H-Kennzeichen
Germany's official historic-vehicle plate with an ‘H’ for cars 30+ years old – full everyday use, flat vehicle tax, free access to low-emission zones.
What is the H-Kennzeichen?
The H-Kennzeichen is Germany's official plate for historic vehicles. The ‘H’ after the registration number (for example B-AB 123H) stands for ‘historisch’ (historic) and certifies the vehicle as automotive cultural heritage. Unlike the red 07er plate, a vehicle with an H-Kennzeichen is fully and normally registered – it may be used in everyday traffic without restriction.
Requirements
For an H-Kennzeichen the vehicle must be at least 30 years old (first registered more than 30 years ago), be in largely original, well-kept condition and hold a positive historic-vehicle assessment under § 23 StVZO. This assessment is carried out by recognised bodies such as TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ or KÜS and confirms originality and condition. Period-correct modifications are allowed; modern power upgrades or serious defects lead to rejection. A valid periodic technical inspection (Hauptuntersuchung, every two years) is also required.
Costs and tax
The vehicle tax is a flat rate, independent of engine size, power and emissions: 191.73 euros per year for cars and 46.02 euros for motorcycles. First-time H-registration costs roughly 180 to 400 euros in total – the historic-vehicle assessment (about 80–200 euros), registration fees (about 27–30 euros), plates (about 20–40 euros) and, where due, the technical inspection. On top comes the usually inexpensive classic-car insurance.
Advantages
Besides the flat tax, the H-Kennzeichen allows free entry to all German low-emission zones (Umweltzonen) without an emissions sticker. The vehicle can be used without restriction, and no logbook is required.
Relevance for rallying
For entrants in regularity and classic rallies the H-Kennzeichen is the obvious choice when only one historic vehicle is used: it allows both the drive to and from the event and the liaison sections on public roads, without the usage limits of the 07er plate. Owners of several classics that are only moved to events, by contrast, are often better off with the red 07er plate.
Age, exceptions and a regional note
In concrete terms the 30-year rule means for 2026: vehicles first registered up to 31 December 1996 qualify. Rejection follows from non-period modifications such as a modern chassis, serious rust damage or later power upgrades. Over the years the low flat tax usually offsets the one-off costs by a clear margin, and the car officially counts as rolling cultural heritage, often with inexpensive classic-car insurance. An H-Kennzeichen is tied to a single vehicle, unlike the 07er. Important: the H-Kennzeichen is a German rule. Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France and Spain have their own rules for historic vehicles, such as the veteran status in Switzerland; for cross-border rallies it pays to check the national provisions in advance.