What is the Zentrale Register (HU database)?
The Zentrale Register (HU-Datenbank) is a central database operated by the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA), the German Federal Motor Transport Authority.
It stores the results of technical inspections (Hauptuntersuchung – HU) carried out on vehicles in Germany.
Every HU carried out by:
TÜV
DEKRA
GTÜ
KÜS
FSP
is recorded electronically in this central register.
Who is obliged to register HU data in the central register?
| Category | Is registration mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle owner (private person) | No (it is done automatically by TÜV etc.) | You do not have to do anything yourself – the inspection body transmits the result directly to the KBA. |
| TÜV / DEKRA / GTÜ / KÜS / FSP | Yes | They are obliged to report every HU result electronically to the KBA. |
| Car dealer (Kfz-Händler) | Not directly | If the dealer only sells cars and does not perform HU himself, he does not have to report directly to the register. If he performs HU under his own authorisation, he must comply like an inspection station. |
| Workshop with HU authorisation | Yes | Workshops with HU authorisation (e.g. inspection points according to § 29 StVZO) must send their HU reports electronically to the KBA on a daily basis. |
What is stored in the register?
The central register typically contains:
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN / Fahrgestellnummer / FIN)
HU result (e.g. passed, minor defects, major defects)
Date and place of the inspection
Inspecting organisation (TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS, FSP, etc.)
Due date of the next HU
Do I, as a car dealer, have to participate in this registration?
It depends on your business activity:
If you only sell used cars
and you do not perform HU yourself (no own HU authorisation):
You are not obliged to register HU data directly in the central database.
HU data will be transmitted by TÜV, DEKRA and similar organisations.
However, you must comply with the following:
You must provide the customer with the original HU report (or a proper copy) when selling the vehicle, if available.
A car may only be advertised as “HU neu” (new HU) if the HU was carried out within the last 12 months.
The buyer can request the KBA to verify the validity of the HU using the central register.
If you also operate a workshop with HU authorisation
(e.g. an inspection point under § 29 StVZO):
You must register HU data in the central register.
You must comply with the KBA’s electronic documentation requirements (e.g. daily electronic submission of HU reports).
Dealer responsibilities regarding HU
| Obligation | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Ensuring that a valid HU exists | Yes | Before selling to an end customer, you must check that the car has a valid HU. |
| Providing a copy of the HU report to the customer | Yes | When selling the vehicle, the HU report must be handed over in paper or digital form. |
| Registering HU with the KBA yourself | Only if you are an authorised HU inspection entity | Normally, TÜV, DEKRA and similar inspection bodies send the data directly to the KBA. |
Important note:
If “HU neu” (new HU) is stated in an advertisement or sales contract without:
an official HU report or
a proper registration in the HU database,
this is considered misleading commercial practice (Irreführende Werbung). Possible consequences include:
Fines imposed by the local regulatory authority (Ordnungsamt) or actions by the Wettbewerbszentrale (competition watchdog)
Claims for damages by the buyer
The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or information may be incomplete or not fully verified. Therefore, please treat this content as an initial orientation and always consult the competent authorities, inspection organisations or experts for binding and up-to-date information.
