Germany moves towards a digitized and accelerated vehicle registration process. The Bundesrat approved the Federal Government’s draft for the re-enactment of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance with a few changes. This new facility allows vehicle owners to apply for all the necessary formalities online as of September 1st. The use of an electronic identification function eID, such as that from the online ID card is required. Corresponding stamp stickers for the license plates should be sent via post. Meanwhile, up to 10 days, the digital notification is sufficient as proof, but a license plate number must be on the car.
The ordinance also simplifies the procedure for car dealerships and registration service providers. The service providers, who submit a large number of such applications each year, can digitally control them nationwide via a uniform interface at the Federal Motor Transport Authority in so-called i-car portals. The name stands for “internet-based vehicle registration”.
The digital i-Kfz procedure has been in place since early 2019 with an ordinance initiated by the then black-red federal government. Users have been able to save themselves from waiting time in a registration office but waited for the postal service to send out documents and stickers. This change allows users to skip the inconvenience of waiting altogether. Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing campaigned for the new regulation in February: “From September it will be: Allow digital and drive off immediately.”
The Federal Council’s amendments to the government draft provide, among other things, that a keeper without a place of residence or registered office in Germany, can only apply for a license if the vehicle has its regular location in the Federal Republic. The State Chamber adjusted the catalog of administrative offenses and fines to accompany the resolution, ensuring abusive behavior in online registration can be prevented or mitigated.
