Chances are, at some point after your arrival, you’d love to get behind the wheel again! The rules can be a little complicated here. Some driving licenses are easy to exchange without bureaucracy, while others require you to start from scratch. If you already have a valid driver’s license from your home country and you want to exchange it, read on!
Scenario 1: driver’s license issued by a member state of the EU/EEA
You can relax. Your driver’s permit is generally considered valid in Germany as long as it is a domestic license and not an international permit – but only until its expiry date! If your EU/EEA license expires soon, you may be eligible to apply for a German license of the same category, as a type of renewal of your existing license. Check out this official resource for more specific information.
Scenario 2: driving license issued by a country outside of the EU/EEA
You can use your license for the first six months after you become a resident in Germany. After this point, you’ll need a German license if you’d like to rent or buy a vehicle and drive it. Go to a Bürgeramt (citizen’s registration office) and apply for a swap.
Here’s where it gets tricky. The exact procedure depends on which country issued your license. For countries like the USA and Australia, the provisions even vary from state to state. A license issued by some countries/states will allow you to simply swap the license over. Others want to see proof of a theoretical exam, a practical exam, an eye test, completion of a first-aid course, or even all of these. There’s a handy table you can look at to see whether you need to sit a practical or theoretical exam, but if you’re confused, book a coaching and we’ll take you through the whole procedure.
Do I Need an Official Translation of My Driver’s Licence?
The decision lies with the office. We’ve had clients turned away for not having a translation and clients who got their licence exchanged without a translation. The ADAC (General German Automobile Club) does written translations of licences, but it can take 10-14 days. Alternatively, if you want your license translated quicker, send a PDF scan to Red Tape Translation.
Our turnaround time for postage Germany-wide is around 3-5 days.
And if in you’re in Berlin, we can even send an interpreter to join you at your appointment.
Our personal experience is that it can take up to 2 months to receive your new license. Plan ahead if you’re hoping to rent a car or van for your next move or holiday in Germany!
Hi there,
I am looking to convert my Australian (State: Victoria) drivers licence for a German one.
I was hoping to get some information as to how to get this, and what your fee is for this assistance?
Thanks,
Emily
Hi Emily, I sent you an email with details. Thanks for getting in touch! Kathleen
I have applied for my licence exchange, it seems the card has been sent but lost in the post.
How do i re-apply for a duplicate and is it possible to be delivered to a different address to avoid delivery inconvenient? How much is the fee for a duplicate and possibly the form to fill in for reapplying of a new one
I would email the Bürgeramt at which you applied and inform them that the card never arrived. I imagine they will simply invalidate the one that got lost and re-send the license. You can ask them to send it to a different address this time in your email.
Hi,
Hope u r doing good ?!
I am holding a UAE ( united Arab of Emirates) driving licensee.
So, can replace or swap it with a German DL !!!!
Thank you
You’d have to start from scratch, I’m afraid! Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
hello,
i am holding a residence visa in Germany and I have lebanese driving licence and uae driving licence. which one help me more to get for german driving licence? and how?
Thanks
Neither, you’ll have to complete all the tests regardless of which one you wish to convert.
Hello,
I also hold an Australian (Victorian) Car drivers license and I live in Berlin. Can you please email information to get my Drivers license in Germany.
Thanks 🙂
Matilda
Hi Matilda, nothing I can add that’s not already in this blog post, except that Victoria is on the Anlage 11 list, which is a good thing. Good luck! Kathleen
Hi I have bahraini driving licence can I change to Germany driving licence
I also have a Bahraini drivers license can I switch it to a German one or do I have to do everything again eye theory, driving, medical aid
You’ll have to start from scratch. But you can apply for the test components without having visited a driving school if you like.
Hi i want to change my pakistani lisence in germany pleas give some information thanks
As long as it is valid, apply to get the license converted at the Bürgeramt (same process as in this blog post) and they’ll invite you to the theory exam. You can do the practical component through a driving school.
Hi, I have a California driving license and wanted to understand steps to convert it to German license. Could you advise?
I’d be happy to go through the process with you in a coaching, but it won’t be great news – you have to do all the tests.
Hi there,
I am also looking to convert my Australian (State: Victoria) drivers licence for a German one. Could you please send me more information also.
Thanks,
Nadia
Hi Nadia,
if you want to get a certified translation, just email your license to us using the Written Translation form on the website and we’ll send you a quote and a turnaround time. It usually takes a few days to complete. As for getting your license exchanged for a German one, if you want a coaching on how to go about this, feel free to book a Skype coaching and I’ll take you through the requirements! Cheers, Kathleen
Hello Kathleen,
I have an Israeli License.
I live in Berlin, where can I translate it and get my new german one, what is the procedure, how much does it cost…etc
Can you please me provide with some information.
Vielen Dank,
Majdi
Hi Majdi,
if you want to get a certified translation, just email your license to us using the Written Translation form on the website and we’ll send you a quote and a turnaround time. I can’t even give you a ballpark because licenses vary so much in terms of content from place to place. It usually takes a few days to complete. You can book an appointment at any Bürgeramt in Berlin to get the license swapped for a German one, or the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde. If you want a coaching on how to go about this and what to bring, based on your current license, feel free to book a Skype coaching and I’ll take you through the requirements! Cheers, Kathleen
Hi there I have New Zealand, Indian and UAE Heavy license can I swap with german license? Many thanks.
If your New Zealand license is class 1 or 6 you can swap it over for a German one without taking the theory or practical exams.
Hello Kathleen,
I have 3 driving licences all are valid.
1. UAE driving license
2. KSA driving license
3. Pakistan driving license
Now I m shifted to Germany and want to Convert my any one of driving license with German driving license. Is it possible please help me out.
Regards
Hamid Khan
Can i change my libian driving licese in germany
Hi Ashgar, yes but it looks like you need to go through all the theoretical and practical components too. Check the criteria here: http://www.berlin.de/labo/mobilitaet/fahrerlaubnisse-personen-und-gueterbefoerderung/fahrerlaubnis-fuehrerschein/artikel.507450.php
Hi there,
Does getting a german license mean I need to surrender my Australian license?
Thanks!
Yes it does. But the German license doesn’t have an expiry date like the Aussie one does, so that’s a bonus.
Hi,
I am from Kosovo but now i got a residence permit to stay in Hamburg.
Can you tell me please how i can convert my Kosovarian driver licence to a German one?
Thanks
You can find the requirements online here, Rexhep. Good luck!
Since Kosovo is not a recognized country, but a part of Serbia, no.
@Stephen King Actually, Kosovo is independent since 2008 and Germany has recognized Kosovo’s independence. So Kosovo is not part of Serbia.
Hi Kathy. Yes, it’s definitely worth applying. Although dance teaching will certainly be covered, I am unsure if the fitness teaching component would be considered artistic. But that is a topic worth discussing in any case. I can understand why you’d get overwhelmed with the form. If you want, I’d be happy to go through it with you and tell you what to include. If we work efficiently, an hour’s coaching is usually perfect for this process plus a few extra questions. If you want proper German statutory health insurance, KSK is your ticket in. Good luck!
