Driving licence foreign (non-EU/EEA): rewrite

Holders of a valid foreign driving licence may drive motor vehicles in Germany after taking up residence in the Federal territory to the extent of their entitlement as long as the foreign driving licence is valid but for a maximum of another 6 months. If a motor vehicle is to continue to be driven in Germany, it is necessary to issue a German driving licence on the basis of the foreign driving licence (so-called transfer).

Contact the driving licence authority of the district or independent city in which you have your main residence.

• Official proof of place and date of birth (e.g. identity card, passport)
• A current biometrically compatible photograph (size 45x35mm, portrait format, frontal shot). 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.

The application shall be made in writing.

The transfer must be applied for as long as the foreign driving licence is still valid.

The transfer of a new driving licence acquired abroad after taking up residence in the Federal territory is not permitted.

The amount of the fee is based on the scale of charges for road transport measures.

See also the leaflet of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure for holders of foreign driving licences (driving licences) outside the European Union and the European Economic Area on driving licence regulations in the Federal Republic of Germany.