License plate or document security code damaged? How to complete your i-Kfz procedure online anyway

1. Why you can still complete the process online (and must not drive with a damaged seal)

Standard municipal portals reject applications as soon as a single character is missing. Furthermore, once a license plate seal or Part I code is uncovered or damaged, the vehicle is legally invalidated for public traffic and must not be driven to the registration office.

Our online form solves this digitally in two stages so you can complete your application from home.

2. Stage 1: Built-in 2D DataMatrix scanner with error correction

Next to every 3-character plate code, 7-character Part I code, and 12-character Part II code sits a square 2D DataMatrix barcode (ECC 200). Thanks to Reed-Solomon error correction, our smartphone camera scanner in the form can often read the exact code even when the printed characters next to it are scratched off.

3. Stage 2: Toggle “Code unreadable / damaged” directly in the form

If the DataMatrix barcode is also torn (for example due to a double-layered seal), start your procedure as usual and switch on “Code unreadable / damaged / not uncovered” right below the code field:

• ✓Manual code entry is skipped immediately.
• ✓You take a quick reference photo of the plate or document via smartphone.
• ✓Verification is handled digitally via the registered bulk-customer interface, while your payment is only pre-authorized until verified.

4. Important distinction: Damaged code vs. pre-2015 / pre-2018 documents without any code

Any document or plate that originally had a security code field (Part I and plate seals issued from January 1, 2015; Part II issued from January 1, 2018) can be submitted online using the damaged-code toggle. Only older documents issued before 2015/2018 that have no security code field at all, lost documents, or temporary/export plates require an in-person appointment.