Exchanging a foreign driving licence in Germany

Who needs it

It depends on where your licence was issued.

The six-month period can be extended by up to six more months, but only if you can show that you will not stay in Germany for more than twelve months in total. For most people who move here, this does not apply.

Your licence must be in German or come with a translation. Otherwise you need an International Driving Permit or a translation by an automobile club of the issuing country or another recognised body. Learner permits and provisional licences do not count.

When

Apply early. The office needs your registration, and processing can take weeks. If you need tests, you also need time for a driving school. Start soon after your Anmeldung, not in month five.

Which tests you need: Anlage 11

The Anlage 11 FeV (Annex 11 of the Driving Licence Regulation) lists countries whose licences can be exchanged more easily. For each country and licence class it shows whether you need a theory test, a practical test, both, or neither.

• Listed with "no" for both tests: you exchange the licence without tests. The eye test and first-aid course are also not needed. The UK is an example for all classes.
• Listed with a test required: you take only the test that is marked.
• Not listed: you need both the theory and the practical test. You don't have to take the full set of driving lessons. India, for example, is not on the list at the time of writing.
• US licences: each state is listed separately. Some states need no tests, some need only the theory test, and some are not listed at all.

Check your exact country and licence class in Anlage 11. Lists change occasionally.

What you need

Requirements vary slightly by office. Usually:

• Application form from your Führerscheinstelle or Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (driving licence office) (mandatory)
• Passport or ID card, and your residence permit if you have one (mandatory)
• Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) (usually required)
• A biometric passport photo (mandatory)
• Your original foreign licence. You hand it in when you receive the German licence (mandatory).
• A German translation, if the office asks for one (depends)
• A declaration that your foreign licence is still valid. Some offices ask for official confirmation from the issuing authority (depends).
• If your country is not exempt: an eye test certificate (Sehtest) and a first-aid course certificate (Erste-Hilfe-Kurs) (depends)

How to do it

1. Check Anlage 11 for your country, state and licence class.
2. Book an appointment or apply online at the driving licence office of your city or district. Some cities also accept online applications.
3. Submit your documents and pay the fee.
4. If tests are needed: register with a driving school. It handles test booking and provides the car for the practical test. The theory test is offered in several foreign languages, including English.
5. Collect your German licence and hand in your foreign one. The German licence notes that it was issued based on a foreign licence.

What happens afterwards

Your foreign licence is either sent back to the issuing country or kept by the German authorities. Ask the office before you apply if you need a licence for trips home. Many people get an International Driving Permit at home first.

The German licence is an EU licence. It is recognised in all EU/EEA countries.

Common problems

Can I still exchange my licence after the six months?

Usually yes. The exchange itself is still possible, but you may not drive in the meantime. Ask your office, because special rules can apply if you wait many years.

Do I need driving lessons for the tests?

There is no minimum number of lessons for licence holders from outside the EU. In practice you take the practical test in a driving-school car, and a few lessons help you learn German test standards.

Can I take the theory test in English?

Yes. English is one of the foreign languages offered for the theory test. Ask your driving school when you register.

My licence is from an EU country but it was exchanged from a non-EU licence. Is it valid?

Usually yes, as an EU licence. Some special cases exist, so check with the driving licence office if your EU licence was issued while you did not live in that country.

Costs

Fees are set locally and vary. Expect an administrative fee for the exchange. If you need tests, add driving school fees, test fees, an eye test and a first-aid course. Ask your office and a local driving school for current prices.