Belgium – How To Check Vehicle Registration

Are you planning to register your car in Belgium? If so, you will likely be looking for more information about the Belgian vehicle registration certificate and how to check vehicle registration in Belgium.

This post aims to provide comprehensive information about vehicle registration documents in Belgium and how to check vehicle registration information for vehicles registered there. Whether you’ve recently purchased a vehicle in Belgium or want to know more about completing a Belgium vehicle registration check, this article is your go-to resource. 

In this article, we will explore how and where to find vehicle registration information in Belgium, the institution responsible for issuing vehicle registrations in Belgium, and we’ll ensure you understand what the registration documents look like and the information they contain.

What is a Vehicle Registration?

Vehicle registration refers to the process of officially recording a motor vehicle with the appropriate government authority. It is a legal requirement in most countries, including Belgium, and serves multiple purposes. 

When a vehicle is registered, it is assigned a unique identification number, commonly known as the registration or licence plate number, which acts as a distinctive identifier for that specific vehicle.

The registration process involves providing essential information about the vehicle, such as its make, model, year of manufacture, vehicle identification number (VIN), engine details, and ownership details. This information is recorded in a centralised database maintained by the country’s government department responsible for motor vehicle registration.

Why is Vehicle Registration Important?

Vehicle registration serves several essential functions. First, it helps establish legal ownership for the registered vehicle. It also helps law enforcement authorities identify and trace vehicles involved in traffic violations, accidents, or criminal activities. 

Registration ensures that vehicles comply with safety and emissions standards and meet roadworthiness criteria through periodic inspections and tests. Additionally, registration allows for the collection of road taxes, vehicle insurance verification, and the enforcement of regulations related to parking, tolls, and congestion charges.

When Would I Need My Vehicle Registration in Belgium?

In Belgium, you may need your Certificat d’immatriculation in various situations. 

Firstly, it is essential always to have the certificate while driving your vehicle on public roads as proof of registration and compliance with legal requirements. The Belgian Certificat d’immatriculation is made up of 2 identical parts. One part is always kept in your vehicle, and the second should be kept safely at home.

When selling or transferring ownership of your vehicle, the registration certificate is necessary for completing the transaction and updating the ownership details. Insurance companies may also request the certificate for policy issuance or claims processing. 

You may require the certificate during interactions with Belgian law enforcement, such as routine checks, traffic violations, or accidents. The registration certificate is also needed when renewing roadworthiness tests or accessing certain parking facilities or toll roads that require vehicle registration verification.

What is a Vehicle Registration in Belgium Called?

In Belgium, the vehicle registration certificate is commonly known as “Certificat d’immatriculation” (CIM), while in the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders, it is referred to as “Kentekenbewijs.” In Germany, the equivalent document is called “Zulassungsbescheinigung.” 

Depending on the region you visit or intend to live in Belgium, you may hear vehicle registration be referred to as any or all of these.

The varying terminology is due to Belgium’s linguistic diversity. With French, Dutch (Flemish), and German as official languages, administrative documents, including the vehicle registration certificate, are adapted to cater to the linguistic preferences of each region. This approach ensures clarity and accessibility for citizens within their respective language communities.

The Certificat d’immatriculation, Kentekenbewijs, and Zulassungsbescheinigung all serve the same purpose, regardless of their name. They act as evidence of vehicle registration and compliance with legal requirements in their respective regions.

The Institution Responsible for Issuing the Kentekenbewijs

The Kentekenbewijs (also known as the Certificat d’immatriculation or the Zulassungbescheinigung) is the official documentation that proves vehicle registration in Belgium.

The Kentekenbewijs is issued by the Service Public Fédéral Mobilité et Transports or the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport. 

The SPF Mobilité et Transports is a government agency responsible for formulating and implementing policies related to mobility, transport, and infrastructure across the country. The SPF ensures the smooth functioning and development of various modes of transport, including road, rail, air, and waterways. 

