Late on 7 November 2025, the Merz government unveiled the consumer-facing piece of its e-government puzzle: the “i-Kfz” app is now live in Apple and Google stores, allowing natural persons to download an officially recognised digital copy of their Fahrzeugschein (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I).
While primarily aimed at motorists, the tool also removes a headache for relocation agencies that register company cars or pool vehicles for assignees. Instead of chasing paper documents, fleet managers can issue a QR code that team members scan into the app, simplifying hand-overs and workshop visits. Automatic push reminders for inspections and insurance renewal further reduce admin.
![Digital Vehicle Registration Arrives: i-Kfz App Lets Drivers Carry Car Papers on Their Phone]()
For now the digital certificate is valid only within Germany; travellers must still carry the paper original abroad, and law-enforcement officers can verify authenticity via the vehicle-registration database. The Transport Ministry said functionality for corporate entities and a digital driving licence will follow in 2026.
Data protection campaigners welcomed the use of on-device storage rather than a central cloud, but urged clear off-boarding procedures when employees leave a company. The app also requires Germany’s eID or EU-equivalent digital identity, indirectly nudging expatriates to activate the NFC chip in their residence card.
The launch is part of the “Digital Only” agenda, under which all vehicle registrations are to be processed online by 2027. Consular officials in Berlin are already fielding questions from foreign chambers of commerce about recognising the digital papers for temporary imports.
While primarily aimed at motorists, the tool also removes a headache for relocation agencies that register company cars or pool vehicles for assignees. Instead of chasing paper documents, fleet managers can issue a QR code that team members scan into the app, simplifying hand-overs and workshop visits. Automatic push reminders for inspections and insurance renewal further reduce admin.
For now the digital certificate is valid only within Germany; travellers must still carry the paper original abroad, and law-enforcement officers can verify authenticity via the vehicle-registration database. The Transport Ministry said functionality for corporate entities and a digital driving licence will follow in 2026.
Data protection campaigners welcomed the use of on-device storage rather than a central cloud, but urged clear off-boarding procedures when employees leave a company. The app also requires Germany’s eID or EU-equivalent digital identity, indirectly nudging expatriates to activate the NFC chip in their residence card.
The launch is part of the “Digital Only” agenda, under which all vehicle registrations are to be processed online by 2027. Consular officials in Berlin are already fielding questions from foreign chambers of commerce about recognising the digital papers for temporary imports.
