CoC: the document the Zulassungsstelle cannot do without

The Certificate of Conformity (CoC / EG-Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung) is your vehicle's EU technical identity document. Without it, German registration is impossible.

✓ Verified: 15/08/2026

WHAT TO DO

Check the seller's documents — is there a CoC (paper or digital)?

If no CoC: request it from the manufacturer or authorised dealer (VIN required)
Verify the VIN on the CoC matches the VIN on the vehicle
If CoC is not in German or English, arrange a certified translation

DOCUMENTS 1

CoC / EG-Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung (original)

COSTS

€

CoC from manufacturer (if missing) €50–150

VW Group, BMW, Mercedes usually €50–80; some manufacturers provide it free
€

Certified translation (if not in German or English) €30–80

What the CoC contains

The CoC — German: EG-Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung — is the technical identity card for your specific vehicle. It lists engine type, emissions, weight, braking values and all the data the Zulassungsstelle needs to register it. Without it, they cannot enter the vehicle into the system.

No CoC? Order one — it’s straightforward

Manufacturer online CoC services:

VW / Audi / Skoda / SEAT / Porsche — VW Group COC Portal
BMW / MINI — BMW CoC Service
Mercedes-Benz — Mercedes CoC Portal
Stellantis (Opel, Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat) — via dealer network

Before your appointment: check these three things

VIN on the document matches the VIN on the car
Document is legible and undamaged
Language is German or English — otherwise arrange a translation

› Details and tips

👨🏻‍💻

Max recommends:

I bought a BMW in Poland without a CoC. Went to the BMW CoC online portal, entered the VIN, paid €65 — received the PDF three days later. Zulassungsstelle accepted it without question.

👩🏼‍💼

Lea recommends:

I brought a CoC in Czech. The clerk immediately returned it: 'We need German or English.' New appointment, translation organised — entirely avoidable. Check the language before you go.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a CoC and why does the Zulassungsstelle need it? ▾

The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a manufacturer document confirming that this specific vehicle (identified by VIN) meets EU type approval requirements. It contains the technical data the registration office needs to enter the vehicle into their system. Without CoC, registration simply cannot proceed.

I have the foreign registration document from another EU country — isn't that enough? ▾

No. A Polish dowód rejestracyjny or Austrian Zulassungsschein only confirms registration in that country — not the technical data in the format the German authority needs. CoC is required separately.

How do I get a CoC if the seller didn't provide one? ▾

Most major manufacturers offer an online CoC service: VW Group, BMW, Mercedes, Stellantis. You need the VIN. Delivery time: 2–10 business days.

What languages does the Zulassungsstelle accept? ▾

German and English are accepted without translation. Any other language (Polish, Czech, French, etc.) requires a certified translation.