Citizens' Service

EU driving licence card

Frequently asked questions about the driving licence

1. Is my driving licence still valid?

All officially issued driving licences will remain valid for the time being. The pink driving licence was supplied by Bundesdruckerei until 31 December 1998 and issued by the driving licence authorities.

In particular, holders of the old grey driving licences and old GDR driving licences are urgently advised to obtain the new card driving licence before travelling abroad, so as to avoid potential complications.

By the way, an international driving licence will not be issued unless you possess an EU driving licence card.

A new EU driving licence will be issued when vehicle categories are added. Later changes and additions are not possible. The card is valid within the EU and in all states of the European Economic Area.

The new card permits the operation of the same vehicles as the old driving licence. The right to operate trucks over 7.5 tons expires with the 50th birthday of the holder. If you still want to operate such vehicles, you are required to apply for a renewal of your driving permit and thus for the new EU driving licence card. A medical as well as an eye examination is required for this process.

2. Where do I get the new driving licence card?

The responsible driving licence authority will gladly accept your application. You can often find addresses and opening hours on the Internet.

To apply for the driving licence you will need:

• your ID card
• the current driving licence
• a recent passport-size photo (35 x 45 mm)
• EUR 24.00

Instead of regular processing time which can be found out at your driving licence authority, you may also choose express processing for a small surcharge.

3. Is it possible to have the EU driving licence delivered to my home?

Bundesdruckerei's direct delivery service means you no longer need to go to the public authority and wait around when you want to exchange your licence. For just a small fee, your new driving licence card can be delivered straight to your letterbox. You save valuable time if you choose this convenient service when applying to exchange your old driving licence.

4. What are the advantages of the new EU driving licence card?

The EU driving licence in handy credit-card size is a welcome document particularly when it comes to renting a car or dealing with the police. The old grey and pink driving licences are being accepted less and less – particularly abroad. Driving licence authorities are thus recommending to already exchange the driving licence now.

By the way, an international driving licence will not be issued unless you possess an EU driving licence card.

5. Are all vehicle categories of the old driving licence transferred to the new licence?

Yes, with this card document which is valid throughout the European Union, you can operate the same vehicles that were permitted with your old driving licence. The vehicle categories in your new document then comply without restriction to the international driving licence categories as set forth in the related EU Directive.

The right to operate trucks over 7.5 tons expires with the 50th birthday of the holder. If you still want to operate such vehicles, you are required to apply for a renewal of your driving permit and thus for the new EU driving licence card. A medical as well as an eye examination is required for this process.

6. Where do I find some information on the law governing driver licensing?

Detailed information on current driving licence legislation, for example regarding medico-psychological examination, and the new points system is available from the website of Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing.

Homepage: http://www.bmvbw.de/

If you have more questions on the EU card driving licence, please contact your local driving licence authority.