For plenty of enthusiasts, a classic Mercedes-Benz is not merely a car; it is part of the family. Mercedes-Benz is now offering owners a fresh way to mark that connection with an official “Birth Certificate.” At present, the €130 (about $150) document is available only in Germany, and it lists a vehicle’s original factory specifications for models produced between January 1, 1986, and December 31, 2010. In essence, it serves as a factory-issued record of how a Mercedes left the assembly line.

Officially named the Mercedes-Benz Classic Birth Document by the company, it contains important information taken directly from Mercedes-Benz archives. The data included covers the VIN (also called the FIN for German cars), model, ship date, original paint colour, engine and transmission numbers, factory-fitted options, and interior trim specifications. For collectors, restorers, and prospective buyers, it is a highly useful piece of documentation that can help confirm a car’s originality.

Although VIN lookup tools have offered similar functions for years, this being Mercedes-Benz, the experience is positioned at a more premium level. The birth document is printed on high-quality paper and presented inside a specially designed folder with the company crest embossed on the outside. That said, it is not a certificate of authenticity, and Mercedes-Benz makes no claims regarding the originality, condition, or value of the vehicle.

Even so, whether you own a W124 E-Class, R129 SL-Class, W140 S-Class, or another model, the document could help resolve questions left unanswered after decades of ownership changes and modifications. If you are carrying out a restoration project, it may prove useful in identifying the correct paint code, interior materials, or optional equipment. Then again, it could simply be kept as a special memento.

There is one disappointing detail for now: the birth document is currently available only for cars in Germany, though there are plans to extend the service to additional European markets. There is no indication yet on whether or when the service will be offered for cars in the U.S. Vehicles outside Germany are not the only ones left out either, as AMG, Smart, and van models are also not included in the programme at present.

Despite those limitations, the concept behind the new birth document is certainly an interesting one. It is a thoughtful service that feels specifically designed for enthusiasts, and one that many Mercedes owners in the United States will likely hope makes its way across the Atlantic sooner rather than later.