Exchanging an EU driver's license
Exchanging an old or foreign EU/EEA driver's license for the current EU card format at the Driver's License Office.
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Exchanging an EU driver's license mit dem zuständigen Führerscheinstelle in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.
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Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Exchanging an EU driver's license.
Quick answer
- 1
Documents you need
Biometric passport photo · Old driver's license
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Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
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How to do it
Apply directly online
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Costs
ca. 30–50 € Behörde
How to proceed
- 1
Check the return period
Deadlines are staggered based on year of birth or date of issuance.
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Submit an application to the Driver's License Office
Online or in person, with a biometric photo and your old driver's license.
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Get a new driver's license
By mail or in-person pickup.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Holders of old paper driver’s licenses or EU/EEA driver’s licenses who are required or wish to exchange them for a current card-style driver’s license.
Income limit
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 weeks
Success rate
approx. 97.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Missed the exchange deadline (based on year of birth/year of issuance)
- •The biometric photo does not meet the requirements
Common reasons for rejection
- •Foreign driver's license not compliant with EU/EEA regulations
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.
Related services
Questions & Answers
When is the deadline for returning the item?▼
The deadlines for renewal are staggered according to year of birth (for old driver’s licenses) or year of issuance and extend through 2033, depending on the year in question.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt
- Data quality
- 100 %