Eisenberg/Saale-Holzland-Kreis, March 13, 2026. In Saale-Holzland-Kreis, vehicle owners can now dispense with carrying the printed vehicle registration certificate. Thanks to the expansion of the internet-based online registration process (i-Kfz), the document is now also valid digitally on smartphones and can be presented during traffic checks.
- What: Introduction of the digital vehicle registration certificate
- Where: Saale-Holzland-Kreis
- How: Via the free „i-Kfz“ app for smartphones
- Restriction: Not yet valid for travel abroad
How digital registration works
To use the digital vehicle registration certificate, the official “i-Kfz” app must be installed on the mobile phone. The transfer of vehicle data to the application can be done in two ways: either citizens use the eID function of their identity card in conjunction with the associated six-digit PIN, or they scan a QR code issued by the registration authority.
Any number of registration certificates can be stored securely in the app. In the event of a police check, it will be sufficient in the future to show the smartphone with the digital document. Another practical advantage: the vehicle registration certificate can be easily shared with other people if necessary, which is a relief particularly for families or shared vehicles.
Paper version remains mandatory for international travel
Despite the progress in digitalization, there is currently still one significant restriction: the digital proof is initially only officially recognized within Germany. Anyone leaving the Federal Republic with their vehicle must continue to carry the classic registration certificate Part I (Fahrzeugschein) in paper form. Otherwise, heavy fines may be imposed during traffic checks abroad.
Background: Digitalization of registration authorities
The “i-Kfz” project (internet-based vehicle registration) is a nationwide initiative of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport with the aim of reducing visits to authorities and accelerating processes. Saale-Holzland-Kreis, which is closely linked to the independent city of Jena as a direct neighboring district, is thus implementing a further milestone in its e-government strategy. For the numerous commuters between Jena and the surrounding area who use company cars or car-sharing vehicles with SHK or EIS registration, the innovation also brings noticeable relief to everyday life. Anyone wishing to register or deregister a vehicle can also increasingly do so completely online without having to put up with waiting times at the office.
Source:
Vehicle registration certificate now also digital
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.