The vehicle registration document, also known as Vehicle Registration Certificate Part I, contains a lot of important information about your vehicle. One date that often raises questions is the “Date of First Registration”. What exactly does this entry mean and why is it relevant?
The Meaning of the Date of First Registration
The date of first registration indicates when your vehicle was officially approved for road traffic for the first time. It marks the day your car, motorcycle, or truck was first issued a license plate and thus officially allowed to participate in road traffic.
This day is not to be confused with the day of purchase or manufacture of the vehicle. Imagine you buy a new car that was already produced the previous year. The date of first registration would then be the day you officially register it, not the day of production or purchase.
Why is the Date of First Registration Important?
The date of first registration has an impact on various areas:
- Vehicle Tax: The amount of vehicle tax depends, among other things, on the age of the vehicle. The older the vehicle, the cheaper the tax can be, especially with the Diesel Euro 4 tax.
- Insurance Classification: Insurance companies also use the date of first registration to calculate premiums.
- Resale Value: An older vehicle usually has a lower resale value.
- Classic Car Status: Vehicles that are older than 30 years and are in good original condition can be registered as classic cars.
Where Can I Find the Date of First Registration in the Vehicle Registration Document?
In the new vehicle registration document (Vehicle Registration Certificate Part I), you will find the date of first registration under point B.09.
Date of First Registration Not in the Vehicle Registration Document?
If the date of first registration is not listed in the vehicle registration document, you can inquire at the vehicle registration office or the Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrtbundesamt).
Other Important Dates in the Vehicle Registration Document
In addition to the date of first registration, the vehicle registration document contains many other important pieces of information about your vehicle, such as:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Vehicle category
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Engine capacity and power
- Number of seats
- Permissible maximum weight
Checking vehicle registration document at a car repair shop
Conclusion
The date of first registration is an important factor for vehicle owners, as it affects vehicle tax, insurance, and resale value. It is therefore advisable to check and know this date in the vehicle registration document.
If you have any questions about your vehicle or technical problems, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our expert team at Car Auto Repair Aid is happy to assist you.