Apply for a World Manufacturer Identification Number (WMI) for manufacturers of motor vehicles and trailers with administrative headquarters in Germany

As a vehicle manufacturer, you can apply for a World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) from the Federal Motor Transport Authority here.

The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) assigns a World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) to vehicle manufacturers that have their administrative headquarters in Germany.

This number is part of the 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) and is used to uniquely identify the manufacturing company of a vehicle. For vehicle manufacturers with an EU type approval, a VIN including the global manufacturer number is mandatory

You must submit an application so that the KBA can assign you a new WMI. The allocation is subject to a fee.

If you have acquired another vehicle manufacturer's company and would like to take over its WMI, you can also apply for this.

• Copy of an expert opinion for individual vehicles or from the main inspection body responsible for the vehicle manufacturer, e.g. TÜV, TÜH, DEKRA. If your company has an EU type approval or ABE, you do not need to submit an expert opinion.
• Copy of an excerpt from the commercial register, a trade register or a business registration

• You manufacture motor vehicles and/or trailers.
• Your company has its administrative headquarters in Germany.

ISO 3780:2009 in conjunction with Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2021/535

• Appeal
  You will find further information on how to lodge an objection in the notification of your application

You can apply for a world manufacturer number (WMI) using the online application form at the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA):

• Call up the corresponding online service on KBA-Online.
• Authenticate yourself via your My Company Account with the ELSTER certificate.
• Fill out the application form truthfully.
• Upload all supporting documents to be submitted.
• The KBA may contact you to clarify any queries.
• Once the application has been checked, the KBA will send you the allocation notice by post and digitally if the decision is positive.
• If the decision is negative, your application will be rejected and you will be informed accordingly.

There are no deadlines.

for allocation of a World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): Fee 340,00 EUR

There are no indications / special features