport Authority. It files via the large-customer interface.

Why it matters for dealers: Registration brings duties: pay fees without delay, reserve plates, be liable for contracting partners.

Example / distinction: Example: a dealership below the threshold uses a service that is already connected.

Read more: Becoming a KBA large customer: requirements, details and duties · i-Kfz for companies and dealers: portal, large-customer interface or service

Check digit (Prüfziffer, inspection report)

A character string generated by a check-digit procedure on the general inspection report. It verifies the inspection in the online procedure.

Why it matters for dealers: The alternative to retrieving the inspection deadline from the Central Vehicle Register.

Example / distinction: The date of the last inspection, the next deadline and the test body are also entered.

Read more: Registration without a valid HU: what is possible when the inspection has expired · HU intervals: when is the general inspection due for which vehicle?

GebOSt (fee schedule for road traffic measures)

The nationwide fee schedule for registration cases. For each case it names a counter fee and a lower online fee.

Why it matters for dealers: Example values: registration 30.00 euros at the counter and 12.80 euros online; deregistration 15.90 and 2.10 euros.

Example / distinction: Distinction: a registration service's fee is added to the official fee.

Read more: Vehicle registration fees in Germany: official fees at the counter and online

Plate reservation (Kennzeichenreservierung)

Advance assignment or reservation of an identification number at the registration authority. It costs 2.60 euros; after deregistration it is possible for at most 12 months.

Why it matters for dealers: With a reserved plate, drives to registration or inspection with unstamped plates are allowed.

Example / distinction: Large customers must always reserve a sufficient number of plates.

Read more: Reserving a number plate: term, fee and rules for personalised plates

Self-drive rental vehicle (Selbstfahrervermietfahrzeug)

A vehicle rented out commercially without a driver. The use must be reported to the registration authority and is entered in registration certificate part I.

Why it matters for dealers: The general inspection is due every 12 months if the vehicle is not registered to the renter.

Example / distinction: The report is not needed with a rental contract of at least 1 year.

Read more: Registering rental cars and taxis: reporting the use and meeting deadlines

CoC (certificate of conformity)

The document proving that a vehicle corresponds to a type with EU type approval. It is needed at first registration.

Why it matters for dealers: Online, presenting it is replaced by verification via the central database at the Federal Motor Transport Authority.

Example / distinction: Distinction: with national type approval the data confirmation is enough.

Read more: CoC (certificate of conformity): the proof at first registration