Germany (DE)

German VAT Number Validation

Format, pattern, and ISO 7064 checksum algorithm for DE VAT numbers

German VAT numbers (Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer or USt-IdNr) consist of 9 digits and use the ISO 7064 Mod 11-10 checksum algorithm.

Format vs. Active Validation

This checks format only, not if a VAT number is really registered. Use VatDB's API to verify is a number is really registered and active. VatDB checks official EU and national datasources.

Format Overview

Property Value
Country Code DE
Format 9 digits
Length 9 digits
Example DE123456789

Regex Pattern

^DE[0-9]{9}$

Checksum Algorithm (ISO 7064 Mod 11-10)

def validate_de_vat(number):
    if number.startswith('DE'):
        number = number[2:]

    if len(number) != 9 or not number.isdigit():
        return False

    # ISO 7064 Mod 11-10 algorithm
    check = 5
    for digit in number:
        d = int(digit)
        check = ((check or 10) * 2) % 11
        check = (check + d) % 10

    return check == 1

Important Notes

  • The USt-IdNr is different from the Steuernummer (local tax number)
  • Issued by the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (BZSt)
  • Required for intra-EU trade

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify a German VAT number is valid?
To verify a German VAT number, check it has 9 digits, then validate using the ISO 7064 Mod 11-10 algorithm. Use VatDB's API for official verification against EU and German BZSt databases.
What does a German VAT number look like?
A German VAT number (USt-IdNr) has the format DE123456789 - the country code 'DE' followed by exactly 9 digits.
How many digits are in a German VAT number?
A German VAT number contains exactly 9 digits after the DE country code. The complete number including the country code is 11 characters (DE + 9 digits).
What is the difference between German USt-IdNr (VAT ID) and Steuernummer (Tax number)?
The USt-IdNr (Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer) is the EU VAT ID used for cross-border trade. The Steuernummer is a local German tax number for domestic filings. Businesses need both for different purposes.
Where can I check a German VAT number online?
Use VatDB's API for instant VAT validation against official EU and national databases. Get real-time verification with company details.
What's the difference between format validation and checking if a VAT number is active?
Format validation confirms structure and checksum, but businesses get deregistered and numbers get cancelled. VatDB's API verifies current, active registration status.

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