The vehicle registration certificate – officially known as registration certificate part II – is an official document that identifies the owner of a vehicle. It is a central component of vehicle registration in Germany and also plays an important role in fleet management – for example when buying, selling or managing leased vehicles.
What does the vehicle registration document say?
In contrast to the vehicle registration certificate (registration certificate part I), which contains information about the owner and the operating license , the vehicle registration documents:
- the current and previous vehicle owners (max. 6 entries),
- the vehicle identification number (VIN),
- technical data such as cubic capacity, power, emission class, etc.,
- the date of first registration,
- as well as any restrictions or special notes.
Important: The vehicle registration document is not proof of ownership under civil law, but is a strong indication of ownership of the vehicle.
Importance in the vehicle fleet
In commercial fleet operations , the vehicle registration document is usually kept centrally – especially for security reasons and for quick administration. It is required for:
- Vehicle sales and deregistrations,
- the registration of new vehicles,
- presentation to banks or leasing companies,
- proof of ownership transfers.
If a vehicle is leased, the vehicle registration document usually remains with the lessor, as the lessor remains the legal owner.
Conclusion
The vehicle registration certificate or registration certificate part II is an important document in fleet management. It documents essential information about the vehicle and serves above all as proof of ownership vis-à-vis third parties. Proper storage and administration is therefore essential – especially for larger fleets or frequent vehicle changes.
