First-time registrations, changes in details, keeping a number plate – in future it will be possible to undertake all standard procedures relating to vehicle registration online. Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer explained that the new regulations will come into effect "in the course of this year". They must firstly be approved by the Bundesrat, the second chamber of the German parliament.

What is i-Kfz?

The Federal Ministry of Transport’s "internet-based vehicle registration" (known by its German acronym i-Kfz) overhauls and modernises the key vehicle registration-related procedures in Germany.

Vehicle registration will become simpler, easier and more efficient. That is the main objective of an ordinance that is to forge ahead with the digitalisation of the relevant procedures.

The steps involved

The internet-based vehicle registration scheme has been developed step by step:

Step 1: Since 1 January 2015, private individuals have been able to de-register their vehicles inside Germany via the internet.

Step 2: Since 1 October 2017 it has also been possible to apply for re-registration online – provided there is no change in the vehicle owner, the district in which the vehicle is registered, or the number plate.

Step 3: The new ordinance extends the internet-based vehicle registration to all standard procedures: first-time vehicle registration, changing registration details, and keeping the number plate in spite of changes in vehicle ownership and changes of address.

This is another step towards e-government and translates into practice a commitment laid out in the coalition agreement.

The coalition agreement says, "Within the framework of internet-based vehicle registration, we will introduce internet-based first-time registration and change in registration for motor vehicles."

What benefits will i-Kfz bring?

• Round-the-clock availability
• No more waiting in line at government offices
• Available from any location
• Register and drive away immediately
• Reduced workload for government offices

Where do we go from here?

After the introduction of the internet-based vehicle registration for private individuals, the next step will be to extend the online registration procedures for legal entities. This should benefit businesses in particular.