{"id":167,"date":"2026-06-17T10:48:07","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T08:48:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/start.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/blog\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung\/"},"modified":"2026-09-17T18:22:46","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T16:22:46","slug":"fuehrerscheinverlaengerung","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/blog\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving licence renewal"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fp-rg\">\n<div class=\"fp-rg-kopf\">\n<p class=\"fp-rg-eyebrow\">Guide \u00b7 Licence renewal<\/p>\n<h2>Driving licence: Deadlines &amp; important differences when renewing driving licence categories<\/h2>\n<p class=\"fp-rg-leitfrage\">When do you have to exchange or renew your driving licence, what documents do you need, and how much does it cost?<\/p>\n<p>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).<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"fp-rg-meta\">Updated: September 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fp-rg-kurz\">\n<h3>Renewing a driving licence: A brief summary<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Car driving licence (Category B): renewal every 15 years, no test<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HGV &amp; bus (categories C and D): actual renewal every 5 years<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compulsory exchange of old driving licences (issued before 19 January 2013): deadlines and costs in the guide <a href=\"\/en\/blog\/fuehrerschein-umtauschen\/\">Exchanging your driving licence<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical examinations only required for C and D classes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit the application to the driving licence authority in good time<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fp-rg-zahlen\">\n<div><strong>15<\/strong><span>years is how long the EU category B licence is valid as a document.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><strong>5<\/strong><span>years is how long the licence for lorries and buses is valid.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><strong>3\u20136<\/strong><span>months before expiry is when you should apply.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><strong>26,50 \u20ac<\/strong><span>is the standard fee for the compulsory exchange of an old driving licence.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>When does the driving licence need to be renewed or exchanged?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"fp-rg-hinweis\"><strong>Do you still have an old paper or photocard driving licence?<\/strong> You can find all exchange periods, a deadline calculator and the costs in the guide <a href=\"\/en\/blog\/fuehrerschein-umtauschen\/\">Exchanging your driving licence: deadlines, costs and procedure<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>There are essentially two different systems:<\/p>\n<h3>1. Car driving licence (Category B)<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The EU driving licence issued by the <a href=\"\/en\/klasse-b\/\">Class B<\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>2. Lorry and bus driving licence (Categories C and D)<\/h3>\n<p>In the <a href=\"\/en\/blog\/fuehrerscheinklassen\/\">Driving licence categories<\/a> The situation is different for C, C1 and CE, as well as D, D1 and DE.<br \/>\nIn 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\u2019s qualification (code 95) is also relevant.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"fp-rg-bild\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung-antrag-buergerbuero-1024x572.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung-antrag-buergerbuero-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung-antrag-buergerbuero-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung-antrag-buergerbuero.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 780px\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" alt=\"Young woman hands in her documents for the driving licence exchange at the citizen&#039;s registration office\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>With a car driving licence, usually only the document is exchanged \u2013 the driving entitlement remains valid.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Prerequisite: What documents are required?<\/h2>\n<p>Certain documents are required to renew or exchange a driving licence. These may vary depending on the category:<\/p>\n<h4>Standard documents (car exchange)<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a valid identity card or passport<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valid driving licence<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">biometric photograph (35 x 45 mm)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Application to the Driving Licence Authority<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Additional documentation (lorries &amp; buses)<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical certificate of physical fitness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ophthalmic report<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">where applicable, proof of further training for professional drivers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">additional forms in accordance with Appendices 5 and 6 of the FeV<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These checks are carried out to regularly assess drivers\u2019 fitness to drive and road safety.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"fp-rg-bild\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung-lkw-fahrer-unterlagen-1024x572.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung-lkw-fahrer-unterlagen-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung-lkw-fahrer-unterlagen-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung-lkw-fahrer-unterlagen.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 780px\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" alt=\"Lorry driver checking the paperwork for the renewal of his driving licence beside his lorry\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Additional documentation is required for lorries and buses, such as a medical certificate and an ophthalmological report.