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HSN and TSN: What the key numbers reveal about your car
HSN & TSN explained simply: How to read the vehicle key numbers correctly
When you register, insure or sell a car, you will always be asked for two numbers: the HSN and the TSN. But what exactly is behind these numbers? Where can you find them in the vehicle registration document – and what do you actually need them for?
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about HSN/TSN numbers, their meaning, examples and how to find the correct information.
What are HSN and TSN?
The two key numbers HSN and TSN stand for:
- HSN = manufacturer key number (4 digits)
- TSN = type key number (3-digit or 6-digit)
Together they describe the exact vehicle model including engine and equipment. The HSN indicates the manufacturer of the vehicle. The TSN in turn identifies the exact model or type variant.
Where can I find the HSN and TSN?
The HSN and TSN are listed in the vehicle registration certificate or registration certificate part I. Depending on the document, you will find the information in the following place:
| Dokument | HSN | TSN |
| Registration certificate part I | Field 2.1 | Field 2.2 |
| Old vehicle registration certificate | Field 2 | Field 3 |
Tip
The TSN can sometimes consist of more than three characters (e.g., “000 00A”). The first three characters represent the model, and the following letters represent the variant.
What does the HSN tell me?
The HSN always has four digits and refers to the vehicle manufacturer.
The combination of HSN and TSN identifies exactly:
- den Hersteller (z. B. VW, BMW, Mercedes)
- das Modell (z. B. Golf 7, A4 Avant)
- the manufacturer (e.g., VW, BMW, Mercedes)
- the model (e.g., Golf 7, A4 Avant)
- the equipment and engine variant
- relevant technical data for insurance and spare parts
Here you can see typical combinations of HSN and TSN for well-known car brands – useful for orientation and vehicle identification.
| Manufacturer | HSN | Typical TSN numbers | Example model |
| BMW | 0603 | 472, 473, 493 | BMW 320d, 318i, 520d |
| Audi | 0588 | 614, 740, 755 | Audi A3 1.6, A4 Avant 2.0 TDI |
| Volkswagen | 0005 | 940, 983, AVB | VW Golf V, Passat Variant 2.0 |
| Mercedes-Benz | 1313 | 598, 699, 800 | Mercedes C 200 CDI, E 220 T |
| Opel | 0035 | AAY, AAV, AAS | Opel Corsa C, Astra G |
| Ford | 0928 | ACV, ABW, AFM | Ford Focus 1.6, Fiesta 1.4 |
| Hyundai | 1349 | AAA, AAG, ABB | Hyundai i30, Tucson |
Good to know
The TSN may vary for small variants of the same model – especially in the case of engine or equipment changes.
What does the TSN mean?
The TSN specifies the model and variant.
Example:
- HSN 0603 / TSN 472 00A → BMW 3 Series, year of manufacture 2018, 320d with 140 kW
The TSN may vary depending on the year of manufacture and model – it is often also decisive for tax, insurance, or emission class.
What does HSN/TSN 0000 or 00000 mean?
If your vehicle registration certificate shows “0000” or “00000” for the TSN or HSN, these are usually imported vehicles, conversions, or special registrations for which no clear classification has been made.
Consequence: Such vehicles often have to be classified individually – for example, for insurance or emissions regulations.
Why are HSN and TSN important?
You need the HSN/TSN for, among other things:
- Insurance comparison (e.g., on online comparison portals)
- Parts search (e.g., brakes, filters, oil)
- Vehicle valuation & sale
- Registration, re-registration, deregistration
- Determining vehicle tax or emissions sticker
That's why you should always have these numbers handy – especially if you want to sell your car.
Can you search for HSN and TSN online?
Yes! There are so-called HSN/TSN search engines that allow you to retrieve all technical data, emission classes, years of manufacture, or insurance information based on the numbers. Such services are often integrated with insurance companies or parts dealers.
How do I find the HSN and TSN of my vehicle?
Here is a quick summary:
- Look in your vehicle registration certificate (Part I)
- Field 2.1 = HSN (4 digits)
- Field 2.2 = TSN (usually 3–6 digits)
- For old vehicle registration certificates: “zu 2” and “zu 3”
For imports or individual registrations, the TSN may be missing or set to 0000.
Found your HSN/TSN – now what?
If you want to sell your car, CashforCars.de is the right place for you.
Your advantages at CashforCars.de:
- Purchase even with defects, accidents, or high mileage
- Fast online evaluation
- Free pickup throughout Germany
- Direct payment & deregistration upon request
How it works:
- Online: Trage Deine Fahrzeugdaten ins Online-Formular auf CashforCars.de ein
- Online: Enter your vehicle details in the online form at CashforCars.de
- By phone: +49 (211) 7306 1701
- Via WhatsApp: Just send us a quick WhatsApp message and we will get back to you
Conclusion: HSN and TSN – small numbers with a big impact
The key numbers HSN and TSN are the key to your car's identity. Whether for insurance, repair, or sale, they provide precise information about the manufacturer, model, and variant. If you know them, you can find replacement parts faster, get tailored insurance quotes, and sell your vehicle easily at CashforCars.de.
How much is your car worth? Find out with just a few clicks!
We promise you the best offer for your vehicle – quickly, safely and easily, without any obligation.
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