Transfer of a Foreign Driving Licence

Click here for Online appointment manager for driving licencesExternal Link

If you hold a driving licence from a state  that is not a member state of the European Union, this licence is valid for up to six months after you first cross the border into Germany.

The application for the transfer of the foreign driving licence can only be submitted directly to the Driving Licence Office (“Führerscheinstelle”).

The application must be submitted in person.

The most important regulations can be found in the fact sheet for holders of foreign driving licencesExternal Link by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport.

• Identity card or passport. If you are in possession of a passport and cannot provide a current confirmation of registration (proof of residence – “Meldebestätigung”, not older than 3 months), it is necessary to make a registration enquiry for an additional fee of € 10. For nationals of a non-EU country, a valid residence title must be presented. Residence permit required.
• Original and copy of the valid foreign driving licence.
• Translation (by bodies designated by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport, such as publicly appointed and sworn interpreters and translators authorised by the Higher Regional Court.
• In the case of driving licence documents without a date of issue, proof from the issuing authority is also required, showing the date on which the driving licence was first acquired abroad. 
• 1 biometric passport photo (35 x 45 mm) without headwear.

Passport photo sample board (pdf , 564KB)Download Link

Database of translators and interpretersExternal Link

The administrative fee can be up to € 44.70.

Please note:
Special provisions apply to holders of C or D class licences who are over the age of 50. In these cases, as well as for other general questions regarding the application or the collection of driving licences, please contact the information centre by calling the telephone number: (069) 212 42334

Validity of foreign driving licences in the Federal Republic of GermanyExternal Link

List of privileged statesExternal Link