I have a driving license from kingdom of bahrain .I am in germany now for medical treatment. I am here now more than sex month I am not allowed to drive more .what should i have to do ? Can i pay fees and can get more limit to drive in germany ?
As far as I know you can’t extend this – if you have been registered in Germany for more than six months and you get pulled over while still driving on your Bahrain license, you could get into trouble. I would work on exchanging the license for a German one as soon as you can, so that if you DO get pulled over, it won’t be an issue.
Hi,
How can I translate my ‘Indian’ driving licence? Kindly help me.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Yuvaraj – if your Indian driver’s licence is written in English I’d be happy to offer you a certified translation. We’ve done a fair few lately. Just use this form to submit the document and I’ll write back and tell you how much it will cost and how long it will take. You can either pick the certified translation up (Berlin only) or have it posted to you. Cheers, Kathleen
Hi there,
I am looking to convert my Canadian (Ontario) drivers licence for a German one. I have been living in Germany for 1.5 years. I just changed from a one year ‘work and travel’ visa to a two year ‘freelance’ visa. Am I still eligible for converting my drivers license as I have lived in Germany for more than one year.
I was hoping to get some information as to how to get this and also could you included an estimated cost for assistance?
Thanks,
Courtney
Hi Courtney,
You might get a slap on the wrist but it is still worth trying to get it swapped 🙂 The department that deals with licenses has nothing to do with the department that handles your work permits, so the type of visa or permit you are on doesn’t matter. If you want, you can book a coaching to go through the requirements with me. I’ll book an appointment for you too, and if there’s credit left over, you can use it to get your license translated if necessary. Otherwise, you can just Take a Translator to go with you on the day of your appointment. Or both, of course. Cheers and good luck!
Hi There,
I have a Indian drivers licence for 18 years now, and I moved to Berlin, Germany and need a licence before i plan to buy a car for myself. Can I swap my licence ? and also where can I get the application form to do this. Or can you help me through the entire process getting me a German Licence with an interpreter ? and how much do you charge and what are the formalities.
Please advise me all the details so I can get my license done as early as possible .
Note: I can not speak German.
Thanks & Kind Regards
Hi Sam,
You can book an appointment at any Bürgeramt in Berlin to get the license swapped for a German one, or also at the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde. If you want a coaching on how to go about this and what to bring with you based on your current license, feel free to book a Skype coaching and I’ll take you through the requirements! If you want to get a certified translation of your driver’s license, just email your license to us using the Written Translation form on the website and we’ll send you a quote and a turnaround time. Cheers, Kathleen
Hello,
I have stumbled upon your site on my search for more info regarding switching my American (Alabama) DL for a German one.
My “problem” is however, I will be in Germany for a year because my Dutch husband will be stationed there. So I am not sure if I would be there as an American or Dutch resident? It is a bit confusing… I do in fact have my American DL though… Do you think it would be possible for me to exchange it during my time there? It would be so handy because the process to get a Dutch DL is so difficult and to have the German one when we return to Holland would be such an advantage.
Hi Amelia,
Sounds like you’ll be an American citizen residing in Germany, if you register your address in Germany. I don’t think your husband’s citizenship (or yours, if you happen to be Dutch too) or where you used to live would play a role here, if your main residence is in Germany. Unless your main residence is in Holland? Then that’s different. If you registered your address in Germany, go for it!
Hi!
I’m a German citizen who has lived abroad my whole life, having inherited my citizenship from my father. I have an Indonesian driver’s licence which will expire in July 2018 (my mother is Indonesian). I moved to Karlsruhe a few months ago and previously registered here in 2014, however have since deregistered as my stay in Germany is temporary. I still have an unexpired Personalausweis.
Could you shed some light on what the procedure might be for me to get a German licence, as the benefits of it not expiring for a lifetime would indeed be very beneficial.
Many thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi Mark,
As a holder of an Indonesian license, it looks like you have to do the theoretical and practical components too, e.g. it’s not as simple for you as it would be for an American or Australian, or other countries listed on Appendix 11 with simplified procedures.
I can take you through the process in a coaching if you like. Otherwise, if you speak German, you’ll find the same info here. Cheers, Kathleen
Thanks for your reply Kathleen.
I have a document from the Indonesian embassy in Malaysia which is written in English. It’s not so much a direct translation of the licence as it is an endorsement that declares it legitimate. Would that suffice at a written translation?
That would be at the discretion of the person processing your application, but I suspect that wouldn’t be enough, unless the document happens to list all the class information and conditions on your license (e.g. exactly which vehicle classes you are and are not permitted to drive).
Hi,
Do we get our Local Original driving license back if we are converting to German Driving License?
Thanks.
Hi Ahmed, no, you confiscate it and get a shiny new German one instead. Cheers, KP.
Hi, I’m in Italy and want to move in Germany. I have cleared my all theory and practical here and i have now Italy’s driving licence. How can change my driving licence in Germany. I want to ask that will i have to pass again theory in German language or simply it will transfer. And if i have to study all course in Germany, is it will some easy for me or equal to others who are Germans.
Thank you.
Hi Amir,
It will simply transfer – no need to pass any exams. It costs 35,00 EUR. Just book an appointment at any Bürgeramt.
Cheers, Kathleen
Hello,
I’m looking to see if I can translate my license or if I have to take all the German tests, etc. I live in Bavaria (7 years now in August) and my drivers license is from Pennsylvania, USA. Any advice. I looked at your chart, but am unsure what “nein–nein” would mean? No I don’t need to redo those certifications, or no, mine are not valid? Where would I find information on forms and fees?
Thank you!
Kiersie
Hi Kiersie,
nein nein means you don’t have to take the theoretical or the practical exams (assuming the US driver’s license is still valid). Which is good! Cost is 35 Euros. No forms, just bring your documents – have a look here: https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/327537/
You might get a slap on the wrist for living in Bavaria for so long without converting it sooner though. You’re supposed to do it within 6 months of moving to Germany.
Cheers
Kathleen
Hello Kathleen,
I have been holding the Indian drivers license for last 13 years and I also have an US Drivers license that expired in 2009.
Do you know if this helps in reducing some steps to achieving drivers license in Germany. I mean in terms of cost and time.
Thanks,
Raj
Hi Raj, unfortunately, not if the US license is expired! You’ll have to go through the process using your valid Indian license, which means tests etc. Cheers, Kathleen
Hi
I’ll like to swap my Tanzanian drivers license into a German one. I’d be glad to get translation services plus being accompanied to the office in charge as my German isn’t good enough. Could you respond to me on this
Thanks in advance
(Did first aid certification but still to do practical and theoretical exam)
Hi Cedella, send your license to info@redtapetranslation (.com) if you haven’t already. I’ll take a look. If it’s in English, a certified translation into German won’t be a problem and will be accepted in Hamburg. I can also arrange for someone to accompany you to the appointment on the day if you like.
Oh. I’m based in Hamburg
Do you offer services here to?
