Driving license exchange obligation
If you have a gray or pink driver's license, you must exchange it. Anyone with a card driver's license issued after 1999 must also exchange it. When the exchange must take place depends on the date of issue.
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).
Which driving licenses currently have to be exchanged?
Card driving licenses issued between 2002 and 2004 must be exchanged by January 19, 2027. The date of issue can be seen on the card driving license under the number 4a.
I was born before 1953, do I also have to exchange my paper or card driver's license?
People born before 1953 do not have to exchange their driving license until 19.1.2033, regardless of whether they have a paper driving license or a card driving license.
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.
For those born in 1971 and later, the deadline for the conversion obligation ended on January 19, 2025.
Which driving licenses have already had to be exchanged?
The obligation to exchange card driving licenses issued in the period from 1999 to 2001 ended on 19.1.2026. The date of issue can be seen on the card driving license under the number 4a.
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?
Depending on whether a paper driver's license is exchanged for a card driver's license or a card driver's license is exchanged for a card driver's license, the exchange costs €31.80 or €36.10 including processing, production and delivery.
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.