Online Registration: The Security Code on Your Vehicle Registration Certificate

If you want to register your vehicle online, you'll need the security code on your vehicle registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II). This code was introduced in 2017 to enable the online registration process. But did you know that many certificates issued before 2017 do not have this code? Even if the vehicle was re-registered after 2017, the security code might still be missing—especially if the original certificate predates 2017. Let’s take a closer look!

The Security Code – What Is It?

The security code on the vehicle registration certificate is a part of the security measures required for online registration. It verifies the identity of the vehicle and ensures that only the rightful owner can register or deregister it.

Security Code Introduced in 2017

Since 2017, vehicle registration certificates have included a security code, typically located on the left-hand side of the document. This code is necessary to register a vehicle online. If your certificate was issued after 2017, it should include the code.

What If the Certificate Is Older Than 2017?

Here’s the issue: Many certificates issued before 2017 do not include a security code. Even if the vehicle received a new registration after 2017, the security code often wasn’t retroactively added to the certificate. This means that even if there is an entry on the right-hand side of the certificate (a second registration) from after 2017, the code might still be missing.

What to Do If the Code Is Missing?

If your certificate doesn’t include a security code, you cannot register the vehicle online. In this case, you’ll need to visit a registration office in person to complete the process. Alternatively, you can request a new certificate that includes the security code.

Conclusion

The security code is a crucial part of online registration and is automatically included on certificates issued since 2017. However, if your certificate predates 2017, the code might be missing—even if the vehicle was re-registered after 2017. In such cases, your options are limited to visiting a registration office or applying for a new certificate.

If you’re unsure whether your certificate includes the code, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help!