Hi Cedella,
Yes, I can arrange for a colleague in Hamburg to interpret for some types of appointments, and the translation and online coaching services can be used from anywhere.
Hello Kathleen,
I am an Indian who has USA valid license which is gonna expire in June 2018. Can I get it exchanged for German license without taking any tests or do I need to go through whole process? Please let me know.
Thank you,
Adithya
Hi Adithya, the exact conditions vary from US state to US state, but if you have a US licence, in most cases you probably won’t have to pass theory and practical exams. Just start the process while the US license is still valid!
Hello, I converted my license from South Africa to German, easy peasy… But now that I want to tent a car to go they say I need to have my license for at least a year. I have driven for 15 years.
What a pain! I haven’t come across that before. I would try a different car rental place.
I just got my german driving licence, converted from my australian one. What I don’t understand, I was not aware that I have to give up my old licence when I pick up the german one. Why did I have to do that? I might still need the australian one when I visit the country… Could you explain? Did this happen in other Landesamt?
This always happens, yes. A bonus of the German license is that it doesn’t expire, whereas the Aussie one does. Also, you can drive in Oz using either your German license or an “international drivers license” if you want to be extra safe, which you can get from the Bürgeramt before you go to Australia. To be honest, plenty of rental companies even accept the German license.
Dear Kathleen,
Thanks for your helpful post. I was wondering if I can have both an American and German driver’s license. I already have the German one so I have to give up the one from the United States. In the US, the driver’s license is our identification, so I need it for other issues not related to driving.
Best,
Sonia
You should ask at your appointment if it is possible to keep your US license. You may be able to go and pick it up after a certain time period (e.g. 6 weeks) in some cases.
Hallo,
I am from lebanon. I have a driving license from my home country. I am in Germany since 4 months. Can i convert my libanese driving license to a German one.
Khalil
Hi Khalil. You would have to complete all the theory and practical components as well as the sight test, etc – e.g. start from scratch.
hello Iam from india and I have international driving permit .Can I translate international driving licence to skip the tests or should i translate both domestic licence and IDP. I want to know if original domestic licence is necessary or only international driving licence is enough.
It has to be the domestic licence, Archana, which means you can’t bypass the tests. Nice try though!
Cheers
Kathleen
Hello Kathleen,
I have recently converted my 10 years old Indian driving License to German one as I wanted to make European Road Trip renting a car. Since my 10 years old license is with Führerscheinstelle and my German driving license is new I cannot prove that I had the License for more than few months. To my utter surprise, I got to know that I cannot rent a car as one has to have a Driving license for at least one year. Can you please suggest me what one should do in this case?
Regards,
Ravi
Hi Raviteja, I don’t really know what you can do here, except maybe to show them a copy of your old Indian licence and the proof that you recently paid to have it transferred. But if the car rental company won’t accept any of those things, and needs you to have had a German licence for at least a year, shop around for car rental companies – maybe another company will have a more flexible policy. Or… wait til a year has gone by. Cheers, Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for replying. I got it sorted out The Fahrerlaubnisbehörde gave me an authorized copy of my old Indian License with the official translations by ADAC. I found that it is being accepted by most of the rental car companies here. I really appreciate your hard work here, keep it up.
Cheers,
Ravi
Hi,
I’m from Israel with an Israeli driver’s license (B) and I wanted to ask for help for what’s the procedure of converting it to the German one, as I’m very confused about the process. Thank you!
Hi Elnatan, thanks for getting in touch. I’d be happy to talk you through the process in a Skype coaching and/or book you an appointment and organise a translator to go with you on the day of your appointment. First availability in the week of the 14th May. Cheers, Kathleen
hi i have changed my england driving liscence into italian three years ago but now i have moved in germany and have german permits of stay can i change that liscence to german liscence. if not then how will i can renew italian liscence after expiry
Yes, you can change that license to a German license as long as the Italian one is valid. It’ll cost you 35,00 Euros. Cheers, Kathleen
Hi,
I have a canadian driver’s license that will expire in august. I am currently living in europe but will not move to Germany until the end of August. Will I be able to exchange it if it is expired then?
Thank you,
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer, annoyingly for you, a pre-requisite for exchanging a foreign license for a German one is that the foreign license is VALID. So I would get it renewed while you are still in Canada. Bad timing!
Kathleen
Thanks Kathleen for the informative article. A question regarding my complicated case. I am an Indian citizen living for past 10 years in Berlin. I never had a German drivers license. Last year, I was sent on a deputation to the US where I managed to get my US drivers license. All this time, I also had a valid German visa and stadts anmeldung in Berlin. I will be returning back to Berlin next month. Would I be able to just get my German license by exchanging with the US one with the reciprocity agreement between the state of Massachusetts and Germany? Or do I have go through the whole procedure again.
Hi Jonam, I say try! Book the appointment and gather the documents. I think your chances are pretty good for explaining why you couldn’t do it sooner. I’ve heard of plenty of people getting no more than a minor lecture for “taking so long” to get around to it. Just be aware that some car rental companies won’t give you a car until you’ve had the license for a year (see another commenter on this thread!). Cheers, Kathleen
there is a confusion (at least for me) regarding the six months limitation. I have a license from a country that appears in Anlage 11″Staatenliste zu den Sonderbestimmungen für Inhaber einer ausländischen Fahrerlaubnis”.
I have been German a formal residence for around a year, passing the six months limitation to use my driving liecence..
In some forums, I have read that only inside this time-window I can convert my licence into German one.
It is true? (sound very strange)
Thanks,
Meir S
Meir, plenty of people find that they just get a stern talking-to from the person processing the request, but the licence still gets swapped in the end, even if they have been a formal resident for longer than 6 months. It’s certainly worth a shot!
Hi, I have a South African driver’s license and have been living in berlin since August last year. So based on my understanding of what I’ve read, I can just take my license and residency permit to the burgeramt and they will get the conversion done after paying the fee ? Might just take some time but that it?
Hi Bairavi,
You are right in that if your South African license is still valid, you don’t have to pass any theory or practical tests. You might need a certified translation of the licence. You don’t need your residency PERMIT, but you will need to have registered your address at the Bürgeramt. And if you registered in August last year, you’ve been here for more than 6 months, so you might get scolded :). But I’m fairly sure it would still get converted in the end! Yes.
Hi Kathileen ,
I have a driving licence issued by the Palestinian authorities, I have already gave it along with the translation to the TUEV. Is there a duration within which I have to do the tests after I have already submitted all the documents? If yes, how long?
Best Regards
Ahmad Hamad
Hi Ahmad, I’m afraid I don’t know if there is a time limit in which you have to do the tests. I would ask the authority that is handling your documents. Good luck! Kathleen
Hi there,
I hold an Australian (Victoria) Driver’s License but it’s a Green Probationary license. Do you know if it is possible to have this converted into a German license?
Thanks 🙂
James
Hi James. I suspect that it will not be recognised as a valid driver’s licence because it is restricted. Best bet is to call 115 and ask.
