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Exchange your driving licence

Selected criteria

  1. I recently arrived in Germany
  2. Transport and everyday life
  3. Exchange my driving licence

If you arrived in Germany with a foreign driving licence, start by checking your issuing country, licence category, and the status of your document. This will help you understand whether an exchange is possible and what steps may be required. Then gather the basic documents and contact the local Führerscheinstelle where you are registered. Do not rush to pay for training until the authority has reviewed your case and told you whether exams are needed. If exams are required, choose a driving school, prepare for theory and practical training, and complete the process of obtaining a German licence. After the exchange, check separately which category you need for a car, trailer, or other vehicle, and refresh your knowledge of traffic rules before your first trips. As the procedure depends on the issuing country and local authority, use the articles to prepare for an individual check of the requirements.

Plan overview

Check exchange conditions for your country, prepare documents, apply at the Führerscheinstelle, and take driving-school exams if required.

What to do step by step

  1. 1

    Check rules for the licence’s issuing country

    Check how the exchange procedure and possible exams are determined for your licence.

    Articles for this step

    How to Exchange a Foreign Driving License in Germany
  2. 2

    Prepare documents and apply

    Gather documents for the local Führerscheinstelle and apply for an exchange.

    Articles for this step

    How to Exchange a Foreign Driving License in Germany
  3. 3

    Wait for the authority’s decision

    Find out which requirements apply to your case before planning further costs.

    Articles for this step

    How to Exchange a Foreign Driving License in Germany
  4. 4

    Choose a driving school and take exams if needed

    If the authority requires exams, arrange preparation and testing through a driving school.

    Articles for this step

    How to Exchange a Foreign Driving License in Germany
  5. 5

    Check your category and prepare for driving

    Check which category you need for your vehicle and review key traffic rules.

    Articles for this step

    Driver’s license categories in Germany: A, B, C, D, BE, B96, and B196 Driving in Germany: Traffic Rules, Autobahns, Parking, and Fines

Important notes

  • Check the exact documents and exchange requirements with your Führerscheinstelle.
  • First understand the requirements for your case, then plan training.

Common mistakes

  • Applying one general rule to all countries
  • Delaying a check of the conditions