Question 1

What does a simple vehicle owner search cost?

Accepted Answer

The official fee for a simple register information is standardized nationwide at 5.10 euros per queried vehicle, regardless of whether you submit the application to the registration office in Schmalkalden or directly to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).

Question 2

Can I apply for a vehicle owner search completely online?

Accepted Answer

No, a vehicle owner search about another person (§ 39 StVG) cannot be applied for at the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) or the registration offices in such a way that you can see the data online immediately. The KBA does offer an online register search, but this is exclusively for information about your own data (self-assessment) and is free of charge. If you are looking for the data of another owner, the information is sent by post without exception for data protection reasons, costs 5.10 euros, and currently takes about 8 weeks to process at the KBA.

Question 3

What reasons count as a legitimate interest?

Accepted Answer

A legitimate interest exists if you need the owner data to pursue legal claims in road traffic. Typical examples are damage regulation after a traffic accident (e.g. in the event of a hit-and-run), the assertion of towing costs for a blocked driveway, or civil claims due to property damage.

Question 4

Can I also determine the owner of a foreign vehicle?

Accepted Answer

This is much more difficult for private individuals, as the German central register only lists domestic plates. In the event of an accident with a foreign vehicle, it is best to contact the central call center of German auto insurers directly to determine the responsible German partner insurance of the owner.

Question 5

Will I also find out who drove the car through the owner search?

Accepted Answer

No. The owner search only delivers the name and address of the person to whom the vehicle is officially registered. Who actually drove the vehicle at a specific time (driver status) is not recorded in the vehicle register.

Question 6

What is the difference between a simple and an extended register search?

Accepted Answer

For a simple register search (§ 39 Abs. 1 StVG) you receive the name, address, vehicle data, and information on the liability insurance of the owner. The extended register search (§ 39 Abs. 2 StVG) includes additional personal data (such as date of birth) and requires that you cannot obtain the data in any other way. All details can be found on the KBA information page.

Question 7

How do I trace the whereabouts of a stolen vehicle via the KBA?

Accepted Answer

If you have obtained an ownership claim to the vehicle and its whereabouts are unknown (e.g. after a theft), you can apply for information on its whereabouts. The fee is 6.10 euros according to GebOSt. The KBA will then inform you as soon as the vehicle is processed by any registration authority.

Apply for vehicle owner search at the registration office Schmalkalden

Examples of legitimate interest:

Personal Documents:

Frequently Asked Questions(7)

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