Cheers, Kathleen
Hi Nadia,
I want to convert my canadian drivers license.
I have been in germany for last 4 months. I am living in berlin.
Can you please tell me what process to follow?
Please I have completed my theory exam, and I have done my driving practical exams about 3 times now, but could not pass the pratical exam , after the last exam I took a break for some time, now I want to try again for the fourth time only to find out that my theory exam validity has expired from Tüv. The theory result was to be valid for a year, now the one year has expired. I really need this führeschein, it’s important I get it.
Please what is the way forward for me in this situation .I live in freiburg in Baden-wurtemberg deutschland.
Thank you
Mercy
Hi Mercy,
Sounds like you have to do the theory exam again, and then repeat the practical exam.
Good luck! Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
So, I still have a German licence that I transferred from a West Australian licence when I was living in Berlin about 13 years ago (have lived back in Australia since 2008). I of course surrendered my Australian licence to get the German one. It expired shortly after I did the swap, so I let them them keep it and I still have the German licence.
I’m about to go to Germany for a holiday. Will I get away with using the German licence even though I don’t live there anymore (meaning I don’t have a registered address in Germany)?
Thanks, Ron
HI Kathleen,
I still have a German drivers license that I transferred from a West Australian license when I lived in Berlin about 13 years ago. I obviously surrendered the West Australian license when I collected the German one, but it expired shortly after the exchange so I let them keep it (I was able to renew my West Australian license online, so I didn’t need it back for that either).
I’ve lived back in Australia for the last 10 years. I’m about to visit Germany again and will be renting a car. Do you think I will get away with using my German license even though I am no longer a resident in Germany (i.e. I no longer have a registered address in Germany)??
Regards, Ian
Hi
Thanks for all the advice here, it is very helpful.
I’ve applied for exchange of my valid US (Arizona) drivers licence in Düsseldorf, and it is currently being processed.
But I’m somewhat confused about the time restrictions for doing the exchange, in some places I see it stated that there is a 3 year limit, and in some places not – and unfortunately I have been in Germany for 3 and a half years. Are there any definite rules here, or is it at the discretion of the person processing the request?
Jay, I hear from SO MANY people who live for years in Germany and get away with transferring their foreign licence, as long as the foreign licence is still valid when you go to make the switch. The Berlin site says you should do it within 6 months of registering in Germany. Just go ahead and do it. You might get a slap on the wrist, but you’ll probably still end up with a German licence. Let me know if you don’t!
Hi,
I’ve a Pakistani Driving license and was expired last month. I’ve a plan to visit Pakistan in August and will also renew my driving license. My question is that once I’ve a renewed driving licence, will am i able to convert my Pakistani license to German driving license?
Pakistan is considered a “Drittstaat” which means you’ll have to do the complete theory and practical examinations, sight test, etc etc.
Hi Kathleen! Thanks for the really helpful article. I have a question for you, I come from Western Australia, and have converted my licence to a German one, and am just waiting to hear back. I converted both C and R class, but I noticed that the minimum age for A Klasse here is 20, I’m 19. Do you think I’ll still get my A Klasse? Seems like a bit of a conflict.
Hi Cole, that’s a really good question and unfortunately I don’t know the answer. Wait and see what your licence looks like when you hear back and please let me know what the outcome is.
Hi,
I have a driver’s license (G) from Ontario, Canada. I’m not sure if I need first aid and eye test, or is it direct swap. I have a appointment end of the month. Can someone please help me? Thank you.
Lish
First aid yes, sight test no.
Hello Kathleen,
I have 2 driving licences all are valid.
1. UAE driving license
2. International License with German page issued by UAE authority.
Now I m shifted to Germany and want to Convert.
Regards
Imran Raza Khan
Hello Kathleen,
I have an expired Yemen License and I went to ADAC for translations they said its better u translated out side and finish the process. However, I want to translate my license. Can you guide me through the process because I live in hamburg.
your help is appreciated,
Thanks,
Alaa Anam
If it is expired, you won’t be able to use it to convert to a German licence. But if you want to get it translated anyway, and it’s in English, feel free to use the Written Translation form on my website to send it to me and I’ll send you a quote.
Hi Kathleen,
Hope you are doing great.
I have seen that you guys can translate the licence. however, I would like to know the process and how long would it take to get the translation done?.
thanks
Hi Alaa,
The process is as follows: you send us a copy of the license (both sides) using the form on the website, we send you a quote and a time frame (for a license usually 2-3 business days), you decide whether that’s acceptable, you pay, one of our certified translators translates and certifies your license and sends it to you by post, or, if you are in a hurry, you can pick it up. Cheers, Kathleen
I’ve got an Australian (Victoria) licence for car and motorcycle. I’d like to get my German licence finally.
Can you tell me how please.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Tony. Do you want a coaching? If so, let me know. Otherwise, have a look here. Cheers, Kathleen.
Hi Kathleen
Im a citizen from Albania Non Eu State
How çan i Convert my Valid Driverlicens
To A German Driverlicens. I live in Ludwigshafen Mannheim
Thx in advance
Hi Ariol,
Have a read of this document and put it through Google Translate if you need. Read the section “Umschreibung einer ausländischen Fahrerlaubnis Drittstaat”, which applies to your Albanian license. It will tell you everything you need to know, including the address, for doing this in Mannheim.
Hello,
I have a vaild UAE driving license ,i want to convert here in Germany ,is that possible.
Thanks
If you are now a resident of Germany, then yes.
Thank alot for your reply, can you tell me the procedure to convert uae driving license with Germany driving license.
Thanks
Helo. I converted my southafrican drivers licence in Offernburg in April. But l still didnt get my german licence. How do l do a follow up?
Hi Anabel. Contact the Offenburg office where you made the application. Bonus points if you still have the receipt that proves you paid for it, because it’ll probably have a file reference number on it.
Hi Kathy, i like toconvert my South African license to a german one but. I had it renewed in September after like 7 years of living here in Germany. What are my chances and how long?
Hi Gray,
Yeah, give it a shot. You might get yelled at, but if it’s currently valid, you should be able to convert it. This article might explain better.
Cheers
Kathleen
Hi Gray.
May I ask how you got your south african driving license renewed whilst living in germany? I have to get mine renewed but have no idea how. I would prefer not to travel all the way back to south africa to get it done
Thanks
Hi I have bahraini driving licence can I exchange to Germany driving licence thanks
Hi, I’m an Australian going to Germany for a little bit over a year and am looking to convert my license whilst over there.
As I have to relinquish my Australian license for the German one, will it be a matter of ordering a replacement license on my return to Australia?
Hi Samuel Jackson,
I found this for you. It would be a matter of converting your German license to an Australian one when you get back.
https://austroads.com.au/drivers-and-vehicles/overseas-drivers/applying-for-a-license
Cheers
Kathleen
Hi, how do I convert an Serbian driver licens to a German licence? I currently live in Sweden but I will move to Germany shortly. I am a swedish citycen but I still have my Serbian driver licens. Kind regards Dragana.
