Straßenverkehrsamt

Straßenverkehrsamt, meaning road traffic office, is the name given in German-speaking regions to a government authority that administers matters related to road traffic. The exact structure and responsibilities vary by country and locality, but typical duties include driver licensing, vehicle registration, and related administrative procedures. In many jurisdictions, the functions are carried out by local or cantonal authorities within the municipal or district administration.

A central task of the Straßenverkehrsamt is issuing and renewing driving licenses, maintaining official records of driver qualifications, and handling changes in license categories. In several areas, the actual testing for theory and practical driving is conducted by separate exam centers or licensed driving schools, with the results reported to the Straßenverkehrsamt for licensing.

Vehicle registration is another core service. The office handles registration of motor vehicles, changes of ownership, updates of owner data, and the issuance of vehicle documents and license plates. It may also coordinate or oversee vehicle inspections and roadworthiness checks, either directly or through designated testing centers.

Additional functions often include issuing permits for special vehicles or transport services, managing related fines and administrative penalties, and providing information to the public. Many Straßenverkehrsämter offer online services for forms, appointments, and status checks.

In Germany, the term is used regionally, while in many states the respective duties are performed by separate offices known as Kfz-Zulassungsstellen (vehicle registration) and Führerscheinstellen (driving licenses). In Austria and Switzerland, Straßenverkehrsamt is the standard term for the cantonal or municipal authority responsible for road traffic administration.