Straight to the point: Exchange a foreign driving licence with us – we help with the application →
Foreign driving licence in Germany: When must the driving licence be exchanged?
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 exchange my licence 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 exchange works, what documents are required, and how to have your driving licence transferred without any problems.
In a nutshell
- EU and EEA driving licences generally remain valid; an exchange 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, eye test and first aid course are mandatory for exchanging for a German driving licence.
- At Fahrschule Fahrplan you can easily retake the theory and practical tests
Foreign driving licence: Do I need to exchange my driving permit?
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 there is no compulsory exchange. This only applies to old paper licences issued before 2013. However, the deadline for this runs until January 2033.
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, it is possible to exchange the licence 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 exchanging 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 exchanging 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 exchange your driving licence, 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
For all other third countries, the theoretical and practical tests are compulsory. Driving lessons at a driving school are not mandatory, but the Fahrschule Fahrplan still supports you with registration, preparation and the test: a huge advantage for your smooth exchange.
Step-by-step: How the exchange of the German driving licence works
- 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
- Attend in person at the licensing office or the competent driving licence authority
- Proof of residence in Germany must be provided
- Full UK driving licence
- Official translation (if necessary)
- vision test certificate
- First-aid course certificate
- Biometric passport photo
- as applicable, medical reports for special classes
- Mandatory for third countries
- No mandatory driving lessons, but proof of test readiness must be demonstrated
- Driving School Fahrplan supports you with both tests
Fees & Processing Time
| Post | Estimated cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange driving licence (authority) | €30–€43 | dependent on local authority |
| Translation | €17–€43 | depending on the language and provider |
| eye test | €10–15 | Compulsory for cars/motorcycles |
| First-aid course | €17–€43 | necessary only once |
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 car rental or if your national driving licence is not in the Latin alphabetValid for max. 3 yearsValid only in conjunction with original driving licence
Our range of services
Your benefits with 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
TipBook an appointment directly with the Fahrplan driving school – we help you avoid all potential mistakes and get your new driving licence quickly.
FAQ – Driving licence exchange in Germany
If you establish your residence in Germany, holders of a non-EU 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 taking up residency.To convert a foreign driving licence, you need the original licence, an official translation (if not in the Latin alphabet), your identity card or passport, a recent registration certificate, a biometric passport photo, an eye test certificate and proof of completion of a first-aid course. For certain licence categories or countries, a medical report may additionally be 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 countries can sometimes be converted without a test, whereas other non-EU countries require both a theoretical and a practical test.Yes, under certain conditions, the 6-month period for non-EU licences can be extended. This is possible if your stay in Germany is expected to last less than 12 months and a corresponding application is submitted to the competent driving licence authority. Anyone who continues to drive with a foreign licence after the deadline has expired without having converted it to a German driving licence commits an offence. This can result in fines, penalty points in Flensburg or even criminal consequences. In addition, 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 – Fahrplan driving school is your point of contact!