Driving license exchange obligation
Simply put, anyone with a gray or pink driver's license must exchange it. Anyone with a card driver's license issued from 1999 onwards must also exchange it.
Note: a digital passport photo is not required to apply for / transfer a driving license. As before, a conventional biometric passport photo is required (paper).
Exchange of driving licenses issued from 1999 has begun
When did I have to exchange my gray or pink driver's license?
For holders of grey or pink driving licenses, i.e. driving licenses issued before December 31, 1998, a time scale applies depending on the year of birth of the license holder.
For those born between 1953 and 1958, the deadline for the exchange obligation ended on January 19, 2022.
For those born between 1959 and 1964, the deadline for the conversion obligation ended on January 19, 2023.
For those born between 1965 and 1970, the deadline for the conversion obligation ended on January 19, 2024.
Für die Jahrgänge 1971 und später endete die Frist zur Umtauschpflicht am 19. Januar 2025.
Derzeit läuft die Frist zur Umtauschpflicht für Kartenführerscheine, die im Zeitraum von 1999 bis 2001 ausgestellt wurden (siehe auch Nr. 4a im Kartenführerschein).
When can I exchange my driver's license?
For capacity reasons, please only exchange your driver's license when the corresponding deadlines begin to run.
Can I exchange my driver's license online?
It is also possible to exchange your license without going to the authorities. Our website offers the option of submitting the application online under the search function "driving license exchange". The procedure is explained to you "step by step" in a user-friendly version. You will always need 1 biometric photo, a copy of your identity card or, alternatively, your passport (in this case, you must also enclose a current confirmation of registration from your municipality of residence) and your current driving license.
I would like to exchange my driver's license in person rather than online. Is that possible?
An appointment must be made at the driving license office for the exchange. As a rule, you only have to appear in person once and then the new driving license will be sent directly to you by the Bundesdruckerei.
What does the driver's license exchange cost?
Der Führerschein-Umtausch kostet inklusive Bearbeitung, Herstellung und Übersendung 31,81 Euro.
I have not exchanged my driver's license on time and am being checked?
Late applications do not lead to any action by the traffic authority. However, if you are stopped by the police, you can expect to be fined.