Applying for a driver qualification certificate

If you wish to use your category C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1, DE or D1E driving license for professional purposes, you will need a driver qualification certificate in addition to your driving license. The FQN replaces the key number 95.

The driver qualification certificate (FQN) serves as proof of your existing professional driver qualification and replaces the entry of the key number "95" in the driving license from 23.05.2021. However, if the key number "95" is already entered in your driving license, the key number will remain valid until the expiration date of the driving license. Only then is it necessary to issue the driver qualification certificate. The FQN is a card that is similar in shape and size to the driving license and is produced by the Bundesdruckerei.

The driver qualification certificate is only issued, extended or renewed when applying for an initial issue, extension, renewal or new issue of a category C or category D driving license.

Prospective and established professional drivers who are in possession of a category C or category D driver's license must provide proof of their professional driver qualification. This generally requires an initial qualification followed by further training every 5 years. The proven professional driver qualification is issued as an FQN in card form.

The responsibility lies with the driving license authority.

• Forms available: Yes
• Written form required: Yes
• Informal application possible: No
• Personal appearance required: Yes
• Online services available: No

• You have your main place of residence in the Federal Republic of Germany
• You are a professional driver or in training as a professional driver
• You are in possession of a driving license for categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE
• You have an initial qualification or further training
• The driver qualification certificate is issued, extended or renewed exclusively as part of the application for the initial issue, extension, renewal or new issue of a category C or category D driving license.

• Appeal (further information on how to lodge an appeal can be found in the notification of your application)
• Appeal to the administrative court

Please apply for the driver qualification certificate (FQN) at the driving license authority responsible for you (usually that of your place of residence).

The fee is based on the scale of fees for road traffic measures (GebOSt ).