Converting foreign driver’s licence

Are you planning to drive in Germany with a foreign driver’s licence? Are you unsure if and when you need to convert your foreign driver’s licence? Find out more about converting your driver’s licence in Germany and which documents you need to do so.

For a foreign driver’s licence to be recognised in Germany, you may need to convert it first. But why does that matter? Each country has its own requirements and licence categories.  

If you plan to drive in Germany for longer periods at a time, your driver’s licence must meet European standards. Therefore you need to undergo a classification of your foreign driver’s licence, which means your foreign driver’s licence gets placed into a licence category in Germany. You also need to fulfil all the requirements in order to qualify for a driver’s licence in Germany. This may include another practical and/or theoretical exam, a first-aid course or an eye test. Please consult the competent driver’s licence office in your city or municipality for more information.

If you are travelling to Germany as a tourist, you can use your foreign driver’s licence for up to six months. Though in some cases, you may need a certified German translation of your driver’s licence. Please note that anyone under the age of 18 is a minor under German law and not allowed to drive.

If you are a non-EU citizen staying in Germany for more than six months and registering a German home address, you must convert your driver's licence within six months.

A valid EU driver’s licence (i.e., a driver’s licence issued in the European Union) allows you to drive in Germany.

Do you have to convert your foreign driver’s licence to continue to drive in Germany? Please check the requirements that apply to your specific driver’s licence and its issuing country. You can find relevant country lists on the website of your city or municipality.

You may need the following documents to convert your foreign driver’s licence:

• Eye test: You must pass an eye test for certain driver’s licence categories.
• First-aid course: Some driver’s licence categories require you to take a first-aid course.
• Practical and/or theoretical exam: Depending on where your driver’s licence was issued, you may need to take another practical and/or theoretical driving test.

You will need the following documents to convert your foreign driver’s licence:

• Your passport
• A biometric passport photo
• Your original and valid foreign driver’s licence
• A certified German translation of your foreign driver’s licence

Depending on the requirements of your issuing country and licence category, you may also need the following documents:

• Proof that you completed a first-aid course (if applicable)
• Eye test (if applicable)
• Proof that you passed your theoretical and/or practical driving test (if applicable)
• Extended registration certificate (if you are converting your driver’s licence in a city other than the one you first registered in)
• Proof of how long you have had your foreign driver’s licence (if not evident from the driver’s licence document)

Once you have met all these criteria, you can convert your driver’s licence at your local driver’s licence office. Processing takes about eight weeks, and admin fees are between 35 and 50 euros.