Applying for a driving licence

Teaser

If your name has changed, you can have a new driving licence issued. If your driving licence has been stolen, defaced or destroyed, you must have a new driving licence issued.

  • Service description

    If your name has changed, you do not need to have a new driving licence issued. However, it may be useful to be in possession of an EU driving licence with up-to-date details, especially when travelling abroad.

    If you wish to change the name on your driving licence, you will be issued with a new card driving licence on application.

    If your driving licence has been lost or destroyed (theft, illegibility or loss), you will need a new driving licence unless you renounce your driving licence.

  • Procedure

    You can apply for a replacement driving licence at the driving licence authority in your place of residence.

  • Responsible office

    The responsibility lies with the driving licence authority.

  • Prerequisites

    You must be the holder of a valid German driving licence.

  • Which documents are required?

    In case of name change:

    • Official proof of place and date of birth (e.g. identity card or passport), registration certificate if applicable,
    • Previous driving licence
    • a biometric photograph in accordance with the Passport Ordinance (35 x 45 mm, frontal view, portrait format). Information and examples can be found in the photo sample table (Bundesdruckerei).
    • in the event of a change of name due to marriage: additionally a certified copy of the marriage certificate, provided the name has not yet been changed in the identity card or passport,
    • In the event of a name change due to divorce: additional name change certificate from the registry office, if the name has not yet been changed in the identity card or passport.
    • You can find out more from the responsible office

    In the event of theft, loss, illegibility:

    • a biometric photograph in accordance with the Passport Ordinance (35 x 45 mm, frontal view, portrait format). Information and examples can be found in the photo sample table (Bundesdruckerei).
    • If applicable, submission of an affidavit in lieu of an oath regarding the whereabouts of the driving licence
    • Official proof of place and date of birth (e.g. identity card or passport)
    • current registration certificate, if applicable
    • Report the theft to the police, if applicable

  • What fees are incurred?

    The costs are based on the applicable scale of charges for road traffic measures (GebOSt).

  • What deadlines do I have to observe?

    There is no deadline.

  • Processing time

    The processing time depends on the capacity utilisation of the relevant driving licence authority.

  • Legal basis

  • Legal remedy

    • Contradiction
    • Action before the administrative court

  • Applications / Forms

    • Forms available: Yes
    • Written form required: Yes
    • Informal application possible: No
    • Personal appearance required: Yes
    • Online services available: No

  • Short text

    • Driving licence issue
    • New issue of a driving licence due to change of name, theft, illegibility or loss
    • If the name of the driving licence holder has changed, a new replacement driving licence can be issued (voluntary)
    • If the driving licence has been lost, defaced or destroyed, the applicant will need a new driving licence
    • The competent driving licence authority is the competent authority in each case (usually that of the place of residence; in the case of legal entities, commercial enterprises or authorities, the authority of the registered office or the location of the branch or office involved).

  • Typing

    3

Responsible departments