Leistungen A-Z

EU/EEA driving licences of harmonised categories (categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE) do not require any re-registration.

A transfer is necessary if, after taking up residence in the Federal territory, an extension of the validity of the driving licence or the period of validity of the driving licence or individual categories of driving licence is due.

Attention:
In the case of driving licence categories that are limited in time in Germany (categories C and D as well as corresponding subcategories and trailer categories), the German period of validity applies even if no or longer periods are entered in the foreign driving licence.

Holders of EU/EEA driving licences of non-harmonised categories may, after taking up residence in the Federal territory, drive motor vehicles in Germany to the extent of their entitlement as long as the foreign driving licence is valid, but for a maximum of 6 months. If a motor vehicle is to continue to be driven in Germany, the issuance of a German driving licence on the basis of the foreign driving licence is required (so-called transfer). See also: Rewriting a foreign driving licence (not EU/EEA) (service description in Hessen-Finder).

The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) provides detailed information on the recognition of foreign driving licences in Germany on its website under "Validity of foreign driving licences (driving licences) in the Federal Republic of Germany".

There you will also find a "Information sheet for holders of foreign driving licences (driving licences) from EU and EEA countries on driving licence regulations in the Federal Republic of Germany".

• Validity of foreign driving licences (driving licences) in the Federal Republic of Germany - (Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure - BMVI)
• Information sheet for holders of foreign driving licences from EU and EEA countries on driving licence regulations in Germany - (Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure - BMVI)

• Official proof of place and date of birth.
• A current biometric photograph (size 45x35 mm, portrait format, frontal image). Information and examples can be found in the photo sample board (Bundesdruckerei)
• Foreign driving licence

Further information can be obtained from your competent driving licence authority.

• Photo sample board (Bundesdruckerei)

The amount of the fee is based on the scale of charges for road transport measures (GebOSt). Their amount depends on various factors. Information can be obtained in individual cases from the locally competent driving licence authority.

Scale of charges for road transport measures (GebOSt)

The application must be made in writing or in electronic form.

Contact the driving licence authority of the place where you have your main residence.

§§ 28 and 30 of the Driving Licence Ordinance (FeV)

• § 28 of the Driving Licence Ordinance (FeV): Recognition of driving licences from member states of the European Union or another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area
• § 30 FeV: Issuance of a driving licence to holders of a driving licence from another Member State of the European Union or another State party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area
• Scale of charges for road transport measures (GebOSt)

Hessian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Energy, Transport and Housing