Hi Dragana, once you’re registered, take your Serbian license (as long as it is still valid) into a Bürgeramt of your choice to swap it over. It will cost around 35 Euros. If your license is not in English, take a certified translation. For more information, read the blog post above or look here: https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/327537/
I have a driving liecence from Uae. I need translation of it. From where i get the translation of it. How much time it takes and the cost.
I have Indian driving license. I lost the original and have scanned copy. Is it possible to apply Germany License using the scanned copy.
No, you need the original.
Hi
I am Pakistani National with valid UAE driver’s license can I convert it to German Driver’s license without Theory and Practical test? If so then how?
Regards
Sunny
Hi Sunny. No, it looks like you would have to do the theory and practical tests as part of your application to swap it for a German one.
Cheers, Kathleen
Hi KATHLEEN,
Im from China and im working in Germany already over 6 month,
Im going to Korea soon to get a Korean lisence, is it still possible that when i get the Korean lisence, i can convert it into a German one? because i have already passed the first 6 month being a resident in Germany
Looking forward to your reply KATHLEEN
Thank you so much
Jiayi
Hi Jiayi,
Yes, if you manage to get a driving licence from the Republic of Korea and it is valid when you try to exchange it, you can do so in Germany even if you’ve been here for more than 6 months. Read this article to find out more.
I have given my translation of my UAE driving license in german. In UAE they wirte light vehicle which is equal to germany category B . But the women want the justification that light vehicle is a car and equals to Germany category B. What should i do.
Hi.
I have an south african drivers license. I moved to the UK from south africa. They could not exchange my license immediately as I had to live there for at least 108 days, the problem was that my license was going to expire in 106 days. So I was going to be 2 days short, they told me to try getting it renewed with the south african embassy in UK. Nonetheless the embassy said they can’t help me or does not know how to help me. My license expired. I just recently moved to germany and now want to find out if there is any way I can get it swopped for a german one (even if it is expired) or if I can somehow get my south african one renewed from this side(germany).
Thanks
I don’t have any information about whether you can get the South African license renewed here or not, but I do know you can’t exchange a license if it is not valid. Sorry to hear about those annoying circumstances! -Kathleen
Hey there,
I am from Canada (Quebec) and from the table linked in the article it seems that I will lose my motorcycle (class 6) privilege…is that a typo or I can get both my 5 and 6 swapped? (I am asking since other CA provinces listed get a 1:1 swap for all categories)
Thanks so much!
Mircea
Hi Mircea, that’s a really good question. I am under the impression that if you have both PKV (car) and M (motorbike) classes on your Quebec license, as long as you bring a sight test with you (this is always necessary for swapping motorbike classes), you can get both classes on your new German license, but you’ll have to ask the case worker if there are any intricacies there.
If you were looking at footnote 5 at the bottom of the table, that doesn’t have anything to do with the Class 5 column. Footnote 5 says that your license can’t be swapped to a German one without doing tests if it is ONLY class 6 (only motorbike). But where Quebec is listed as Class 5, it does not refer to footnote 5. I hope that makes sense.
Kathleen
Hi,
I have a swiss license and want to swap with German license.
Do I need to surrender my swiss license to get German license or they give a seperate German license?
What is the fee for German license (swap)
Hi Manish, you surrender your Swiss license and get the German one in its place. It’s 35 Euros. Cheers, Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
I have a USA Florida Class E licence, which allows me to drive vehicles up to 11,793kg. Does this mean that (after taking the mandatory theoretical exam) I can get a Class C German licence? I can’t find this info anywhere!
Ah, never mind… I found a chart that says it’s not possible with a US licence. Another question, then… since I can get a “light rigid” or “heavy rigid” licence in Australia much more cheaply… would the Bürgeramt accept this as a pathway to get a C1?
I’m afraid that’s out of my area of expertise – you’d just have to ask them directly at the Bürgeramt! Hope it goes well.
Hi Kathleen, I converted my original license from Singaproe to a german licence one year ago. Now I am moving back to Singapore, Can i get my Singapore license back? I was told if I go back to Singapore for holiday I can exchange my license for that time period. But a colleague of mine managed to get his back before he went back home. Is that possible?
I don’t believe you can get your Singapore licence back before you go back to Singapore, but your friend’s experience seems to contradict this. To be sure, the best thing would be to email the Burgeramt that issued your German driver’s licence and ask if it’s possible. I’d be surprised if it is. Are you sure your friend didn’t just get an International Driver’s Licence before going to Singapore? That’s certainly possible.
Hi,
I want to swap/exchange my Pakistani license is it possible? Also I am living in Cologne does your team provide service here?
Many thanks
Hi M, no we are not in Cologne, sadly. You can swap your Pakistani licence for a German one, but you will probably have to do all the tests that go with it.
I’ve been living in Leipzig, Germany with a residency permit for almost two years but I’m constantly going back to the USA for work and vacation. Because of this my passport shows that I’ve only been back for a couple months. Since my license is from Wisconsin I’m hoping I won’t have to go the long way to get it transferred to a German license. Does this matter or did I just wait too long?
It doesn’t matter, Jake. Go get it swapped over. Read more here.
Hi Kathleen,
Do you know if an eye test is required in Berlin when exchanging a UK licence for a German one? The lady at the Bürgeramt mentioned the word for eye test, but I wasn’t sure if she was saying I need to do one or what. She took my payment and mentioned something about it taking up to 12 weeks. She gave me an Antragsbestätigung which says an eye sight test is required for class B licence (cars), and that any missing documents should be submitted asap, but she didn’t highlight that requirement or mention it again. I just thought that an eye test wasn’t required when exchanging an EU licence but maybe I was wrong.
Thanks,
James
I had an Italian driving licence (for private car driving). The licence was issued in 1981. I continued using and renewing it till 2004 when i left Italy for Nigeria.Please note that i became an Italian citizen by 1987.
While in Nigeria i used a Nigerian driving licence.
Now, that i have returned to Europe(but this time Germany), what can i do about driving licence?
You can exchange the Italian driver’s license only if it is still valid. Otherwise, you’ll have to exchange the Nigerian license, assuming it is still valid.
Greetings,
I’m an American citizen living in Berlin for over a year. My license from Illinois expired in March of this year, and I was unaware it expired this quickly. Definitely my oversight but is there any option to swap or do I need to take all the tests over again here in Germany to get a new license?
thank you,
Dave
You can’t swap an expired license, unfortunately! ANd if you go back to the States and get a new license, it won’t be exchangeable in Germany because you’ve already registered your address in Germany and any foreign license issued after this date can’t be exchanged. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. You could deregister in Germany, leave, and re-enter and re-register, but this will screw up a whole bunch of things like residence permit, health insurance etc. I#d just start from scratch.
