If you move to Germany and want to drive here, you need to check your driving licence. A licence from a country in the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) usually remains valid in Germany. A licence from any other country is usually only valid for a limited time, often six months. After that, you need a German driving licence. This switch is called conversion (Umschreibung): you exchange your foreign driving licence for a German one. This matters, because driving without a valid driving permit (Fahrerlaubnis) is a criminal offence. The driving permit is the official permission to drive a vehicle. The driving licence (Führerschein) is the document that shows this permission. Everyone who lives in Germany and wants to keep driving with a non-EU licence has to complete the conversion.
What you need
The responsible authority is the driving licence office (Führerscheinstelle). This is the office for driving licences in your city or district. In official German it is also called the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde. Exactly which documents are required can vary from place to place. You often need:
- an application (Antrag) (you can get the form at the driving licence office)
- your passport (Reisepass) or national ID card (Personalausweis)
- your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), if you have one
- a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung), which is the document from the citizens' office (Bürgeramt) that confirms your address in Germany
- your original foreign driving licence
- a German translation of your driving licence if it is not in German. The driving licence office will tell you who is allowed to do the translation.
- a recent biometric passport photo
- often an eye test (Sehtest), which is a short check of your eyesight, for example at an optician or an eye doctor
- often a certificate showing you have completed a first aid course (Erste-Hilfe-Kurs)
One requirement is that you live in Germany. So you first need to register your address. You can read how to do this on the page Registering your address.
Step by step
- Check where your licence is from: Look at which country issued your driving licence. If it is from the EU or the EEA, it usually remains valid. If it is from another country, read on.
- Write down the date: Note when you moved to Germany. The deadline usually starts when you have your usual place of residence (ordentlicher Wohnsitz) here. This is the place where you normally live.
- Ask the driving licence office: Call them or check your city's website. Ask whether you need to take a test and which documents you need. For some countries there is a simple conversion without a test. For other countries only the theory test (Theorieprüfung) is required. For many countries you have to take both a theory test and a practical driving test (praktische Prüfung).
- Gather your documents: Get your licence translated, take the eye test and, if required, the first aid course.
- Submit your application: Hand in the application with all documents at the driving licence office. In many cities you need an appointment for this.
- Take the tests, if required: For the practical test, sign up with a driving school (Fahrschule). The driving school usually provides the car for the test. A few driving lessons will help you learn the German traffic rules.
- Collect your licence: You hand in your foreign driving licence and receive your German driving licence.
If you have your own car, you also need insurance. You can find out more on the page Getting car insurance.
Costs and deadlines
For a driving licence from a non-EU country, there is often a deadline of six months from when you start living in Germany. During this time you may drive with your foreign licence. After that, you may no longer drive without a German driving licence. So apply early, because processing and tests can take some time.
You pay fees for the conversion. On top of that, there are often costs for the translation, passport photo, eye test and first aid course. If you have to take tests, there are also costs for the tests and the driving school. The exact amounts vary depending on where you live and your situation. Ask your driving licence office.
Common problems for newcomers
No registered address yet: Without registering your address (Anmeldung), you usually cannot apply for the conversion. So register your home at the citizens' office as soon as possible.
Little German: You can take the theory test in several languages, for example English or Turkish. Ask about this when you sign up for the test. You can bring someone with you to the office to translate for you.
Missed the deadline: Once the deadline has passed, you may no longer drive. However, a conversion is often still possible. The driving licence office will tell you what you need to do in that case.
Not sure whether tests are required: This depends on the country where you got your driving licence. Always ask the driving licence office. Do not rely only on what friends or acquaintances tell you.
No Schufa: You do not need a Schufa credit report (Schufa-Auskunft) for the conversion. However, it may become important later if you want to finance a car. Read more on the page Understanding and building your Schufa.
Questions about your residence status: How long you are allowed to stay in Germany is a separate question. You can find general information on the page Sorting out your residence permit. For your personal situation, the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) is responsible.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to convert an EU driving licence?
Usually not. A driving licence from the EU or the EEA remains valid in Germany. If you have questions, the driving licence office can help.
Can I drive with my foreign licence during the first few months?
Usually yes, often for six months from when you start living here. If your licence is not in German, you often also need a translation or an international driving permit.
Do I have to go back to driving school?
The compulsory lessons required for a completely new licence are usually not needed for a conversion. However, you usually need a driving school for the practical test.
Will I get my old licence back?
No, usually not. You hand it in during the conversion and receive the German driving licence in exchange.
Where do I apply?
At the driving licence office of your city or district. Procedures and appointments can vary from place to place.