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Germany’s Digital Vehicle Registration Goes Live With Huawei and Motorola Exclusions

The state i‑Kfz app is legally valid in Germany, with paper still required for travel abroad.

Overview

  • Official guidance confirms the i‑Kfz app supports iOS 17 or later and Android 12 or later, with Huawei and Motorola devices not compatible.
  • The digital Fahrzeugschein satisfies the obligation to carry vehicle papers inside Germany, while the paper document remains necessary outside the country and for certain registration procedures that require a printed security code.
  • Setup requires an eID‑enabled national ID or residence permit plus the six‑digit eID PIN, and the app pulls authenticated vehicle data from the KBA register.
  • Security features include eID-based verification, device-level locks, and end‑to‑end encryption, with the document stored locally, usable offline, and updated automatically from official records.
  • During police checks drivers do not hand over their phones, temporary sharing for workshops is supported via QR or link, and a digital driver’s licence is planned by the end of 2026 ahead of the EU’s 2030 target.