Hi All,
i got pulled out last night by the traffic police in Brandenburg got charged because i was still driving with my Australian Licence from NSW, officer said the i had to change it after 6 months being in the country, which i didn’t know and just found out,,ive been in the country for bit more than a year now,he was saying that ill be charged as driving with no licence which doesn’t make sense to me,,, i should be charged for not changing my licence on time,should get a warning or etc… is anyone experience such a thing? or any idea how much do i need to pay,,,or is there any chance i can explain the case to someone, obviously i have a valid licence accepted by the German Authourities but not changing the licence shouldnt be threated as driving with no licence,,, any comments will be appreciated 🙂 cheers!
Hi Omer, yes, I’m aware of this problem and I wrote a blog about it here. I can’t really offer you much guidance though, except my sympathy. Go to the Bürgeramt and get the licence converted at your earliest convenience.
Hi There,
Very useful inof, tho one part is missing in my case, I am a US Permanent Resident and wanted to Convert my California D License to German one, (I passed the 6 month window and did not have time to change it and i even become a German Citizen) now that i decided to convert it, The Führerescheinstelle asked me for supporting docs like Nachweise.. some document that shows I lived in the US for at least 6 months. ( I told them look i have my green card here, how long do you think one needs to get a greencard..) they did not accept that as a prove, so asked me to provide them with more docs. I do not know what kind of doc will be worthy and convincing. any idea?
Will highly appreciate your feedback.
Firstly, wow, you are a US permanent resident and a German citizen! Respect to you, Roy. That means you have already had to go through a LOT of bureaucracy. I#m not really sure, it would have been nice if the case worker had given you some examples. Perhaps you can ask the American embassy for advice on what sort of document would prove your residence in the States. Tax returns come to mind…
Hi Kathleen,
I have a valid Korean driving license. Could you please help translate it and convert to german driving license.
Appreciate your prompt response.
No problem, Avani. You can book a coaching and I’ll take you through the process, or you can book a translator to go with you to the appointment. Let me know what works for you. Cheers, Kathleen
Hi Kathleene,
I have a indian licence valid Indian licence till 2030.
I had lost the copy issued in 2010 and got a new copy issued(duplicate as its termed) in 2019.
I want to convert my licence to German one but authorities are asking for letter from Indian transport association. I got digitally signed letter as per the officer from India.
Would this be acceptable?
Thanks,
GR
I don’t know if they will accept a digitally signed document, you’ll just have to take it in and find out. I hope it works! Kathleen
Hello Kathleen,
I have a UAE (Dubai) valid license. Can I get it exchanged for a German license without taking any tests or do I need to go through whole process? Please let me know.
Thank you,
Kaz
You’d have to go through the theory and practical test process. Sorry! Kathleen
Hello everyone,
I have two valid driving license, UAE for 2 years and home contry -Jordan- for 10 years by now..
Will I be able to convert any of them to a German driving licence?
Ps. I work as a doctor and planning to get my speciality from Germany.. dont know if this info is helpful, incase I needed to go through the whole process..
Thanks in advance
Hello Dr. Abu-faris,
Using either license, you would still have to complete the theory and practical test, I’m afraid.
Hi there,
I am looking to convert my Australian (State: Victoria) drivers licence for a German one.
I was hoping to get some information as to how to get this, and what your fee is for this assistance?
Thanks,
Rajesh
Hi Rajesh,
I can take you through the requirements in a coaching, 75/hour, Skype or in-person. Otherwise, you can put this document through google translate and get Red Tape to book an appointment for you and take a translator with you. That would be 75/hr for the appointment (1 hour minimum) and 15 EUR to book an appointment for you. If any of those sound appealing, you can book online. I’ll keep an eye out for your booking over the next few days. Cheers, Kathleen
Thank you so much. Do you know approximately how long and how much that costs?
Hi Kathleen,
I’ve been searching for a lot of information but I couldn’t find any full information about Indonesian driver license. So, i’m going to move to Stuttgart next week from the Netherlands. Correct me if I got the info wrong, so I can drive for 6 months after my residency registration in Stuttgart, right? Now, my question is do I need my national driver license to be translated to German language? If so, can I do it with red tape translation, how long does it take to be translated and how much will it cost? If you have any information about anything regarding driving license that suits my situation, please share the link to me. Thank you in advance.
If you have an EU driver’s license, it doesn’t need to be translated into English.
Hi, I’m living in Germany for 10 months now, is it too late to exchange my driving license now, and is there a specific time window in which I can exchange it?
It’s not too late to convert it. If you use the foreign license after 6 months of living here and get stopped by the police, it won’t be considered valid. So get it converted! Read here to learn more.
Hi there i have a australian driven licence,can i convert to the german driven licence if yes how is the procedure thanks.
Yes. Read the article to find out the procedure. Good luck!
Hi, I am looking to get my Western Australian Driver’s Licence translated. Could you please send me the quote and some more information so I can send it through? Thank you! 🙂
Hi Alex,
Use the form to send your driver’s license to us and THEN, once we have seen it, we will give you a quote. Cheers, Kathleen
Hi
I have valid New Zealand driving license do I have to sit in practical and theory test for German licence
Nope!
Thanks for the article!
My driving license was issued in Russia. It is an “International Driving Permit” (all its parts are doubled in Russian and French).
What is my way expected to be?
Do I need to pass first aid course, eye sight test, exams or is there a chance simply to swap?
They can’t convert international driving licenses, unfortunately! Unless you mean it is a regular Russian driver’s license that just happens to be printed in 2 languages?
Hi There i have a South African Drivers licence i am so desperate to change to a german license . Please help
South Africa is on the list of countries for which applicants don’t need to do the theory and practical components. So follow the instructions in the blog post above. Cheers, Kathleen
Hello, I am moving to UK and soon I will be asked to exchange my German driving license to a British one.
Will I be able to get the German driving license back at any stage? for example, if I decide to move back to Germany.
Please advise.
Thanks.
If you move back to Germany, you can convert your British license back into a German one again if you want. But you’d have to be registered in Germany.
I have lived in Germany since March 2018. My Australian P2 license (Queensland), ends in August 2020 at which point I have an open license. Is it possible to switch this to a German license at this point without taking an exam?
It’s tricky because your open license will most likely be a brand new license, which will be issued after you’ve already registered as living in Germany. They might refuse to convert it, and you might have to start from scratch.
Hi Kathleen,
My current license lists both P2 and O, therefore I do not need a new license once it is updated to open. My main concern, is that they would not recognize the P2. It is a requirement also to have a first aid certificate and eye exam before? Thanks!
Hi,
I am an Indian Citizen but I have a valid UAE driving license. Does the conversion of foreign driving license only apply to the driving license of your orgin country (citizenship country)?
No, your nationality doesn’t have to match the country in which your license was issued.
Greetings,
I have a valid driving license of afghanistan and recently moved to Germany, so I want to drive in here as well:
1.Is it possible to convert my afghanistan’s license in here,
a.if yes, then after 6 months if I get a German driving license, do I still have 2 years of probationary periods?
b. If not by the prove of that should I have to pass all the steps to get that and do I still have 2 years of probationary periods?
your response would be highly appreciated.
Unfortunately, I don’t know the answer to these questions. I’d say put an application in and see how the office responds to the conditions on your license. Good luck!
Hello!
