What is the difference between the reporting code and the registration code?
The registration code and the car registration code are sometimes confused. Yet these two codes both serve different purposes. The registration code is needed when transferring, suspending, scrapping, exporting or trading in the car. The registration code is needed when buying car insurance. We explain the difference between the two here.
What is a registration code?
A registration code is a unique 9-digit code that accompanies your registration card. It allows you to prove that you are actually the owner of the car. The registration code consists of 2 parts. The first part of the registration code is given to you when you have the car registered in your name, it is on the registration certificate that you receive once the registration has been transferred to your name. Part 1 of the code consists of the first 4 digits of the registration code.
The second part of the registration code is in the letter you receive from the RDW, along with your registration card. This will be sent by mail a few days later. This letter contains the last 5 digits of the registration code. You are supposed to compile the code yourself and keep it well.
What is a reporting code?
A car's report code is a unique four-digit code. The code is equal to the last 4 digits of your car's chassis number. An insurer needs the report code to register the car with the National Road Administration (RDW). Without a report code, you can't get car insurance either. With the report code the RDW can see that the car is (at least) WAM-insured.
What exactly is the difference?
There are some differences between the registration code and the reporting code:
| Registration code | Reporting code |
|---|---|
| Is a proof of ownership | Serves as identification for the RDW |
| Need when selling, scrapping, trading in, suspending or exporting the car | Need when buying auto insurance |
| Get it in 2 parts; on the registration certificate and via a letter from the RDW | Is in the registration certificate and can be found under the hood |
| Consists of 9 digits | Consists of 4 digits |
Lost reporting code or registration code
Have you lost your reporting code? There are several ways to retrieve the report code. The registration code can be found on the registration certificate part 1B or on the registration card. It can also be found under the hood of your car or on the inside of the door. Finally, you can request the report code from the RDW or from the car dealer.
Have you lost your registration code? Then you can request a new code through the RDW.
- Go to 'Lost car registration code' and log in using the 'Instant download registration code' button.
- Log in with your DigiD.
- Pay the fee of €1 using iDeal.
- You will then receive two emails from the RDW. The second email contains the link to your new registration code.
The new registration code remains for 40 days. Therefore, download it immediately and save it properly. Once you have the new registration code, the old code is no longer valid.
Related pages about the registration code
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