Digital HU Reports Now Available

Vehicle owners in Germany can now access a Digital Inspection Report (DUB) in addition to the traditional HU sticker and paper report during the main inspection (HU) starting from November 25, 2025. This innovation was introduced by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) and aims to enhance the transparency and traceability of vehicle inspections. The DUB is automatically generated with each main inspection, regardless of whether the inspection is conducted by TÜV, Dekra, GTÜ, or KÜS. Vehicle owners can view the DUB online from the date of the HU.

The report includes all relevant inspection and defect items but does not contain any personal data, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. To access the DUB, vehicle owners must either scan a QR code or use a specific link on the KBA website. When using the link, the input of the DUB search ID, the inspection report number of the HU report, and the supervising institution is required. This information allows access to the digital data. A significant advantage of the DUB is the simplified sharing of HU results.

This could be particularly important when selling vehicles, as potential buyers can quickly access the inspection results. Workshops also benefit, as they receive immediate information on necessary work to be performed. The introduction of the DUB could also help many vehicle owners become better informed about the condition of their vehicles. The DUB offers a digital alternative to the traditional paper HU report, which will still be issued. However, the digital version is not available retroactively, meaning that vehicles inspected before November 25, 2025, will not receive a DUB. The main inspection is crucial for vehicle safety. In Germany, cars must undergo an HU every two years, while new cars are first inspected after three years. The introduction of the DUB could increase the efficiency of inspections and the traceability of defects. The inspection organizations have already provided positive feedback on the introduction of the DUB.

They see the digital solution as a way to modernize the inspection process and provide vehicle owners with more transparency. The use of digital technologies in vehicle inspections could also be further expanded in the future. Initial feedback from vehicle owners indicates that many were unaware of the existence of the DUB. This may suggest that a comprehensive information campaign is necessary to inform users about the new possibilities. The KBA plans to provide more information on how to use the DUB.

The digital transformation in the field of vehicle inspections is a step towards greater efficiency and user-friendliness. The DUB is not part of the i-Kfz app and can be used independently of it. The inspection organizations are working to further promote the use of the DUB and inform vehicle owners about its benefits. The introduction of the Digital Inspection Report is part of a broader initiative for digitization in the transport sector. These developments could also have long-term effects on how vehicle inspections are conducted and documented.

The DUB could serve as a model for similar digital solutions in other areas of transport. The next major change in vehicle inspections could be the planned abolition of the annual TÜV requirement for older cars, which is currently under discussion. This measure could adjust the inspection intervals for older vehicles, thereby reducing the burden on drivers. The introduction of the DUB is a significant step in modernizing vehicle inspections in Germany. The report is generated with each main inspection and is now accessible to all vehicle owners.