I am in Berlin, I’ve been here 10 months. Could you please assist me in converting my New Zealand full drivers licence into a German one?
Best wishes,
Maxine
Hi Maxine, yes, I’d be happy to. If you want me to take you through the requirements and find you an appointment, book an hour of Life Admin. If you just need someone to come with you on the day of your appointment, book Take a Translator. Kind regards, Kathleen
Hello sir / madam
I have pakistani driving license Can I change this Pakistani International license change in German Is there any law If you can help me, please send a message thank you sir /madam
Haider
You can convert it, but you’ll have to do the theory and practical components.
i have new zealand driver licence , i want to convert license. How i can do it.
Hi there. 1. Read the blog post above. If that doesn’t help, 2. Book a half-hour of Life Admin and I’ll take you through the requirements.
Hello , I’m looking to translate my Cameroon drivers license to german what do I have to do please .
Thanks
Hi there! 1. Read the blog post above. If that doesn’t help, 2. book a half-hour of Life Admin and I’ll take you through the requirements. Cheers, Kathleen
Hallo,
My Name is Muhammad Raees.im from pakistan,Im 28years old.i have a question?My question is i have already a pakistani driving licence international,so i want to change my pakistani licence here in germany and how i change the licence.please i need same help
Thanks
As long as it is valid, apply to get the license converted at the Bürgeramt (same process as in this blog post) and they’ll invite you to the theory exam. You can do the practical component through a driving school.
Hi, I have a driver’s license from MA, USA. Since “I am not a US citizen, it is limited-term and has an expiration date soon after the date I’ll move to Germany for work (planning to stay for several years). I expect I might have about a month in between the time I’ll move and expiration date of my current license. Can I convert my license before it expires? Is there a rule about minimum validity for the license to be converted?
It just has to be valid. So get in there asap!
Hello,
I am not looking to get a German Driver’s License but I want to take driving lessons so that I can learn how to drive a manual car. I know for US licenses that my license is valid for 6 months but after that, I need to inform the city registrar that I would like to keep driving. Do I need my license translated for this? Do I need to do anything else, as well? Thank you!
hi Ellen, that’s the point at which you need to switch your license over to the German one (convert it). So you follow the process as per the blog post. If you’re in Berlin and your license was issued in English, you probably won’t need a translation. In other cities, you might.
Do you have any advice for getting an appointment at the KVR for a Non-EU drivers licence conversion? They haven’t had any appointments online for 7 months. (New Zealand drivers licence)
I would just shoot them an email using their contact form and wait. Verrrry patiently.
Hi..
I was charged a fee of 35 Euro while submitting my documents for Driving License Exchange.
As far as I know 35 Euro is the fee without examination and probably for EU Nationals license exchange. But I am from a Non EU country and I am confused why I was charged 35 Euro only. Do I need to revisit the Authorities.
Not all countries have to do the exam, even if they are non-EU countries. If your country or state is on this list, then you probably do not have to do the exam. If you think they’ve made a mistake, I’d get in touch with the Bürgeramt at which you made the application.
I have an Australian licence (Victorian issued) and the amt paperwork is requesting a letter from the issuing authority clarifying the date of issue. Do you know if this is actually required?
I have heard of the Bürgeramt requesting this, yes, if it is not clear by looking on the license when it was actually issued.
Hello, I have a Finnish driving licence exchanged for my Indian driving licence ( as a part of bilateral agreement) . I would like to know if this licence could be used in Germany ( As I have moved to Germany). This is EU licence and have driven for 3-4 years in Finland,
Thank you.
You can convert an EU license to a German license easily. It costs 35 EUR. I’m not sure where you are based in Germany, but here are the prerequisites for Berlin – here, you need to take your passport, a biometric photo, the original EU Finnish license and a copy of it.
hello, Im Abd Elhamid.
Im here in germany for a year now, I have a morrocan driving license i wanna know if i can get my driving license exchanged or i should start from the scratch?
You can apply to have it converted but you’ll have to do the theory and practical components, so it would be like starting from scratch.
Hi i had a uk driving licence but today i lost it,can i apply for exchange it to german one here,because i am living in berlin now
Hi Ruben. Yes, it’s possible. It helps if you have a copy of the license. If you don’t have a copy, you’d have to at least give details such as the class, the issuing authority and the issue date. Some sort of confirmation of the license’s existence from the authority that issued it would help too. And.. (this is just my personal suggestion) I’d also include a police report, even if it’s not expressly required on the website. You can submit a police report of the loss online here.
Hello Kathleen
I have German nationality, but I’m living in the Netherlands and my driver’s licence is South African (Complicated – I know), can you please advise me on how I can exchange my South African licence for a German licence?
Hi Marolize, You’d have to be registered in Germany to exchange any license to a German one.
Hi Kathleen,
I am currently living in Munich and have an Indian Driving License.
Guess i have to do the Theory and Practical tests, however in respect to get my License translated so that i can start the process further, would you please mail me the details about your fees, what all documents you need etc..??
Thanks in Advance
The best way is to fill out the form and send your driver’s license to us and we’ll reply with a quote. It’s generally around 40-50 EUR for a certified translation of a driving license, but this can vary.
Hi ,
I have a Greek car and bike both driving license , issued 2010 and which is valid until 2039 . Now I am living in berlin permanently could you please informed me that how can I convert or obtain the German driving license. Thanks Yousaf
You don’t have to convert it, but if you want to, follow these instructions. If you’re not in Berlin, the process might be a bit different. Book some Life Admin if you’d like one of us to take you through it.
Hi
I am from India and hold an Indian driving license. I have submitted all the documents in Führerscheinstelle of my city two months ago. A friend of mine also did the same on the same day. I haven’t received any documents yet from TÜV for further process, but he did. I have tried contacting the Führerschein stelle but they are saying to contact TÜV. I tried contacting TÜV but they are unable to resolve my issue. What should I do now and whom should I contact ??
How frustrating! I hope it’s resolved itself by now. Nothing like two offices passing the buck back and forth.
Hi There
I am looking to convert my South African drivers license for a German one.
I was hoping to get some information as to how to get this, and what your fee is for assistance with booking the appointment and having an interpreter join?
Hi Nicole,
We can definitely help you with all of that, but we’ll need to know a few more details about your situation – just click here to set up a coaching.
Hi, I have a North Makedonia driver license.
I have a residence permit in Norway.
I want to change the lisence to Germany driver license from North Makedonia driver license.
How do I have to do?
bestregards
Hi Can,
Valid EU driving licenses are accepted in Germany – no need to get a German license.
You need to be registered as living in Germany in order to get a german license. Check out the required documents in our video here. So if you are living and registered in Germany, schedule a coaching with us and we’ll get you all set.
Hi,
I have moved into Germany couple of months back and hold a valid UK license. For getting it converted to German License
1. Do I need to take the tests
2. Do I need to get the license translated
3. Would red tape help in this process and what would be the charges.
Hi Kiran,
in Berlin you can get away with having a license in English (I can vouch for that), but if you live anywhere else in Germany, you’ll want to get it translated. We can happily assist you with that and the rest of the process. Just book a coaching here.
