Administrative services A-Z

EU/EEA driving licenses of harmonized classes (classes AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE) generally do not require a transcription.

A transcription is required if the validity of the driver's license or the period of validity of the driver's license or individual driver's license classes is to be extended after taking up residence in Germany.

Attention:
For driving license classes that are limited in time in Germany (classes C and D as well as corresponding subclasses and trailer classes), the German period of validity applies even if no or longer periods are entered in the foreign driving license.

Holders of EU/EEA driving licenses of non-harmonized classes may drive motor vehicles in Germany to the extent of their authorization after taking up residence in the territory of Germany for as long as the foreign driving license is valid, but for no longer than 6 months. If a motor vehicle is to continue to be driven in Germany after this period, a German driver's license must be issued on the basis of the foreign driver's license (so-called transfer). See also: Transferring a foreign (non-EU/EEA) driver's license (service description in the Hessen-Finder).

Detailed information on the recognition of foreign driver's licenses in Germany is provided by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) on its website under "Validity of foreign driver's licenses (driving licenses) in the Federal Republic of Germany".

There you will also find a "Leaflet for holders of foreign driver's licenses (driving licenses) from EU and EEA countries on driving license 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 recent biometric photograph (size 45x35 mm, portrait format, frontal). Information and examples can be found in the photo sample board (Bundesdruckerei).
• Foreign driver's license

For more detailed information, please contact your local driver's license office.

• Photo sample board (Bundesdruckerei)

The amount of the fee is based on the Fee Regulations for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt). The amount depends on various factors. Information can be obtained in individual cases from the local driver licensing authority.

Scale of fees for road traffic measures (GebOSt)

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

Contact the driver licensing authority in the place where you have your main residence.

§§ Sections 28 and 30 of the Driving License 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 Economics, Energy, Transport and Housing