It focuses on improving accessibility, safety, and sustainability within the transportation system while addressing the needs of different stakeholders, such as passengers, businesses, and local communities. 

Through its comprehensive expertise and regulatory functions, the SPF Mobilité et Transports contributes to the efficient movement of people and goods, supporting economic growth and enhancing the overall quality of life in Belgium. 

Vehicle Registration Information in Belgium

If you are looking to perform a Belgium vehicle registration check for a vehicle, it is simple and easy to do so through the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport website. 

This website offers free and easily accessible information regarding vehicle registration. Users can enter the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to retrieve essential details related to the vehicle registration. 

The information available includes information about the vehicle’s registration status and the expiry date of the roadworthiness test, enabling vehicle owners to stay up-to-date with the necessary inspections and maintenance requirements. You can also access technical records associated with the vehicle, providing valuable insights into the vehicle’s specifications, history, and any modifications it may have undergone.

All you need to check Belgium car registration information is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN.)

The Certificat d’immatriculation Belgium

Understanding the ins and outs of Belgian vehicle registration certificates is crucial when owning and using a vehicle in the country. The registration certificate, also known as the CIM (Certificat d’immatriculation), serves as proof that your vehicle is registered and authorised for use on public roads. 

This document is essential for any activities related to your vehicle, including re-registering it or selling it. Since 2013, the CIM consists of two parts: one part to be kept in the vehicle and another part to be stored at home. These two parts form a single document and are designed to prevent fraudulent practices involving vehicles.

It’s important to note that the CIM explicitly states that it does not serve as proof of ownership of the vehicle, as mandated by a European directive. Upon registering a new or used vehicle, you will receive the registration certificate by mail. 

If you haven’t received it within 30 days, contact the DIV (Directorate-General for Traffic) via email at retour.div@mobilit.fgov.be, providing your licence plate details and preferred method of receipt.

Once you receive your CIM, carefully separate the vehicle part and keep it in the vehicle itself while storing the home part securely at home. In case of damage, loss, or theft of your registration certificate, take immediate action. If it is damaged, request a new registration certificate or licence plate if necessary. 

For loss or theft, report the incident to the police, who will provide you with a certificate of loss or theft. Subsequently, request a duplicate registration certificate from the DIV, attaching the remaining part of the certificate and the police-issued document.

The Belgian Certificat d’immatriculation, or Certificate of Registration, contains essential information about a vehicle registered in Belgium. This document serves as proof of registration of a vehicle. 

The contents of the Certificat d’immatriculation typically include details such as the vehicle’s make, model, identification number, year of manufacture, and engine specifications. It also displays the registered owner’s name and address. 

Also known as the Kentekenbewijs, or the Zulassungbescheinigung, the certificate provides information regarding the date of first registration, the registration authority, and the validity period of the registration. 

The Certificat d’immatriculation is a crucial document that should be kept safe and readily available as it may be required for various purposes, including vehicle transactions, insurance, and legal compliance. 

Structure and Sections

The Certificat d’immatriculation is divided into several sections, each containing essential information about the vehicle and its owner. 

This first section of the document clearly details:

A.) The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

B.) The date of registration

B.1) The date of construction for the vehicle

I.) The date the registration expires

C.) Personal information about the owner of the vehicle

C.4) A statement that reads “This certificate is not proof of ownership of the vehicle.”

The second section of the Zulassungbescheinigung contains vehicle information such as: 

D.) The make, model, and type of the vehicle

F.1) Maximum permissible mass

P.1) Engine information

R.) Colour of the vehicle

T.) Maximum speed of the vehicle

V.) Environmental information 

The final section of the Zulassungbescheinigung contains commercial underplate registration information.

Are you thinking of taking your vehicle to Belgium? If so, you will likely need a Certificate of Conformity for your vehicle. 

EUROCOC is the market leader in COC mediation, and we make this process very simple. If you need a COC for your vehicle, we can help you with a few easy-to-follow steps. 

Just click here to get started!