Hi, I’m a Hungarian citizen but my driving license is Jordanian because I was living there. What do I have to do to convert my Jordanian driving license?
Everything will apply to the country in which your license was issued – so Jordan. If you need any further assistance, set up a coaching with one of our experts, we’re happy to help!
Please email me the details about how I can translate my Ghanaian driving license.
Hi Ernest – upload it here using our secure contact form and we’ll contact you with a quote.
Hi,
I am living in Germany and my croatian driving license expired two years ago. I went to the public servise for driving license’s issues in Croatia. They can’t extend my driving license because I don’t have residence in Croatia anymore. But they gave me a confirmationI/certificate confirming that the institution had issued the first driver’s license. Also, Croatia is an EU member.
So, can you tell me what to do with this confirmation?
Best regards
This is the service you’re after, Anna. https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/121598/ (although I don’t know if you’re in Berlin, but the name of the service will be the same in other cities).
Go and get it converted to a German license. It’s OK to do so even if the EU license has exired.
Please can I convert Nigeria International drivers licence to Germany drivers license? I have resident in Germany
You’ll still need to do all the theory and practical tests. So yes, you can, but it’s like starting anew.
Hey I’m from Perth, Australia is it possible to exchange my aussie license for a German one if i move there? And if so how soon can I apply?
Yes, you can, as long as the Aussie license is valid. You should apply to have it converted to a German license within 6 months of registering your address in Germany.
Hi, I have a Jordanian license and I would like to convert it to a German one , (i know i have to make the tests) but my question is , do I have to take the lessons? or I can skip them and get direct to the exams?
You’d have to talk to your driving school about this.
Hey Kathleen,
I have a Serbian driving license and I’ll have to convert it to a German one in order to start working a job that requires driving. What I’d like to ask is how can I get this done faster instead of waiting 1+ months for an appointment and then another month until i get my German driving license? (since I have to start work)
Thanks in advance!
I don’t have any suggestions for speeding up this process, I’m afraid. I hope you managed to get it done quickly.
Hi there, I am a South African married to a German Citizen husband we currently live in Stockholm because of work, I am not registered in Germany but in Sweden and my question is, can I convert my South African Divers license to a German one when I come to my parents in-laws for holidays?
Thank you I will appreciate your help because in Sweden after a year driving I will have to start from scratch.
No you can’t. You have to be registered in Germany to convert your license, and even if you were, there is no agreement between SA and Germany which means you’d have to start from scratch in Germany too.
Hello
I decided not to exchange my driving licence anymore as i will be moving out soon from Germany
I have done all the applications and my original driving license is with TUV now
Nevertheless In the application form they have sent me it refers that I can request a cancellation to my application but I m not sure how or from where it can be done.
Anyone had a similar experience?
Thanks in advance
Kind regards
Sel
I’m in Stuttgart and would like to do a driver’s license exchange, do you offer support regarding this service in Stuttgart?
Not on-site support, but you can always book a coaching and we’d be delighted to take you through exactly what you need to do to prepare for the appointment.
Hi, I have been living in Germany since 2018. I moved from Berlin to Frankfurt in late 2020. I did not know that there was a time limit to exchange my full UK license post BREXIT. I have everything (including full motorbike but excluding HGV) on my licence. What do I do here in Frankfurt? Do I need a medical? Do I need a translation of my license? Do I need an eye test. Please advise. Thanks, Chris
You can convert your driver’s license to a German one – UK has since been added to the “Annex 11” list of countries that has a reciprocal agreement with Germany. You follow these instructions. Cheers!
Hello,
I’m an American citizen from Arkansas, in the process of relocating to Berlin. My wife is a German citizen. I’m curious if my class A CDL will transfer to a German license?
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Brian
According to the information in Annex 11, Germany has a reciprocal agreement with Arkansas only for the Class D license.
My daughter moved to Germany and registered living there. She went to the Fuererschein Amt in Leipzig and got a German drivers licence for her Canadian/Ontario G licence. Now we found out it is only valid for driving a PKW car and no trailer towing or bigger truck (up to 7500kg) ?
We though if she gives them a full Canadian G licence she would get an equivalent German one?
I’m afraid I don’t know much about Canadian G licenses and how they measure up in Germany, but if you feel like the license has been converted incorrectly and that your daughter should have permission to tow a trailer or a truck, have a look at how it was translated and/or simply go back to the Führerscheinamt and ask why it was allocated that way and whether a mistake was made.
Hello, I am a student living in Germany with a residance permit, I have been in germany for 1,5 years and about 6 months ago I got my Turkish drivers licence and I need to drive to Work so Can I translate my drivers licence to german and use it or should I get the tests done from scratch ?
You can convert it but you’ll still have to do the tests from scratch.
Can you assist with booking me an appointment at the citizens office.
And also do I need to translate my license before going to the citizens office
Yes, we can help you book appointments at the citizen’s office, but we only do this if you take an interpreter. You can book and pay for the appointment booking and the interpreter here.
Please can you send me an address in Berlin where I can translate my Nigerian license
If your Nigerian license is in English, we can translate it for you. Upload it here and we’ll get you a quote and a turnaround time.
Hello,
I wanted to know how much it would cost to translate a U.S. florida drivers license.
Thank you,
Sheldin
2023: 65 EUR all-inclusive and we’ll send it to you by registered post.
Hello! I have my license Albanian and I like to change in German(I have B and C) but my license driver C date it’s expired like 8mounth but I live in Germany like 1 year and half and I like to change both to make B and C German license can i change??
If your license has already expired, you can’t use it to convert it to a German one.
Hello 🙂
I am María, and I have a driving license from Ecuador. I am doing the process of getting the German one. However, my Ecuadorian license expires soon. Is it valid if I ask the KVR before my current license expires? And what would happen if the KVR lasted longer than my Ecuadorian license’s validity?
Apply to have it done before your license expires! German licenses don’t expire. Bonus 🙂 I think as long as your license is valid at the time at which you apply to have it converted, you’ll be fine.
I haved lived in germany (Wiesbaden) for over three years and until now I’ve had no reason to drive, so I didn’t bother to convert my license (UK). Now I have enrolled in a driving school to earn a German driving license the old fashioned way, but I’m hoping to reduce the number of driving hours I need to pay for by presenting my UK license.
However, is my UK license already considered invalid, because I’ve lived in germany for more than 6 months? Is there any point in getting my UK license translated or converted, if I am learning at a driving school anyway? Just to reiterate, I have not been driving since I left the UK.
It’s not the Wiesbaden driving license office who would consider it invalid, it’s the police, for example if you got pulled over. If it’s still valid, the DLO can still convert it for you, even if you’ve been registered in Germany for longer than 6 months. Then you’d have the German license and you can do as many or as few driving hours as you wish. I think asking for a conversion to a German license is worth it. Just be aware that the DLO might not be able to convert it if it was issued AFTER you moved to Germany. But try anyway.