Apply for proof of general operating license for vehicles and trailers from the former GDR

Do you no longer have proof of an operating license for your vehicle that was formerly not subject to registration in the German Democratic Republic (GDR)? Then you can under certain conditions proof of the general operating license (ABE) under certain conditions.

For vehicles formerly not subject to registration in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) without an existing registration certificate, you can apply for proof of the ABE under certain conditions. The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) is responsible for this.

Prerequisite for the issue of such a certificate: The vehicle you are applying for is a

• Small motorcycle, such as a mokick or moped
• Bicycle with auxiliary motor
• a light motorcycle that was first put on the road in the GDR before February 28, 1992 or
• a motorized invalid chair that was first put on the road in the GDR before 1 March 1991
• trailers of the former GDR production without registration

You must submit the following with your application:

• the following photos for a vehicle:
  • Front view
  • Left side view
  • Right side view
  • Fully visible and recognizable type plate
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN) stamped into the frame

• In the case of a trailer, the following photos:
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN) stamped into the frame
  • Fully visible and recognizable type plate

• You must also provide the following additional information about the vehicle:
  • Type designation
  • Year of construction
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Vehicle details, e.g. number of gears, ignition system, voltage, starter, maximum speed, battery, horns, handlebar shape, footrests, indicators, seats, exhaust
  • If necessary, information on conversions, e.g. replacement engine

• For a trailer, you must provide the following information:
  • Year of construction
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)

• The application must also contain the following personal data:
  • Contact details: First and last name, telephone number, e-mail address
  • Billing address and, if required, a different address for postal delivery of the certificate

Proof of the general operating license can be applied for by the owner for

• Vehicles that were first put on the road before March 1, 1992. For example
  • Mopeds, such as mokicks or mopeds,
  • Bicycles with auxiliary motor,
  • light motorcycles and
  • trailers without registration
• motorized ambulance chairs from the former GDR that were first put on the road before March 1, 1991.
• Vehicles listed above whose frame and type plate are in their original condition and originate from the former German Democratic Republic (GDR).

Verkehrsblattverlautbarung No. 238 (VkBL 1991 p. 736) in conjunction with Unification Treaty Chapter XI, Sgb. B, Section III

• Objection
• Administrative action

You can apply online or by post to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) for a general operating license (ABE).

Apply online:

• Visit KBA-Online and select "Proof of ABE".
• A BundID account is required for the application.
• Fill out the application form truthfully.
• Attach the required images to your application.
• When applying online, the fee is paid in advance. Payment is possible by credit card or giropay.
• If necessary, the KBA will contact you to clarify any further questions regarding your application.
• If the KBA approves your application, the KBA will send you the certificate by post.
• If the KBA rejects your application, you will also be informed of this by post.

Application by post:

• Visit the website of the Federal Motor Transport Authority and download the relevant application form.
• Complete the application form truthfully by hand or digitally.
• Print out the form and sign it by hand.
• Attach the required images to your letter.
• If necessary, the KBA will contact you to clarify any further questions regarding your application.
• If the KBA approves your application, the KBA will send you the certificate by post.
• Payment is made by cash on delivery when the certificate is sent.
• If the KBA rejects your application, you will also be informed of this by post.

for online applications: Fee 26,61 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance)

for applications by post. Payment is made by cash on delivery.: Fee 30,18 EUR

Vehicles that were produced for export did not receive an ABE from the Motor Vehicle Technical Office (KTA) of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) and therefore do not fall under the exemption regulation of the Unification Treaty. The Federal Motor Transport Authority cannot issue a new certificate for these vehicles.

Exported vehicles always require an individual operating permit from the local road traffic authority. As part of the registration procedure at the road traffic authority, an expert opinion from an officially recognized expert or an officially recognized expert from a technical service is usually required.