New issue of a driving licence due to change of name, theft, illegibility or loss

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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.
    • The loss of a driving licence must be reported immediately.

  • 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 issuing of a driving licence or the exchange of a driving licence is subject to a fee. Information on the amount of fees and costs can be obtained from the competent driving licence authority, which determines these in accordance with the German Road Traffic Fee Regulations (GebOSt). The amount of the fees depends on the administrative costs. The costs for sending the driving licence, its express delivery or other expenses are not included in the fees, but must also be borne by the applicant.

  • What deadlines do I have to observe?

    There are no deadlines to be observed.

  • Processing time

    The time taken to process the application for a driving licence depends on the circumstances of each individual case. The new card driving licence is produced centrally by Bundesdruckerei GmbH in Berlin. To receive the new driving licence, you can request that the card driving licence be sent to you. Bundesdruckerei GmbH will send it directly to you. Alternatively, you can collect the card driving licence in person or - on presentation of a power of attorney - have it collected from the driving licence authority by a representative.

    It is also possible to apply for a driving licence by express delivery. The new driving licence will then be ready at the driving licence authority within a few days.

  • Legal basis

  • Legal remedy

    • Appeal (further information on how to lodge an appeal can be found in the respective notification)
    • 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

  • What else should I know?

    It is not mandatory to have a new driving licence issued if you change your name. Nevertheless, it is recommended to have a new driving licence issued in such a case.

    Anyone who does not immediately report the loss of a driving licence and apply for a replacement document is committing an administrative offence.

    If the driving licence is lost, the applicant must, if requested by the administrative authority, make an affidavit in lieu of an oath as to the whereabouts of the driving licence.

  • Short text

    • Driving licence: Issue of a replacement driving licence
    • 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
    • Responsible: the competent driving licence authority (usually the authority 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

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  • Library entry status

    6

Responsible departments