Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA)

The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) is a German federal agency subordinate to the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport. Established in 1951, the authority operates from Flensburg and Dresden, employing approximately 859 people with a 2024 annual budget of €99.244 million.

The agency's core functions focus on ensuring road safety through the type approval and market surveillance of vehicles and vehicle parts. It monitors quality control at manufacturing plants, supports recall actions, and designates technical services and certification offices. As a leading European authority in type approval, the KBA works to reduce the environmental impact of noise and pollutant emissions.

Additionally, the KBA manages several central registers, including the Central Vehicle Register (ZFZR) and the Central Register of Driving Licences (ZFER). It provides critical data and tailor-made statistics regarding vehicles, trailers, and driving permits to authorities and entitled organizations both in Germany and abroad.