Driving Licence
Driving Licence in Germany
Expats who have recently arrived in Germany can generally continue to use their foreign driving licence for a limited period, depending on where the licence was issued.
Driving licence rules are regulated at the national level, but the application and exchange process can vary between federal states (Länder) and local authorities. If you are unsure about the requirements, check with your local driving licensing authority (Führerscheinstelle), which is often part of the local citizens' office or another municipal authority.
Using a Foreign Driving Licence in Germany
The validity of your foreign driving licence in Germany depends mainly on whether it was issued by an EU/EEA country or by a country outside the EU/EEA.
EU/EEA Driving Licence
If you hold a driving licence issued by an EU/EEA country, it will generally remain valid in Germany until its expiry date.
The licence must be a full driving licence. Provisional licences and international driving permits (IDPs) do not replace a valid driving licence.
If you plan to stay in Germany permanently, you can voluntarily exchange your EU/EEA driving licence for a German Führerschein. Once the original licence expires, you may need to exchange it for a German licence.
Exceptions for Certain EU/EEA Driving Licence Categories
Some categories of EU/EEA driving licences are subject to additional validity rules in Germany.
Category A1: Motorcycles
Category A1 licences are subject to age-related restrictions. Until the age of 18, holders may only ride light motorcycles within the applicable engine size and speed limits.
Categories C1 and C1E: Large Goods Vehicles
C1 and C1E driving licences are generally valid only until the holder's 50th birthday. When exchanging these categories for a German licence, additional medical and eyesight certificates may be required.
Categories C, CE, D, DE, D1 and D1E: Large Goods Vehicles and Buses
These categories are generally subject to shorter validity periods. When exchanging them for a German licence, you may need to provide medical and eyesight certificates.
Non-EU/EEA Driving Licence
If your driving licence was issued outside the EU/EEA, you can generally use it in Germany for up to six months after establishing your residence in Germany.
After this period, you will normally need to obtain a German driving licence if you continue to live in Germany.
Depending on the country where your licence was issued, you may be able to exchange it directly for a German licence. In other cases, you may have to pass a theoretical and/or practical driving test.
Translation of a Foreign Driving Licence
Depending on the country that issued your licence, you may need a German translation.
If a translation is required, it should be prepared by an authorised translator or another organisation recognised by the German authorities.
Driving Foreign Cars in Germany
If you bring a foreign-registered car to Germany, you may be able to use the foreign registration for a limited period.
If you establish your permanent residence in Germany, you will generally need to register the vehicle in Germany and obtain German licence plates.
Depending on the vehicle and its country of origin, you may also need to:
- Have the vehicle inspected
- Make technical modifications
- Obtain German car insurance
- Pay vehicle tax
- Complete the required registration procedures
Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in Germany
The requirements for exchanging a foreign driving licence depend on the country where the licence was issued and the licence category.
Generally, you will need to:
- Be registered as a resident of Germany
- Have a valid driving licence
- Meet the applicable requirements for your licence category
- Provide evidence that you were normally resident in the country that issued the licence when you obtained it
- Apply to the relevant German driving licensing authority
Some countries have special agreements with Germany that make exchanging a driving licence easier. If your country does not have such an agreement, you may need to complete theoretical and/or practical examinations.
How to Exchange a Foreign Driving Licence in Germany
To exchange your foreign driving licence, apply to your local driving licensing authority (Führerscheinstelle).
It is advisable to check the requirements with the authority before your appointment, as the documents and procedures can vary depending on your circumstances and federal state.
Documents Required to Exchange a Foreign Driving Licence
You will generally need:
- Valid identification, such as a passport or identity card
- Recent biometric passport photo
- Original foreign driving licence
- German translation of the licence, if required
- Proof of how long you have held the driving licence, if this information is not shown on the licence
- Registration certificate
Additional documents may be required depending on the driving licence category.
Additional Documents for Categories A, A2, A1, AM, B, BE, L and T
You may need to provide:
- Proof of completion of a first aid course
- Eyesight test certificate
Additional Documents for Categories C and D
You may need to provide:
- Proof of completion of a first aid course
- Medical examination or certificate of physical fitness
- Eyesight certificate
What Happens to Your Foreign Driving Licence?
When you exchange your foreign driving licence for a German one, you may have to surrender the original licence. Depending on the applicable rules, the German authorities may return it to the authority that issued it.
Once your application has been approved, your German driving licence is produced centrally and you will be notified when it is ready for collection.
Renewing a German Driving Licence
German driving licences are generally valid for 15 years.
The renewal process normally involves applying to your local driving licensing authority before the current licence expires.
You will generally need:
- Your current driving licence
- A recent biometric passport photo
- Any other documents requested by the local authority
The renewal is an administrative process and normally does not require another driving test.
Renewing a Foreign Driving Licence in Germany
You generally cannot renew a foreign driving licence through the German authorities.
If your foreign licence expires while you are living in Germany, you may need to obtain or exchange it for a German driving licence, depending on your circumstances and the rules applicable to the country that issued it.
Lost or Stolen Driving Licence
If your driving licence is lost or stolen, contact your local driving licensing authority as soon as possible.
If the licence was lost, you may need to provide a written statement explaining the circumstances. If it was stolen, you may need to provide a police report.
You will generally need:
- Identification
- Biometric passport photo
- Written statement or theft report
- Any additional documents requested by the licensing authority
If your licence was issued outside Germany or the EU/EEA, the German authorities may need to contact the issuing authority in your home country to verify your licence details.
Once the replacement process is completed, you will be notified when your new licence is ready for collection.