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

In short: Vehicle registration without an online ID: in the i-Kfz portal, the Federal Ministry of Transport requires private individuals to identify themselves with an ID card with online function, an eID card or an electronic residence permit with activated eID and PIN – alternatively via BundID with an ELSTER certificate. This is where many self-registrations fail. If the dealership registers by power of attorney, the customer's eID is not needed: they sign the power of attorney with a qualified electronic signature.

How many customers have an activated online ID function, know their PIN and have the AusweisApp installed cannot be planned in a sales conversation. For the dealership what counts is a route that works for every customer.

Zevra is the B2B platform for digital vehicle registration for car dealers, registration services and fleets: cases are entered in the dealer portal and filed nationwide by power of attorney with qualified electronic signature – from €10 per registration, no base fee, no minimum volume.

Last updated: · Zevra editorial team · Reviewed by Mohamed Gabal, owner

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

What does the i-Kfz portal require from the customer?

  • ID card with online function, eID card or electronic residence permit – each with activated eID function.
  • Six-digit PIN.
  • Smartphone with AusweisApp or a card reader.
  • Alternatively: BundID with ELSTER certificate.
  • Legal entities: company account with ELSTER certificate.

If any of these is missing, self-registration in the portal is not possible – and the customer is back to an appointment at the registration office.

The route without eID: power of attorney to the dealership

  • The customer authorises the dealership to file the application (content under Annex 12 FZV).
  • The power of attorney is granted with a qualified electronic signature – identification on the smartphone, no online ID card, no card reader, no PIN.
  • The dealership enters vehicle and keeper data and files the application digitally via Zevra.
  • The authority checks in real time and decides; the temporary registration proof is printed and valid for 10 days – the customer drives off.

What does the customer still have to provide?

From the customerFor
eVB number from their insurerProof of third-party insurance
IBAN and SEPA mandateCollection of vehicle tax
ID document (for identification at signature)Qualified electronic signature of the power of attorney
For companies: proof of authority to representValidity of the power of attorney

Deregistration: no identification at all

For deregistration, according to the Federal Ministry of Transport (as of 19 December 2025), no identification of the keeper is required – the security codes of registration certificate part I and the stickers are what count. This makes deregistration the procedure that runs in the trade without any involvement of the customer.

Costs

Registration from €10 net per case, deregistration €2, no base fee. Official fees 1:1.

Read more

Sources: Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV): Internet-based vehicle registration – how i-Kfz works (German) · Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV) – gesetze-im-internet.de (German)

Answers to common questions

Is registration without an online ID card legally secure?
Yes. The dealership files the application as authorised representative; the power of attorney is signed with a qualified electronic signature and the authority decides as with any other application.
What does the customer need for the signature?
A smartphone and their ID document for identification – no activated eID function and no PIN.
Does this also work for business customers?
Yes. A person authorised to represent the company signs the power of attorney; proof of that authority is part of the case.
Can the customer still register in the portal themselves?
If they have an activated eID or BundID with ELSTER certificate, yes. The route via the dealership is the alternative for everyone else.
What does registration via the dealership cost with Zevra?
From €10 net per case, plus official fees.
Does deregistration require identifying the keeper?
No. Deregistration relies on the security codes of registration certificate part I and the registration stickers; identification is not required.