Guide · Licence renewal
Driving licence: Deadlines & important differences when renewing driving licence categories
When do you have to exchange or renew your driving licence, what documents do you need, and how much does it cost?
The driving licence renewal is a topic that affects many drivers and at the same time often causes confusion. Strictly speaking, it is not in all cases the driving licence that is renewed, but sometimes merely the document that is exchanged. The crucial factor is the difference between the driving licence (document) and the entitlement to drive (driving right).
While for a car driving licence usually only an administrative exchange is necessary, drivers of lorries and buses must actively renew their licences on a regular basis.
Renewing a driving licence: A brief summary
- Car driving licence (Category B): renewal every 15 years, no test
- HGV & bus (categories C and D): actual renewal every 5 years
- Compulsory exchange of old driving licences (issued before 19 January 2013): deadlines and costs in the guide Exchanging your driving licence
- Medical examinations only required for C and D classes
- Submit the application to the driving licence authority in good time
When does the driving licence need to be renewed or exchanged?
Do you still have an old paper or photocard driving licence? You can find all exchange periods, a deadline calculator and the costs in the guide Exchanging your driving licence: deadlines, costs and procedure.
There are essentially two different systems:
1. Car driving licence (Category B)
The EU driving licence issued by the Class B has been valid for a fixed term of 15 years since 2013. This means that the document must be renewed once this period has expired. However, this has no effect on the driving licence, which remains valid. No test or new examination is therefore required.
2. Lorry and bus driving licence (Categories C and D)
In the Driving licence categories The situation is different for C, C1 and CE, as well as D, D1 and DE.
In this case, the driving licence itself is only issued for a limited period and must be renewed every five years. This is governed by the Driving Licence Regulations (FeV). This applies in particular to professional drivers, for whom the professional driver’s qualification (code 95) is also relevant.
Prerequisite: What documents are required?
Certain documents are required to renew or exchange a driving licence. These may vary depending on the category:
Standard documents (car exchange)
- a valid identity card or passport
- valid driving licence
- biometric photograph (35 x 45 mm)
- Application to the Driving Licence Authority
Additional documentation (lorries & buses)
- medical certificate of physical fitness
- ophthalmic report
- where applicable, proof of further training for professional drivers
- additional forms in accordance with Appendices 5 and 6 of the FeV
These checks are carried out to regularly assess drivers’ fitness to drive and road safety.
The process for renewing a driving licence
The procedure is usually simple and easy to plan:
1. Submitting an application to the driving licence authority or the citizens’ advice bureau
2. Submission of all required documents
3. Processing by the authority
4. Issuing and posting the new driving licence
Many towns and cities now also offer an online service portal for booking appointments or submitting applications in advance. It is advisable to submit your application around 3 to 6 months before it expires to avoid waiting times.
Costs and fees for renewing a driving licence
The fees depend heavily on the amount of work involved:
- Compulsory exchange of old car driving licences: usually €26.50 (details in the guide Exchanging your driving licence)
- Truck or bus length extension: significantly greater following an expert assessment
- Additional costs: eye test, medical examination, photographs
All in all, the total costs for professional drivers can quickly add up to between €100 and €300, or even more.
What happens if your driving licence expires?
An expired driving licence can have various consequences:
Car driving licence
In most cases, this is simply a fine for failing to exchange the document in good time. The driving licence remains valid.
Lorry and coach driving licence
The situation is considerably more serious here. If the licence is not renewed, it will lapse. Driving without a valid driving licence is a criminal offence under Section 21 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG) and may be punishable by a fine or a prison sentence.
Special cases: Foreign driving licences
Anyone who moves their residence to Germany must have a foreign driving licence exchanged under certain conditions. As a rule, the following applies:
- First: within 6 months of taking up residence
- Recognition depends on the country of origin (EU/non-EU)
- may be subject to additional checks or documentation
Here too, submitting the correct application to the driving licence authority plays an important role. Any questions about converting a foreign driving licence?
Frequently asked questions about driving licence renewal
Do I have to take a new test?
No. In most cases, it is a purely administrative procedure without a theory or practical test.
How long is the new driving licence valid?
EU driving licences are generally issued for 15 years.
Where do I apply?
At the responsible driving licence authority or the citizens' office in your city.
Read more
Act in good time and keep track of deadlines
The driving licence renewal is not a complicated process, but it requires attention to deadlines. Whilst car drivers usually only need to renew their document, for lorry and bus drivers a regular renewal of the driving licence is strictly necessary.
Anyone who acts in good time, prepares all the documents and submits the application early will avoid unnecessary costs and problems. It is particularly important to distinguish between an exchange and a genuine renewal, as misunderstandings often arise here.
With good planning, your driving licence remains valid without interruption and your journey on the road stays safe and legally compliant. We at the Driving School Frankfurt expert advice!
For the actual driving licence training process, click here: This is how you get your driving licence.