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.

• Official proof of place and date of birth (identity card or passport, registration certificate if applicable)
• A current biometric photo in accordance with the PassV (45 x 35 mm, portrait format, front view)
• Valid driver's license
• Proof of (accelerated) basic qualification or further training
• If applicable, proof of other completed special training and further training measures within the meaning of the Professional Driver Qualification Ordinance (training on the inland transport of dangerous goods for vehicle drivers or training on the protection of animals during transport), if these are to be credited,
• EU work permit or residence permit with the note of permitted gainful employment, if applicable

• 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).

You should contact the driving license office responsible for you in good time before the key number 95 on your driving license expires.

The processing time depends on the workload of the respective driving license authority.

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