Motor Vehicle; Reporting Technical Changes

Would you like to make technical modifications to your motor vehicle or a trailer? Doing so may result in the revocation of the vehicle’s registration. You must provide proof that the technical modifications comply with the regulations. The registration authority can then issue a new registration for the vehicle.

Before making any modifications or conversions, check whether

• the vehicle’s registration will be affected by these changes or
• the modification is even eligible for approval and whether you can obtain a favorable assessment for a new operating permit.

Direct these questions to officially recognized experts in motor vehicle traffic or a technical service designated for the approval of complete vehicles.

Certain technical modifications that result in the expiration of the vehicle registration must be assessed by an officially recognized expert from the Technical Inspection Agency for Motor Vehicle Traffic or a technical service designated for the approval of complete vehicles. Modifications that require an installation inspection pursuant to Section 19(3) of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) may also be inspected by an inspection engineer from an officially recognized motor vehicle inspection organization (for example, TÜV-SÜD, TÜV Rheinland, TÜV Nord, TÜV Hessen, TÜV Thüringen, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS, FSP) to be approved. Afterward, you must notify the registration authority of certain modifications as soon as possible. These include, for example:

• Changes to the vehicle class or the vehicle and body type
• Changes to engine displacement, rated power, fuel type, or energy source
• An increase in the maximum design speed
• A reduction in the maximum design speed, if this is relevant to the driver’s license or vehicle registration
• Changes to the permissible axle loads, gross vehicle weight, or towing capacity
• Increase in vehicle dimensions, except for passenger cars and motorcycles
• Changes to the number of seats or standing room in buses
• Deterioration in emissions or noise levels, or changes that affect motor vehicle tax or traffic restrictions.

The requirements for having the technical modifications recorded in the vehicle documents are:

• You must prove that the modifications were made in accordance with regulations. To do so, you must have the vehicle inspected by officially recognized motor vehicle experts. If you prove compliance through a General Operating Permit (ABE) for vehicle parts or a parts certificate, you will need a certificate of acceptance. This does not apply to vehicle parts for which the ABE does not require a certificate of acceptance.
• If you wish to have someone represent you when applying for the modification, you must grant that person a written power of attorney. Your representative must present the power of attorney and provide identification.
• In the case of multiple modifications that may affect one another (e.g., changing the wheel-tire combination followed by a suspension lowering), a comprehensive inspection may be required.

You or your representative must report the technical changes to the relevant licensing authority by submitting the certificate of registration and, if necessary, apply for a new operating permit.

Depending on what your registration authority offers, a form may be available for download. You can find information about the registration authorities under “Further Links.”

The registration authority may require you to present the vehicle for inspection.

The deadlines specified in the expert report must be observed.

• The following documents are required:
  
  • A valid ID card or passport with proof of residence
  • If represented by another person: additionally
    • written power of attorney
    • Valid ID card or passport of the authorized representative
  • For minors: additionally, a declaration of consent and identification documents of the legal guardians
  • For legal entities/companies:
    • Extract from the commercial register or
    • business registration or
    • an extract from the association registry
  • Vehicle Registration Certificate Part I or old vehicle registration certificate
  • Registration Certificate Part II or old vehicle title
  • Expert report or type approval from the parts manufacturer
  • Certificate of acceptance from an accredited testing organization (e.g., TÜV-SÜD, TÜV-Nord, TÜV-Rheinland, TÜV Hessen, TÜV Thüringen, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS, FSP)
  • Proof of a valid general inspection (HU) via the most recent HU report or an entry in the Certificate of Registration, Part I
  • If the emissions class has changed due to the installation of a catalytic converter (KAT), an exhaust aftertreatment system, or a diesel particulate filter:
    • Installation certificate from a certified emissions testing facility
    • Type approval (ABE) for the installed exhaust gas purification system

The fee depends on the administrative costs (starting at 11.40 EUR).

If you still have a vehicle title and registration certificate issued before October 1, 2005, you must exchange them for new vehicle documents (Certificate of Registration, Parts I and II). The vehicle owner is responsible for the costs of the exchange.