The HSN, TSN, and KBA codes can be used to identify the manufacturer, model, and engine type of the car or vehicle. You can store and analyze this data in the vehicle management module of the CATAMA software. Read below to learn more about what the HSN and TSN codes represent and where to find this information. Additionally, CATAMA includes a KBA search feature to simplify vehicle registration.
KBA – Federal Motor Transport Authority Number
The KBA number is a combination of the HSN and the TSN. The Federal Motor Transport Authority provides a complete list of manufacturer code numbers on its website. It is possible for a single manufacturer to be assigned multiple HSN codes. This is usually the result of restructuring or a change of name.
HSN – Manufacturer Identification Number
The manufacturer code (abbreviated as HSN) is a four-digit numerical code. It uniquely identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer. The code is located in Part I of the registration certificate under section 2.1. On older registration certificates—issued on or before September 30, 2005—the manufacturer code is found in field 2. Generally, the manufacturer code (HSN) is maintained by the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Flensburg, which is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.
By combining the HSN and the TSN (see type code number), a vehicle can be uniquely identified and classified. The data can be easily entered into CATAMA software and is also searchable.
Quick Facts About the Manufacturer Identification Number (MID)
The HSN consists of a four-digit number and is listed on the vehicle registration certificate.
On a new vehicle registration certificate (Part 1), the HSN code is located in field 2.1. For vehicles manufactured before 2005, the manufacturer code is simply listed in field 2. The same applies to the vehicle title (Part 2).
TSN – Type Code Number
The TSN is an eight-digit alphanumeric code. It represents the vehicle’s type, variant, and version. The first three digits specify the model, such as Punto or Golf. The last 5 digits of the TSN, on the other hand, define the vehicle more precisely, including, for example, information on the body style, engine type, and fuel source. The TSN can also be stored and analyzed in the vehicle management module of the CATAMA software.
The type code number (TSN) can be found next to the manufacturer code number (HSN) in the Certificate of Registration under section 2.2 and in the vehicle registration certificate under section 3.
Quick Facts About the Type Code Number (TSN)
The type code number is abbreviated as TSN and specifies the exact vehicle type or the manufacturer's exact model. From this, you can also determine, for example, the horsepower rating or the engine displacement.
The TSN code consists of three numbers or letters, depending on the vehicle's date of manufacture. For older vehicles, the TSN consists of three numbers. New vehicle registration certificates and titles, on the other hand, now only list three letters as the type code number.
Structure of the Certificate of Registration, Part 1
Entries in the Certificate of Registration
B: Date of the vehicle's initial registration
2.1: Manufacturer code (HSN)
2.2: Type code (TSN) with check digit
J: Vehicle class
4: Body type
E: Vehicle identification number (chassis number)
3: Check digit of the vehicle identification number
D.1: Make
D.2: Type / Variant / Version
2: Manufacturer abbreviation
5: Designation of the vehicle class and body type
V.9: Emission class for EC type approval
14: Designation of the national emission class
P.3: Fuel type or energy source
10: Code for P.3
14.1: Code for V.9 or 14
P.1: Engine displacement in cm³
22: Remarks and exceptions
L: Number of axles
9: Number of drive axles
P.2/P.4: Rated power in kW / Rated speed in rpm
T: Maximum speed in km/h
18: Length in mm
19: Width in mm without mirrors and attachments
20: Height in mm
G: Mass of the vehicle in service in kg (unladen mass)
12: Tank capacity for tank vehicles in m³
13: Towing weight in kg
Q: Power-to-weight ratio in kW/kg (only for motorcycles)
V.7: CO2 in g/km (combined value)
F.1: Technically permissible maximum mass in kg
F.2: Permissible maximum mass in the Member State of registration in kg
7.1: Axle load, axle 1 in kg
7.2: Axle load, axle 2 in kg
7.3: Axle load, Axle 3, in kg
8.1: Axle load, Axle 1, in kg
8.2: Axle load, Axle 2, in kg
8.3: Axle load, Axle 3, in kg
U.1: Stationary noise in dB(A)
U.2: Engine speed in min⁻¹ for U.1
U.3: Driving noise in dB(A)
O.1: Technically permissible braked trailer load in kg
O.2: Technically permissible unbraked trailer load in kg
S.1: Seats including driver’s seat
S.2: Standing room
15.1: Tires – Axle 1
15.2: Tires – Axle 2
15.3: Tires – Axle 3
R: Vehicle color
11: Code for R
K: EC type approval or ABE number
6: Date for K
17: Operating permit characteristic
16: Number of the Certificate of Registration Part II
21: Other notes
