Electronic insurance confirmation: Understand and optimally use your digital key for vehicle registration
23 Jun 2025
4
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
The electronic insurance confirmation, or eVB for short, is essential for vehicle registration in Germany. Since 2008, it has replaced the old double card, significantly simplifying the process. Understand how this digital system speeds up your path to your desired license plate.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The electronic insurance confirmation (eVB) is a seven-digit code that serves as digital proof of motor vehicle liability insurance for vehicle registration in Germany and has replaced the paper form since 2008.
You receive the eVB number free of charge from your insurer, usually online or over the phone, and it is typically valid for a single registration process.
The eVB is required for new registrations, re-registrations, re-approvals, and short-term number plates; the data is transmitted electronically between the insurer and the registration office.
The electronic insurance confirmation (eVB) at a glance: What you need to know
The electronic insurance confirmation, often abbreviated as eVB, is a digital proof of an existing motor vehicle liability insurance for a vehicle. Since its introduction in 2008 by the Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV), it has become a central element in the registration of motor vehicles in Germany. It replaced the previous paper-based insurance double card and streamlined the process for millions of registrations annually. The eVB number is a seven-character code consisting of letters and numbers, which you receive from your insurer. This code is required at the registration office to digitally verify the insurance cover. Without a valid eVB number, vehicle registration is not possible. The switch to the electronic process has significantly accelerated and secured communication between insurers, the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), and registration authorities. This digital proof is therefore the first step on the road to your registered vehicle.
How the eVB process works: From application to approval
The process of obtaining and using an electronic insurance confirmation is straightforward and designed for efficiency. You request the eVB number directly from the car insurer of your choice, often online or by phone within a few minutes. After a successful application, the insurer usually sends you the seven-digit eVB number via email or SMS. This number securely contains all relevant data about the policyholder and the scope of the insurance. The registration authority accesses this data through a central database of the German Insurance Association (GDV). Transmission occurs almost in real-time. The insurer usually requires information about the vehicle owner and the vehicle for the application. The system reduces sources of error, as there is no longer a need for manual data transfer. This accelerates the entire registration process.
When is an eVB number required? The most common applications in practice
You need the electronic insurance confirmation in Germany for various processes related to your motor vehicle. At least five scenarios require presenting a valid eVB number at the registration office. Here are the most important applications summarized for you:
Registration of a brand new or imported vehicle.
Re-registration of a vehicle in case of change of ownership, for example after a sale.
Re-registration of a previously deregistered or decommissioned vehicle.
Applying for a temporary license plate for test or transfer journeys, often valid for five days.
Entering technical changes to the vehicle that require adjustments to the vehicle documents.
Re-registering the vehicle when moving to a new registration district.
Applying for new number plates, for example after loss or theft.
A separate eVB number is necessary for each of these processes. Once an eVB number is used, it loses its validity for further registration processes. So if you plan, for example, to purchase a new car and deregister your old one, you will need a fresh eVB number for the new registration. Carefully applying ensures your request can be promptly processed by the registration authority.
Validity, costs, and important details about the eVB number: What you should consider
The electronic insurance confirmation is free of charge for you as the policyholder; the fee is included in the regular premium of your car insurance. The validity period of an eVB number can vary depending on the insurer, but it often ranges between three and six months. Some insurers also issue it for up to 24 months. It is important: An eVB number is generally only valid for a single registration process. Once you have successfully registered your vehicle, the used number loses its function. If you do not use the eVB number within its validity period, it automatically expires, and you may have to apply for a new one. It is advisable to request the eVB number shortly before your planned visit to the registration office to ensure it is still valid. Transmission usually takes place within a few minutes.
Expert knowledge on eVB: Understanding legal foundations and special cases
The legal basis for the electronic insurance confirmation is found in the Vehicle Registration Regulation (FZV). This regulation requires insurers to electronically transmit proof of liability insurance to the registration authorities. The data exchange is carried out via a central agency, GDV Dienstleistungs-GmbH, ensuring high data security and efficiency. An important point: The eVB initially only confirms the existence of the legally required motor vehicle liability insurance. Desired comprehensive cover must be applied for separately with the insurer and is not automatically covered with the issuance of the eVB. For special requirements, such as large company vehicle fleets, insurers can also issue permanent eVBs that are valid for multiple registration processes. Our expert tip: Before visiting the registration office, check the accuracy of your personal data on the eVB confirmation to avoid delays. Incorrect information can result in the registration office not recognising the eVB number. In such cases, the insurer must be contacted to obtain a corrected or new number. Knowing these details helps you to confidently master the vehicle registration process.
The path to your eVB number: Simple and quick at nextsure
Applying for your electronic insurance confirmation is a straightforward process that paves the way for you to register your vehicle. With many providers, including nextsure, you can request your eVB number online or by phone in just a few steps. You will generally receive this seven-digit number promptly via email or SMS. This number is your key to quick and hassle-free vehicle registration. Ensure all your details are correct to avoid any queries at the registration office. With a valid eVB number and the other required documents, such as the insurance certificate and vehicle papers, nothing stands in the way of a successful registration. The digitisation of this process has significantly reduced waiting times and minimized errors, benefiting thousands of vehicle owners every year. This service is an example of how digital solutions in the insurance sector can make everyday life easier.
After registration: What happens to the eVB number?
Once your vehicle has been successfully registered with the electronic insurance confirmation at the registration office, the specific eVB number has served its purpose. It is marked as used in the system and is no longer valid for any further registration processes. Therefore, you do not need to retain or archive the number. Insurance cover for your vehicle begins with the registration, based on the contract you have concluded with your insurer. The official proof of your insurance cover is then represented by the insurance certificate (policy) that you receive from your insurer. The eVB number is therefore a temporary but necessary tool in the registration process. For future registration processes, such as a vehicle change or re-registration, you will always need a new, current eVB number. The insurance certificate number, on the other hand, remains relevant for the duration of your contract.
Common sources of error and how to avoid them with the eVB
Your next step: Individual consultation for optimal protection
More useful links
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive explanation of the electronic insurance confirmation process in Germany.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides information on digital vehicle registration (i-Kfz) and the online registration process.
The GDV Dienstleistungs-GmbH provides information on the data logistics service of the German Insurance Association (GDV).
Statistics on new vehicle registrations are available on the website of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) offers tables and data on new vehicle registrations.
FAQ
What exactly is the eVB number?
The eVB number is a seven-character alphanumeric code (e.g., A1BC25Z) issued by your car insurance company. It serves as electronic proof for the registration authority that your vehicle has a valid motor liability insurance.
For which processes do I need an eVB number?
You need an eVB number for the registration of a new vehicle, for a change of vehicle or owner, for the re-registration of a decommissioned vehicle, when moving to a different registration district, or for applying for temporary license plates.
How do I obtain an eVB number?
You can apply for the eVB number directly from your chosen car insurance company. This can usually be done online through the insurer's website, by phone, or via email. The number is often sent to you immediately via email or SMS.
Is the eVB number free of charge?
Yes, the issuance of the eVB number itself is free of charge for the policyholder. The costs for this are already included in your car insurance premiums.
How long is my eVB number valid?
The validity period of an eVB number is determined by the respective insurer and usually lasts between three and six months, but no more than 24 months. It is only valid for a single registration process.
What happens if my eVB number is not accepted during registration?
If your eVB number is not accepted, it could be due to incorrect data or an expired validity. In this case, promptly contact your insurer to have the data corrected or to receive a new eVB number.
