Public Testing Phase for Digital Vehicle Registration App Begins

The traditional vehicle registration document is set to undergo a significant transformation, as it will now be available in a digital format through a smartphone application. A public testing phase is launching soon, allowing users to experience this innovative solution.

The German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMDV) has announced a new milestone in the effort to digitize administrative processes. Starting on April 28, interested users will be able to test the digital vehicle registration on their smartphones, eliminating the need for the physical document. This feature will be accessible through the i-Kfz application, which has been developed collaboratively by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) and the Federal Printing Office under the BMDV's direction. The app is part of an online vehicle registration system that has enabled citizens to register, deregister, and transfer vehicles online since autumn 2023.

According to the ministry, approximately 2,500 testing spots are available for the digital vehicle registration. Participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis upon registration. Interested individuals can sign up with a personal email address, linking it to the app stores of Apple and Google via the KBA website. To participate, users will need a vehicle registration document for a privately registered vehicle, a national ID card equipped with electronic identification capabilities along with the associated PIN, or an electronic residence permit for authentication, as well as a compatible smartphone.

Participants in this voluntary pilot program will have the opportunity to gather initial experiences with the i-Kfz app and provide valuable feedback on its functionalities. This input will be instrumental in further refining the application to better meet user needs. Once final adjustments have been made, the app is expected to be publicly available for both iOS and Android devices in the second half of 2025.

The introduction of the digital vehicle registration means that the requirement to carry the paper version in Germany will be abolished. Users will also have the capability to store multiple vehicle registrations within the app, allowing for easy sharing among several users, including those who do not own a vehicle. Individuals interested in participating in the pilot who are not vehicle owners will simply need the i-Kfz app and must know a vehicle owner who is also taking part in the test.

Looking ahead, the app is anticipated to incorporate additional vehicle and owner-related documents, such as driver's licenses. The legal framework to support the introduction of these digital documents was initiated by the government in February. However, the process is contingent not only on domestic regulations but also on the approval and implementation of the Fourth EU Driving License Directive. EU legislative representatives reached a preliminary agreement on the final draft version of this directive at the end of March. The plan is to ensure a standardized digital driving license for all EU citizens by the end of 2030, which will be stored in the future European Digital Identity (EUDI) digital wallet.

With the advent of the digital vehicle registration, users can say goodbye to the frequent searches for their registration documents, as it will be readily accessible on their smartphones. This modernization aims to enhance convenience and efficiency in vehicle ownership.