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Guide · Converting a driving licence
Foreign driving licence in Germany: When must the driving licence be exchanged?
Do you need to have your foreign driving licence converted, what documents do you need and how much does the conversion cost?
Moving to the Federal Republic of Germany raises many questions, especially if you already hold a foreign driving licence. Am I allowed to keep driving? Do I have to have my licence converted at the driving licence authority? And what deadlines apply for the new licence?
According to the German Driving Licence Ordinance, everything depends on the country in which your driving licence was issued, whether you establish a residence and which categories you hold.
In this post, you'll learn step by step how the conversion works, what documents are required, and how to have your driving licence converted without any problems.
In a nutshell
- EU and EEA driving licences generally remain valid; a conversion is only necessary upon expiry or in special cases.
- For third countries, the 6-month rule applies: after that, you must exchange your driving licence.
- Some countries (so-called listed countries) benefit from simplified test procedures according to Annex 11 of the Driving Licence Regulations (FeV).
- Documents are always mandatory. You only need an eye test and a first aid course for driving licences from countries outside the EU and EEA that are not listed with your category in Annex 11 FeV (Section 31(2) FeV). For EU/EEA licences and Annex 11 categories, both are not required (Section 30(1), Section 31(1) FeV).
- At Fahrschule FAHRPLAN you can easily take the theory and practical tests.
Foreign driving licence: Do I need to have my driving licence converted?
If you live in Germany and obtained your driving licence in a non-EU/EEA country, you are only allowed to drive with it for 6 months. After that, you must have it exchanged and can then continue driving with your newly issued licence.
For drivers with an EU/EEA driving licence, it is somewhat simpler: the European driving licence remains valid and moving to Germany does not require a conversion. Irrespective of this, under EU law all driving licences issued before 19 January 2013 – paper and card licences alike – must be exchanged by 19 January 2033 at the latest; some countries have set earlier, staggered deadlines.
Holders of driving licences from the countries listed in Annex 11 of the FeV also have it slightly easier than drivers from third countries: in some cases, the licence can be converted without having to take a test at all.
EU / EEA vs non-EU countries: The key differences
EU/EEA: Rights & exchange deadlines for old driving licences
As the holder of an EU or EEA driving licence, you are generally permitted to drive in Germany and within the EU without converting it. Even though you now have your residence in Germany, your driving licence remains valid.
However, this only applies to your category B driving licence: additional conditions may be required for lorry or bus categories.
Get in touch with us easily right here and we'll discuss your individual case!
Third countries: 6-month rule and exceptions for converting driving licences
For driving licences from non-EU/EEA states, the following applies: upon establishing your place of residence in Germany, you are only allowed to drive for 6 months. After that, you must have your driving licence converted, otherwise you risk driving without a licence. In Germany, this is considered a criminal offence.
ExceptionsSome countries listed in Appendix 11 of the Driving Licence Ordinance (FeV) allow for a simplified exchange:
- USA (state-dependent)
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
- Switzerland
The list includes significantly more states: since 18 August 2026 also the Ukraine and Montenegro, alongside Albania, Israel, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Moldova, among others – partly with no examination at all, partly with only one of the two examinations. For third countries that not are listed in Annex 11 of the FeV, both a theoretical and a practical test are required. Which case applies to you will be shown to you by the Quick check on the licence exchange page. Driving lessons at a driving school aren’t compulsory, but Fahrschule FAHRPLAN will still help you with registration, preparation and the test: a major advantage for a smooth licence conversion.
Step-by-step: How the exchange of the German driving licence works
Step 1: Check whether a test is required
- Listed countriesIt is possible that no additional check is necessary
- third countriesTheory and practical test required, which you can book directly at our driving school
- EU/EEAYour driving licence remains valid
Step 2: Apply at the driving licence office
- Attend in person at the licensing office or the competent driving licence authority
- Proof of residence in Germany must be provided
Step 3: Documents & forms
- Full UK driving licence
- Official translation (if necessary)
- Eye test certificate (only for driving licences under Section 31(2) FeV, not EU/EEA, no Annex 11 category)
- First aid course certificate (only for driving licences under Section 31(2) FeV, not EU/EEA, no Annex 11 category)
- Biometric passport photo
- as applicable, medical reports for special classes
Step 4: Theory and practical test with Fahrschule FAHRPLAN
- Mandatory for third countries
- No mandatory driving lessons, but proof of test readiness must be demonstrated
- Fahrschule FAHRPLAN supports you with both tests
Fees & Processing Time
| Post | Estimated cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Converting the driving licence (authority) | €35–€50 | dependent on local authority |
| Translation | €20–€50 | depending on the language and provider |
| eye test | €10–15 | Car/motorcycle; only mandatory for driving licences under Section 31(2) FeV (non-EU/EEA, no Annex 11 category) |
| First-aid course | €20–€50 | one-off; only mandatory for driving licences under Section 31(2) FeV (non-EU/EEA, no Annex 11 category) |
Save time and hassle: We from your Driving School Frankfurt advise you on all cost items and support you with registration and exams.
International driving permit: When is it required?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) does not replace your national driving licence. It is merely a supplementary document:
- Required for hire cars or if your national driving licence is not in the Latin alphabet
- Valid for max. 3 years
- Valid only in conjunction with original driving licence
Our range of services
Your benefits at Fahrschule FAHRPLAN:
- Experienced and patient driving instructors: We tailor our approach to suit you.
- Modern vehicles: Learn in modern cars (manual and automatic).
- Flexible lesson times: We will find suitable dates for your driving lessons together.
- Transparent pricing: Fair conditions with no hidden costs.
- Optimal exam preparation: We prepare you specifically for theory and practice.
- Good accessibility: Our site near Kirchplatz/Westbahnhof can also be reached quickly from Bockenheim.
Common mistakes & how to avoid them
Expired driving licence
Translation not carried
Waiting too long after 6 months
Errors in forms / eyesight test / first aid
FAQ – Driving licence exchange in Germany
How long am I allowed to drive in Germany with a foreign driving licence?
If you establish your residence in Germany, holders of a third-country driving licence are allowed to drive for a maximum of six months before converting it to a German driving licence becomes compulsory. EU or EEA driving licences generally remain valid even after establishing residency.
What documents do I need?
To convert a foreign driving licence, you need the original driving licence, an official translation (if not in the Latin alphabet), your identity card or passport, a recent registration certificate, a biometric passport photo and – only for driving licences under Section 31(2) FeV, i.e. not from the EU or the EEA and not in an Annex 11 category – an eye test certificate and proof of a first-aid course. For certain classes or countries, a medical report may additionally be required.
Are tests always required?
No, tests depend on the country of origin of your licence. For EU and EEA licences, tests are generally not necessary. Licences from so-called Annex 11 states can sometimes be exchanged without a test, while other third countries require a theory and practical test.
Can I extend the 6-month period?
Yes, under certain conditions, the 6-month period for non-EU/EEA driving licences can be extended. This is possible if the stay in Germany is expected to last less than 12 months and a corresponding application is submitted to the competent driving licence authority.
What happens if I miss the conversion deadline?
Anyone who continues to drive with a foreign driving licence after the deadline has expired without having exchanged it for a German driving licence is committing an offence. This can result in fines, penalty points in Flensburg or even criminal consequences. Furthermore, insurance cover becomes void in the event of an accident.
Also in other matters – like Tips for passing the theory driving test, the practical test, questions about Driving licence disqualification or much more – Fahrschule FAHRPLAN is your point of contact!
Click here for the standard driving licence training process: This is how you get your driving licence.