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>The process for renewing a driving licence<\/h2>\n<p>The procedure is usually simple and easy to plan:<\/p>\n<h3>1. Submitting an application to the driving licence authority or the citizens\u2019 advice bureau<\/h3>\n<h3>2. Submission of all required documents<\/h3>\n<h3>3. Processing by the authority<\/h3>\n<h3>4. Issuing and posting the new driving licence<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2>Costs and fees for renewing a driving licence<\/h2>\n<p>The fees depend heavily on the amount of work involved:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compulsory exchange of old car driving licences: usually \u20ac26.50 (details in the guide <a href=\"\/en\/blog\/fuehrerschein-umtauschen\/\">Exchanging your driving licence<\/a>)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Truck or bus length extension: significantly greater following an expert assessment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional costs: eye test, medical examination, photographs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All in all, the total costs for professional drivers can quickly add up to between \u20ac100 and \u20ac300, or even more.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"fp-rg-bild\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung-aerztliche-untersuchung-1024x572.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung-aerztliche-untersuchung-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung-aerztliche-untersuchung-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fuehrerscheinverlaengerung-aerztliche-untersuchung.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 780px\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" alt=\"Female doctor measures blood pressure of a young bus driver during a medical examination\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>When renewing for lorries and buses, costs for an eye test and a medical examination are added.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/kontakt\/\">Any questions?<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"fp-rg-hinweis\">\n<h2>What happens if your driving licence expires?<\/h2>\n<p>An expired driving licence can have various consequences:<\/p>\n<h3>Car driving licence<\/h3>\n<p>In most cases, this is simply a fine for failing to exchange the document in good time. The driving licence remains valid.<\/p>\n<h3>Lorry and coach driving licence<\/h3>\n<p>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.\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Special cases: Foreign driving licences<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone who moves their residence to Germany must have a foreign driving licence exchanged under certain conditions. As a rule, the following applies:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First: within 6 months of taking up residence<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognition depends on the country of origin (EU\/non-EU)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may be subject to additional checks or documentation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here too, submitting the correct application to the driving licence authority plays an important role. Any questions about <a href=\"\/en\/blog\/fuehrerschein-umschreiben\/\">converting a foreign driving licence<\/a>?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions about driving licence renewal<\/h2>\n<h3>Do I have to take a new test?<\/h3>\n<p>No. In most cases, it is a purely administrative procedure without a theory or practical test.<\/p>\n<h3>How long is the new driving licence valid?<\/h3>\n<p>EU driving licences are generally issued for 15 years.<\/p>\n<h3>Where do I apply?<\/h3>\n<p>At the responsible driving licence authority or the citizens' office in your city.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fp-rg-weiter\">\n<h2>Read more<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/blog\/fuehrerschein-umtauschen\/\">Exchanging your driving licence: deadlines, costs and procedure<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/blog\/fuehrerschein-umschreiben\/\">Convert a foreign driving licence<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/blog\/fuehrerscheinklassen\/\">Driving licence categories in Germany<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/blog\/sehtest-fuehrerschein\/\">Eye test for a driving licence: costs, procedure and validity<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Act in good time and keep track of deadlines<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>With good planning, your driving licence remains valid without interruption and your journey on the road stays safe and legally compliant. We at the <a href=\"\/en\/\">Driving School Frankfurt<\/a> expert advice!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/kontakt\/\">Professional advice<\/a><\/p>\n<p>For the actual driving licence training process, click here: <a href=\"\/en\/ablauf\/\">This is how you get your driving licence<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ratgeber \u00b7 F\u00fchrerscheinverl\u00e4ngerung F\u00fchrerschein: Fristen &amp; wichtige Unterschiede bei der Verl\u00e4ngerung der Fahrerlaubnisklassen Wann musst du deinen F\u00fchrerschein umtauschen oder verl\u00e4ngern, welche Unterlagen brauchst du und was kostet es? Die F\u00fchrerscheinverl\u00e4ngerung ist ein Thema, das viele Fahrer betrifft und gleichzeitig oft f\u00fcr Verwirrung sorgt. Denn streng genommen wird nicht in allen F\u00e4llen der F\u00fchrerschein verl\u00e4ngert, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":980,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-167","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=167"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1052,"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167\/revisions\/1052"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/980"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=167"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=167"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=167"}],"curies":[{"name":"WP","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}