In a dealership, uncovering is the point of no return: a code uncovered too early, on the wrong document or damaged costs a trip to the authority. This is how to do it right.
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
Where are the security codes?
| Carrier | Since when | Wording on the cover | Needed for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration certificate part I | issued after 1 January 2015 | “Nur für internetbasierte Zulassungsverfahren freilegen. Dokument nur unbeschädigt gültig.” | Deregistration, transfer, re-registration |
| Registration certificate part II | issued after 1 January 2018 | “Nur zur Nutzung des Sicherheitscodes im internetbasierten Zulassungsverfahren freilegen. Dokument nur unbeschädigt gültig.” | New registration, day registration, re-registration and transfer with change of keeper |
| Stickers on the number plates | newer stickers with hidden code | covering layer on the sticker | Deregistration, plate change |
The wording of the covers is set out in § 21 and § 14 of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance. Older documents carry no code – those cases only work in person at the authority.
How is the security code uncovered?
- Registration certificate part I: carefully peel off the seal – do not scratch.
- Registration certificate part II: carefully peel off the cover sticker over the code field.
- Stickers: peel off or scratch free depending on the version – on both plates.
- Read the code in good light and enter it immediately; a zoomed photo helps with unclear characters.
- Uncover only when all other documents are ready: eVB, SEPA mandate, power of attorney.
Under the Vehicle Registration Ordinance the keeper or their agent may remove the cover only in direct connection with an internet-based registration procedure.
What happens after uncovering?
Under the cover the words “Dokument nicht mehr gültig” become visible. The registration certificate is thereby cancelled; after the case the authority sends new papers by post. A plate whose sticker code is visible counts as unstamped under § 21 (3) – the vehicle may no longer be driven with it.
Important after a deregistration: keep the cancelled registration certificate part I. Its code is requested once more at a later re-registration.
Which errors happen when reading the code?
From our daily work with digital applications – the authority rejects if a single character is wrong:
- Lower-case l and upper-case I mixed up.
- O and 0 mixed up.
- Code of part I entered where the code of part II is required – or vice versa.
- Only one of the 2 stickers uncovered.
- Code damaged while peeling: the document is invalid and the case only goes through the competent registration authority.
How does it work in the Zevra dealer portal?
At Zevra you enter the code in the case; the portal checks the format before filing and, in case of rejection, shows the authority's reasoning directly on the case. Registration from €10 net, deregistration €2, €0 base fee.
Read more
- New registration online: register new cars digitally and hand over the same day
- Vehicle deregistration online: take vehicles out of service digitally – for dealers and fleets
- Transfer online: re-register a used car to the buyer digitally
- Re-registration online: put deregistered vehicles back into service digitally
- Day registration online: first registration for one calendar day – digitally from the dealership
- eVB number in vehicle registration: proof of third-party insurance in the digital application
- 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
- Number plates in the digital registration case: own press or order with shipping
- Digital vehicle registration in the dealership: the complete guide
- i-Kfz for companies and dealers: portal, large-customer interface or service
- Vehicle registration by the dealer – also in another federal state
- Who offers digital vehicle registration for companies in Germany?
- Registration certificate part II lost: procedure, deadlines and consequences for the trade
- Short-term plates or red plates: what dealers need for test and transfer drives
- Export plates: exporting vehicles – what dealers need to know
- Registering motorcycles and trailers online: what is the same for dealers – and what differs
- i-Kfz stage 4: what is new – and what does it mean for dealerships?
- Registering a company car: which documents does each legal form need?
- Registration service, authority or i-Kfz: which route pays off for dealers?
- Registering a leased vehicle: who is the keeper – and where does the registration certificate part II stay?
- Registration service at the dealership: how does registration become a selling point?
- Registration for used-car dealers: which vehicles work online?
- Registration service costs: what does a dealership pay per registration?
- How long does online vehicle registration take in Germany?
- Seasonal plates, E plates and H plates: applying online in Germany
- Low-emission sticker (Umweltplakette): what dealers should know
- Change of address after a move: re-registering a vehicle online
- Registering motorhomes and caravans online: what dealers need to know
- Interchangeable plates (Wechselkennzeichen): one plate for two vehicles
- Vehicle registration in Germany: official figures, deadlines and key dates
- Vehicle registration fees in Germany: official fees at the counter and online
- Registration without a valid HU: what is possible when the inspection has expired
- Importing an EU vehicle and registering it in Germany: what dealers need to know
- Registering an electric car in Germany: tax exemption and E plate
- Keeper's change of name: having the vehicle documents changed
- Documents for vehicle registration: printable checklist per case
- Reserving a number plate: term, fee and rules for personalised plates
- Registering rental cars and taxis: reporting the use and meeting deadlines
- Certificate of destruction (Verwertungsnachweis): scrapping and deregistering a car
- Green number plates: plates for tax-exempt vehicles in Germany
- Online registration rejected: common reasons and solutions
- Becoming a KBA large customer: requirements, details and duties
- HU intervals: when is the general inspection due for which vehicle?
- Vehicle tax at registration: SEPA mandate and tax arrears
- Temporary registration proof: content, validity and duties
- CoC (certificate of conformity): the proof at first registration
- Car dealerships
- Registration services
- Fleet operators
- Leasing companies
- Rental & car subscription
- Banks & insurers
- Manufacturers & importers
- Remarketing & resellers
- Pricing
Sources: Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV) – gesetze-im-internet.de (German) · Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV): Internet-based vehicle registration – how i-Kfz works (German)