What are HSN and TSN? We have the info!

Thomas Wachsmuth 22. February 2023 Tips, products, information & Co.

Reading time 6 Min.

Recently updated on September 29, 2023 at 01:54 am

[Update: 29.09.2023] This post was updatedto take more recent information into account. Drivers encounter the codes again and again HSN and TSN, which are a combination of letters and numbers. These abbreviations represent the manufacturer code number (HSN) and the type code number (TSN), which are assigned by the KBA, the Federal Motor Transport Authority. With the manufacturer key number, the HSN, reveals the manufacturer of the car in question, while the TSN as Type code number Provides information about the vehicle type. For example, the HSN “7656” could be used to identify the motor vehicle manufacturer Alpina, while the type code number “ACK00007” identifies a specific vehicle type.

What information can be obtained through the HSN and TSN?

With this TSN you can easily check that this is the “Alpina G30 5201TL”. Now you know what the abbreviations “HSN” and “TSN” stand for, but where can you find these numbers and why are they needed?

With the TSN one can find out the vehicle model
The HSN provides information about the manufacturer of the vehicle
Thanks to the TSN, you get additional information on the displacement (engine power), body, year of construction and fuel source of the vehicle

Why are the HSN and TSN needed?

With the HSN as well as the TSN one can easily find accessories and spare parts. So you don't run the risk of buying the wrong spare parts that don't fit the vehicle.
The two codes are required to register and register a vehicle.

When are the key numbers still needed?

Who owns a car at his Insurance If you want to register, you need the two key numbers, as these must be entered into the insurance company's database. Occasionally it happens that the insurers cannot find the specified key numbers in their databases, for example when you want to register a classic car. This also happens again and again with so-called gray imports. The insurance company employees then help themselves and their clients by entering similar vehicle types into the database in order to be able to offer the desired insurance service. The type class, which is also attached to the TSN, is decisive for the insurance.

Why should vehicle owners know the key numbers?

You don't need to memorize the combination of numbers and letters, but it's useful to know where to find these codes.

If you want to register your vehicle, you have to give the HSN and the TSN to the responsible road traffic office.
Beide Key numbers can be helpful when purchasing replacement parts.
The numbers are also relevant for insurance.

What is the HSN?

The manufacturer key number shows which manufacturer is responsible for the vehicle. The four-digit code is in vehicle registration listed under point 2.1. Due to different model generations, a manufacturer can also receive several manufacturer numbers from the Federal Motor Vehicle Office.

What exactly is the TSN?

The type code number consists of 3 letters and 5 numbers, older vehicles manufactured before 2005 have a TSN that consists entirely of numbers. Among other things, special information such as the vehicle's equipment, the body model or the engine performance can be read from the TSN. The type code number is required for registration, registration, insurance purposes and for the procurement of spare parts.

Depending on the vehicle, it may happen that the TSN is zeroed out. This can be the case, for example, with cars that have been reimported, but also with vehicles that have been approved again after a type change. How exactly the nullification is carried out is not known. It can happen with smaller conversions, with mobile homes, as well as with larger tuning measures.

And what is the ESN?

In addition to the TSN and the HSN, there is also the ESN, the emission key number with which the emission level of a vehicle is determined. It is required to calculate the vehicle tax and insurance. You can find them under the Field 14.1.

Codes identifying a vehicle

The vehicle registration document contains the important codes that can identify the vehicle.
The HSN can be found under 2.1, while the TSN can be found under point 2.2.
Anyone who needs these codes but does not currently have the vehicle registration document to hand can also obtain them from the Database of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) ask.

And finally ...

The HSN and the TSN are individual features that are used to register and identify a vehicle. Both codes are required not only for registration with the competent authority and with the insurance company. The number and letter combinations are also important for the procurement of spare parts in order to avoid confusion and the purchase of wrong spare parts. The two codes can be easily found in the vehicle registration document.

Summary: HSN and TSN key numbers

The Manufacturer key number (HSN) and the Type code number (TSN) form an essential alphanumeric code that provides specific information about your vehicle. The code contains both numbers and letters and provides information about the vehicle type, engine power, displacement and the type of fuel used. In Germany in particular, knowledge of the key numbers is important for various administrative processes, such as Car insurance. The HSN identifies the manufacturer of the car, while the TSN identifies the specific type of vehicle. An example combination would be the HSN “1313” for the manufacturer “Mercedes-Benz” and the TSN “BFY001675” for a specific vehicle type. In special cases, such as TSN “000”, these are vehicles that were originally produced for abroad and then re-imported to Germany.

If the vehicle registration document is not available, there are still options Determine HSN and TSN. One option is to use the database of Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), which allows the key numbers to be queried even without vehicle documents. The list of all manufacturers and their HSN numbers published annually by the KBA, as well as various car databases on the Internet, can also be used. The key numbers are listed in the vehicle registration document or registration certificate Points 2.1 for the HSN and 2.2 for the TSN. If you want to look for spare parts online, the numbers are essential to find the correct parts for the vehicle. The The HSN and TSN are allocated by the KBA and ensures clear identification of the vehicle, which is of great importance in many areas, from insurance to vehicle maintenance.

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