Transferring driving licenses from third countries outside the European Economic Area or European Union
Service description
If you have a driving license from a third country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) and have moved to Germany, you must have your driving license transferred.
To do this, you must pass a theoretical and practical examination in Germany.
The "Annex 11 states" are an exception to this. If you have a driver's license from a country listed in Annex 11 of the Driving License Ordinance, you do not have to take a test or only have to take one.
The following non-EU or non-EEA states are "Annex 11 states":
- Albania
- Andorra
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- French Polynesia
- Gibraltar
- Guernsey
- Isle of Man
- Israel
- Japan
- Jersey
- Canada
- Kosovo
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Namibia
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Republic of Korea
- Republic of North Macedonia
- San Marino
- Switzerland
- Serbia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom (UK)
- United States of America (USA)
In addition, your driving license from a third country outside the EU and EEA is still valid if your normal place of residence is not in Germany and you belong to the following groups:
- Commuter
- Student
- Pupil
You apply for the transfer of your driving license at the local driving license authority.
When the foreign driving license is transferred, the driving license authority retains the foreign driving license and sends it back to the competent authority of the issuing country or the local driving license authority.
Holders of a valid foreign driving license (non-EU/EEA member state) may drive motor vehicles in Germany without restriction within the scope of their authorization if they do not have a normal place of residence in Germany. If a residence in Germany has been established, the authorization is only valid for a period of 6 months. After this period, a German driving license must be issued on the basis of the foreign driving license (so-called transfer).
Note:
EU or EEA driver's licenses of harmonized driver's license categories do not generally require a transfer and can be used without a time limit. This applies to driving license categories A to BE.
Driving licenses issued from January 19, 2013 are limited to 15 years. However, the time limit only applies to the driving license document. This must be renewed every 15 years. Regular medical examinations or other tests are not associated with the document exchange.
What documents are required?
The application is made in writing.
- Application form (created at the driving license authority)
- Photo identification (identity card, passport, ID card for displaced persons)
- If applicable, registration certificate from the registration office responsible for the main residence
- Photograph that complies with the provisions of the Passport Ordinance
- Valid foreign driver's license with official translation ]
- For a third-country driving license that is not listed in Annex 11 of the Driving Licence Ordinance, depending on the category applied for: additionally
- Certificate or expert opinion on physical and mental aptitude
- Certificate or expert opinion on eyesight or an eye test certificate
- Proof of participation in a first aid training course
- Details of the driving school, as you also have to take the theoretical and/or practical driving test
All other application documents depend on the driver's license category to be converted and on the state that issued the driver's license. More detailed information can be obtained from your competent driving license authority.
What fees apply?
The fee is based on the scale of fees for road traffic measures (GebOSt).
If the driver's license is sent directly to your home address, an additional shipping fee will be charged.
What deadlines do I have to observe?
Your driving license from a third country outside the EU or EEA will be recognized for 6 months after you move to Germany. To continue driving in Germany, you will need a driving license issued in Germany.
Holders of a valid foreign driving license may drive motor vehicles in Germany for a period of 6 months within the scope of their entitlement if they do not have a normal place of residence in Germany. Upon application, the driving license office can extend the period by up to six months. To do so, you must prove that you will not be resident in Germany for longer than twelve months.
Legal basis
There are special provisions for holders of foreign driving licenses in the Driving License Ordinance.
Applications / Forms
Available at the driving license authority.