Foreign driving licence (EU/EEA countries): rewrite
Service description
EU/EEA driving licences for harmonised categories (categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE) do not generally require a transfer.
A transfer is required if the validity of the driving licence or the period of validity of the driving licence or individual driving licence categories is due to be extended after taking up residence in Germany.
Attention:
In the case of driving licence categories that are limited in Germany (categories C and D as well as corresponding subcategories and trailer categories), the German period of validity also applies if no or longer periods are entered in the foreign driving licence.Holders of EU/EEA driving licences of non-harmonised categories may drive motor vehicles in Germany within the scope of their entitlement after taking up residence in Germany as long as the foreign driving licence is valid, but for no longer than 6 months. If a motor vehicle is to continue to be driven in Germany after this period, a German driving licence must be issued on the basis of the foreign driving licence (so-called transfer). See also: Transferring a foreign (non-EU/EEA) driving licence.
The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) provides detailed information on the recognition of foreign driving licences in Germany on its website under "Validity of foreign driving licences in the Federal Republic of Germany".
There you will also find an "Information sheet for holders of foreign driving licences (driving licences) from EU and EEA states on driving licence regulations in the Federal Republic of Germany".
- Validity of foreign driving licences in the Federal Republic of Germany - (Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure - BMVI)
- Information sheet for holders of foreign driving licences from EU and EEA states on driving licence requirements in Germany - (Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure - BMVI)
Procedure
The application must be submitted in writing or in electronic form.
Contact the driving licence authority in the place where you have your main residence.
Which documents are required?
- Official proof of place and date of birth.
- A current biometric photograph (size 45x35 mm, portrait format, frontal view). Information and examples can be found in the photo sample table (Bundesdruckerei)
- Foreign driving licence
More detailed information can be obtained from your local driving licence authority.
What fees are incurred?
The amount of the fee depends on the scale of fees for road traffic measures (GebOSt). The amount depends on various factors. The local driving licence authority can provide information on a case-by-case basis.
Legal basis
§§ Sections 28 and 30 of the Driving Licence Ordinance (FeV)
- § Section 28 of the Driving Licence Ordinance (FeV): Recognition of driving licences from member states of the European Union or another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area
- § 30 FeV: Issuing a driving licence to holders of a driving licence from another Member State of the European Union or another State party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area
- Fee regulations for road traffic measures (GebOSt)
Short text
- EU/EEA driving licences for harmonised categories (categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE) do not generally have to be rewritten.
- Re-registration required if the validity of the driving licence or the period of validity of the driving licence or individual licence categories is due to be extended after taking up residence in Germany
Typing
2/3Library entry status
6