MODIFICATION APPROVAL · § 19 STVZO

Modification Approval and Individual Approval under § 19 StVZO

The registration of your tuning and modification work, from wheels and suspension to sport exhaust systems.

What is it about?

When you make modifications to your vehicle, such as new wheels, a coilover suspension (Gewindefahrwerk), a sport exhaust system, a tow hitch (Anhängerkupplung), sport seats or a wide-body conversion, these can affect your vehicle's operating permit (Betriebserlaubnis). In many cases, a technical approval under § 19 StVZO is required.

At the TÜV NORD Station Berlin-Rudow, we examine your modifications and issue the corresponding certificate for submission to the registration authority.

There are two procedures, depending on whether valid certificates of conformity exist for the installed parts.

Modification Approval (Änderungsabnahme) under § 19 (3) StVZO

A modification approval (also known as Anbauabnahme) is performed when a valid Teilegutachten (parts certificate) or ABE, Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis (general operating permit) is available for the installed parts and the vehicle is listed in the certificate's scope of application.

What we check :

Correct installation of the part
Conformity with the scope of application of the certificate
Compliance with all conditions and requirements specified in the certificate
Roadworthiness and conformity with the StVZO

Important to know :

If multiple parts have been installed simultaneously or at different times (e.g. wheels combined with coilover suspension), the respective certificates may interact with each other. In this case, it must be reassessed whether everything still has sufficient clearance and complies with regulations.

Individual Approval (Einzelabnahme) under § 19 (2) in conjunction with § 21 StVZO

An individual approval is required when:

No valid certificate is available for the installed part
The certificate exists but the vehicle is not listed in the scope of application
Multiple modifications interact with each other and the original certificates have lost their validity as a result

In these cases, the original operating permit has expired and must be reissued. The individual approval is significantly more involved than a modification approval, all required examinations are carried out on site.

What to bring to the approval

Vehicle registration certificate Part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I, Fahrzeugschein)
For modification approval: the Teilegutachten or ABE
If available: tyre approvals (Reifenfreigaben), manufacturer certificates, previous registration documents
For individual approval: all available technical documentation on the part

When in doubt: Talk to us before making the modification. This way you avoid unnecessary costs for non-approvable modifications.

Common examples

Modification	Generally required
Light-alloy wheels with ABE	Often no approval needed
Wheels with Teilegutachten	Modification approval under § 19 (3)
Coilover suspension with Teilegutachten	Modification approval under § 19 (3)
Wheels + suspension simultaneously	Modification approval, interaction check
Sport exhaust with Teilegutachten	Modification approval under § 19 (3)
Tow hitch with Teilegutachten	Modification approval under § 19 (3)
Wide-body conversion	Often individual approval under § 19 (2)
Imported vehicle without operating permit	Full approval under § 21 StVZO
Sport seats with integrated airbag	Often individual approval under § 19 (2)

📋 Result : You receive a certificate for submission to the registration authority. With a modification approval, it is often sufficient to carry the certificate with you until the next change to the registration documents.
📅 Appointment : Available online or via WhatsApp
📍 Location : Alt-Rudow 7, 12357 Berlin-Rudow
💶 Price : See current price list ⬇

Frequently asked questions

When does my vehicle's operating permit expire?

The operating permit may expire if modifications to the vehicle could endanger road users, change the vehicle category, or worsen the emissions or noise behaviour.

Is an ABE sufficient?

With an ABE (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis), an approval is not always required. The ABE itself indicates this. With a Teilegutachten, however, a modification approval is always required.

Do I have to go to the registration authority after the approval?

With an individual approval, the vehicle documents must be corrected by the registration authority without delay. With a modification approval, it is often sufficient to carry the certificate with you until the next change to the documents (e.g. change of owner, relocation). The specific procedure is stated on your certificate.

What if my modification is not approvable?

In that case, we will advise you honestly and transparently on what adjustments would be necessary to meet the requirements.

Can I get advice before making the modification?

Yes, and we recommend it. A clarifying conversation in advance avoids unnecessary costs for non-approvable modifications.

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