Driver qualification certificate; application

The aim is to improve road safety within the European Union. For this reason, self-employed and employed drivers who carry out road haulage or passenger transport on public roads for which a C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE driving license is required must provide proof of a special qualification.

In addition to the required driving license, drivers must obtain a basic qualification to enter the profession.

As part of the basic qualification, special activity-related skills and knowledge (e.g. technology, road safety, rational fuel consumption, driving and rest times, health) are taught. You are then obliged to take part in further training every five years to refresh and update the skills and knowledge you have acquired.

The basic qualification and regular further training are verified by entry in the driver qualification certificate. This is valid for a maximum of 5 years.

Via the online service of the button "Appointment booking for driver's license and vehicle registration authority" you will be forwarded directly to the page where you can select your request and book an appointment.

You can also submit the "Application for a driver qualification certificate" via the button above.

Among the links you will find a reference to our topic page "Driving license authority".

You are a German citizen or a citizen of a member state of the European Union, an EEA state or Switzerland or are employed by a company based in an EU/EEA state.

You are in possession of a driving license for categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE or can provide proof of the basic qualification or the accelerated basic qualification.

For renewal or updating, you must provide proof of completion of further training at a recognized training institution.

The driver qualification certificate can be applied for at the earliest 6 months before the expiry date and should be applied for at the latest 6 weeks before the expiry date.

• Proof of identity (copy of identity card, passport or residence permit)
• Driver's license (copy)
• Biometric photo (not older than 6 months)
• official proof of normal residence
• if driver qualification certificate already exists: Driver qualification certificate
• Proof of basic qualification, accelerated basic qualification or further training
• in the event of loss: an affidavit in lieu of an oath
• in the event of theft: proof of a complaint
• if issued due to a change: proof of the corresponding change

• Examination of an application for the issue of a driver qualification certificate or a new driver qualification certificate in the event of changes or damage and decision on the application: EUR 15.80

• Examination of an application for the issue of a new driver qualification certificate in the event of loss or theft and decision on the application: EUR 20.20

• Issue of a driver qualification certificate and delivery of the driver qualification certificate by direct mail within Germany: EUR 11.70

• Issue of a driver qualification certificate and delivery of the driver qualification certificate by direct mail to EU member states: EUR 12.80

• Issue of a driver qualification certificate by express procedure and delivery of the driver qualification certificate: EUR 17.10

Please note the adjusted fees:

• Issue of a driver qualification certificate and delivery of the
  driver qualification certificate by direct mail within Germany: EUR 14.20
• Issue of a driver qualification certificate and delivery of the
  driver qualification certificate by direct mail to EU member states: EUR 15.60
• Issue of a driver qualification certificate using the express procedure and delivery of the
  driver qualification certificate: EUR 20.60

• Act on the basic qualification and further training of drivers of certain motor vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers by road (Professional Driver Qualification Act - BKrFQG)
• § 8 and 9 Ordinance on the Implementation of the Professional Driver Qualification Act (Professional Driver Qualification Ordinance - BKrFQV)

• Changes to professional driver qualification law
• Driving license authority

  Central page of the driving license authority

Submit the application together with the documents to the driving license authority responsible for your place of residence.

You will receive an invoice for the application fee once the application has been received.

After payment of the application fee and examination of the documents, the competent authority will have a driver qualification certificate produced by the Bundesdruckerei.

Bundesdruckerei will send you the driver qualification certificate.