Classic Car Assessment under § 23 StVZO

What is it about?

For your vehicle to be officially recognised as an Oldtimer (classic car) and to apply for the H-Kennzeichen (historic plate), an expert report under § 23 StVZO is required. With this report, an officially recognised expert or inspection engineer classifies the vehicle as „kraftfahrzeugtechnisches Kulturgut" (cultural automotive heritage).

The decisive document is the „Richtlinie für die Begutachtung von Oldtimern nach § 23 StVZO" (Guideline for the Assessment of Classic Cars under § 23 StVZO) issued by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV).

At the TÜV NORD Station Berlin-Rudow, we carry out classic car assessments for cars, motorcycles, trucks and tractors.

Requirements for the H-Kennzeichen

For your vehicle to be recognised as a classic car, the following conditions must be met:

• Minimum age : The date of first registration must be at least 30 years ago.
• Original condition : The vehicle must correspond to its original condition, including its original colour scheme.
• Technical condition : The vehicle must be technically sound and in good care and preservation condition.
• Patina permitted : Light signs of use and patina are acceptable, however, rust-through (Durchrostungen) or substantial defects are not.

The aspects assessed are therefore: preservation, care and original condition (Erhaltungs-, Pflege- und Originalzustand).

What to bring to the assessment

• Vehicle registration certificate Part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I, Fahrzeugschein)
• If available: service booklets, restoration documentation, historical photographs and other documents on the vehicle's history and modification approvals

What is assessed?

During the classic car assessment under § 23 StVZO, your vehicle is examined comprehensively. The main focus is whether the vehicle can be considered cultural automotive heritage. In particular, the following aspects are examined:

• Conformity of registration documents and service booklets with the vehicle's technical equipment and condition
• History (Historie) of the vehicle
• Technical condition of the assemblies (engine, chassis, brakes, bodywork, electrical system)
• Visual condition and historically accurate appearance
• Interior fittings and their state of preservation
• Completeness and quality of repair and restoration work performed

The assessment also includes an inspection equivalent to a main inspection (HU), as a classic car must also be roadworthy.

Frequently asked questions