Driving license; applying for a replacement after loss, unusability or theft

If your driving license has been lost or destroyed, for example due to theft, illegibility or loss, you will need a new driving license unless you waive your right to drive.

If you do not report the loss of your driving license immediately and apply for a replacement document, you are committing an administrative offence.

The replacement driving license must be applied for at your local driving license authority.

Note: You will also receive a temporary card driver's license to replace a paper driver's license. Old pink or gray paper driving licenses are no longer issued.

• Current biometric photograph (frontal view)
• driving licence which has become unusable (if available)
• Police theft report

  In the event of theft of the driver's license, the police report must also be submitted, if necessary.

• Affirmation on oath

  If the driver's license is lost or otherwise misplaced, a declaration in lieu of an oath may have to be submitted at the request of the driver's license authority, depending on the circumstances of the individual case.

  Please enquire about this in advance with your driver's license authority.

The issue of a replacement driver's license depends on the specific circumstances of the individual case. Please contact the relevant driving license authority in advance to find out which requirements must be met.

At the request of the driving license authority, you must provide an affidavit in lieu of an oath regarding the whereabouts of the document if the driving license is lost or otherwise misplaced. In this declaration, you affirm the accuracy of your statements.

• Fees for the replacement driver's license usually approx. 35 to 40 euros
• plus fees for taking the affidavit, if applicable (€30.70)
• plus any fees for direct mailing (approx. €5)