Change of your driving license

You have decided to stay loner than 6 months in Germany? - then changing your current driving license for a German one is the right thing to do.

Change of the driving license

The rules about driving license and it's validity are very simple, from the date you first enter Germany (cross the border) you can use your driving license for up to 6 months. Make sure you check first is your driving license recognised in Germany - if not, you will need an international driving license.

So it is a good idea to book a new appointment at the city office or at the KfZ for a Führerscheine und Fahrerlaubnisse => Umschreibung einer ausländischen Fahrerlaubnis (replacement of your driver license with German).

Important: If you miss to make an appointment in the first 6 months, then you wouldn't be able to change your driving license for a German one, as well if you want to have a German driving license you will need to take classes in Fahrschule (driving school) as a beginner.

At the day of the appointment, make sure you get at the address at least 10 minutes ahead and bring the necessary documents.

The minimum set of documents are:

• Your passport
• Your current driving license
• The reservation letter with the QR code (or similar)
• Have some 50 euro in cash, payment with EC or card in general is not always possible.
• 1 passport size photo.

Tip : make sure you check all other requirements that might apply to you depending on your country of origin, the driving category you are switching etc. Within the email body with the confirmation of your appointment you should have a full list items that are needed.

Once you enter the building, you just need to scan your QR code and wait until your number pops up on the screen with an info at which desk/counter you need to go.

The procedure is very simple and almost no German language is needed (at least if there are no some complex scenarios in your request e.g not having some documents etc)

If your documents are accepted, you should then pay around 50 euro and wait for some 4-6 weeks to get your new German driving license.