How To Read The Austrian Vehicle Registration Certificate

Are you planning to register your car in Austria? If so, you will likely be looking for more information about the Austrian vehicle registration certificate. 

This post aims to provide comprehensive information about the Zulassungsbescheinigung, the vehicle registration documents in Austria. Whether you’ve recently purchased a vehicle in Austria or are considering relocating to this beautiful country, understanding the ins and outs of car registration is crucial. 

In this article, we will delve into the details of this important document, including its format, colour, safety markings, and the institution responsible for issuing it. We’ll ensure you understand what the Zulassungsbescheinigung looks like, its two parts, and the information it contains.

The Zulassungsbescheinigung

Before 1999, the Zulassungsschein was the name of the registration certificate for vehicles in Austria. This historic document was replaced by the Zulassungsbescheinigung Parts I and II in 2011. Part I of the Zulassungsbescheinigung must be carried when driving the vehicle. 

Registration Status

The Zulassungsbescheinigung serves as proof that a vehicle is legally registered in Austria. It displays the registration number and the relevant information regarding the vehicle’s current registration status. This document verifies that the vehicle has met the requirements and has been officially approved for use on Austrian roads.

Ownership History

Another vital aspect covered by the Zulassungsbescheinigung is the vehicle’s ownership history. This includes information about the current owner and any previous owners. 

Technical Specifications

The Zulassungsbescheinigung provides comprehensive details about the technical specifications of a vehicle. It includes information such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year of production, engine capacity, power output, and emission standards.

Overview of the Austrian Vehicle Registration Certificate Part 1:

Part 1 of the Zulassungsbescheinigung comprises a plastic, yellow and green smart card.

Front of the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 1 (Part 1):

The front of the Zulassungsbescheinigung contains the following information:

1. Vehicle Registration Number
2. Date the vehicle was first registered
3. Personal information of the owner of the vehicle

Back of the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 1 (Part 1):

The back of the Zulassungsbescheinigung part 1 contains the following information:

(D) Vehicle Information

(D.1) make

(D.2) type – variant (if available) – version (if available)

(D.3) commercial description(s)

(E) Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
(F) Mass

(G) Mass of the vehicle in service with bodywork, and with coupling device in the case of a towing vehicle in service from any category other than M1

(H) Period of validity, if not unlimited

(I) Date of the registration to which this certificate refers

(J) Vehicle category

(K) Type-approval number (if available)

(L) Number of axles

(M) Wheelbase (in mm)

(N) For vehicles with a total exceeding 3500 kg, distribution of the technically permissible maximum laden mass among the axles

(O) Technically permissible maximum towable mass of the trailer

(P) Engine information

(Q) Power/weight ratio (in kW/kg) (only for motorcycles)

(R) Colour of the vehicle

(S) Seating capacity

(T) Maximum speed (in km/h)

(U) Sound level

(V) Exhaust emissions

(W) Fuel tank(s) capacity (in litres)

Further detail on the information included in each part of the Zulassungsbescheinigung can be found here.

Security Features of the Zulassungsbescheinigung Part 1

The Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 1 has various security features to ensure the document’s validity. 

Security patterns using guilloche printing and micro printing are utilised on the card. 

Authorities can verify them with the naked eye or a magnifying glass. 

The card also utilises a holographic strip, colour-shifting ink, laser engraving, embossing, tactile lasering, iridescent printing, and a security background pattern. All of which can be identified with the naked eye or by special equipment. 

Overview of the Zulassungsbescheinigung Part 2:

The Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 2 (Part 2) is made up of 105 x 223mm blue and yellow paper.

The Front of Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 2.

Back of the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 2

The document contains the same information about the vehicle as Part 1, including the date of issue for the documents, the date of first registration, the VRN, the VIN, the vehicle’s engine number, etc.

Security Features of the Zulassungsbescheinigung Part 2

The Zulassungsbescheinigung Part 2 utilises various security methods to ensure the document’s validity. These include fluorescent fibres, fluorescent strips, and watermarks. These can all be used by the authorities to check the validity of the document. 

The Institution Responsible for Issuing the Zulassungsbescheinigung

The website for the Vienna government states that if you have your primary residence in Austria, you must also get an Austrian vehicle registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung) for your motor vehicle. 

You can register your vehicle at insurance companies’ vehicle registration offices (Zulassungsstelle). You will get your number plate there as well. 

The Versicherungsverband Österreich: VVO (Austrian Insurance Association) can inform you about the nearest registration office.

Are you thinking of taking your vehicle to Austria? 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! 

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