Exchanging a foreign driving licence in Germany
A non-EU/EEA licence is valid in Germany for 6 months after you take up residence. To keep driving, exchange it (Umschreibung) at your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde. Licences from states listed in Anlage 11 of the FeV are exempt from some or all tests; everyone else takes the theory and practical tests.
Which route applies to you
- EU/EEA licence: generally recognised in Germany (FeV § 28). You usually do not need to exchange it.
- Licence from a state listed in Anlage 11: you can exchange it (FeV § 31) and are exempt from some or all tests. The exemption depends on your state and your licence class. For example, US licences are listed state by state and Canadian ones province by province.
- Any other licence: you need to pass the theory and practical tests, usually through a driving school (Fahrschule).
Check the Anlage 11 table (opens in a new tab) directly for your state and class. It is the official list, and we link to it rather than copying it here.
The official process
Official step · You do this
Book an appointment at your Fahrerlaubnisbehörde
Your local driving-licence authority (Führerscheinstelle) handles the exchange. In Munich, for example, you apply in person by appointment.
Official step · You do this
Get a sight test and, for many classes, a first-aid certificate
A sight test (FeV § 12) and first-aid training (FeV § 19) are required for many licence classes.
Official step · You do this
Get a translation if your licence is not in German or English
The authority decides in doubtful cases which translations it accepts.
Official step · You do this
Submit your application
Bring your ID or passport, your original foreign licence, the translation, a biometric photo and proof of registration (Munich example).
Official step · The authority does this
The authority decides and issues your German licence
It may ask for tests if your licence is not covered by Anlage 11.
Documents and costs
| Item | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange of a foreign licence (Munich, from) | €37.50 | Paid to the authority |
Munich charges between €37.50 and €45.90 depending on the case. Fees differ by city: check your Fahrerlaubnisbehörde's own page.
Common problems
- Missing the 6 months: after the deadline you may not drive on your foreign licence. Start early.
- Translation not accepted: ask your authority which translations it accepts before you book one.
- Wrong class assumed: Anlage 11 exemptions can differ between car and motorcycle classes.
How we can help
If you want certainty, our Licence Route Check gives you your route, deadline and document list in writing. Our Application Preparation Pack helps you put together a complete application. You submit it, and the authority decides.
In Germany, we provide organisational and language support, and the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde decides on your application.
Our service
Services for this country
Licence Route Check
A written summary of your route, your deadline and your documents, with links to every official source.
€95incl. 21% VAT
Application Preparation Pack
Help preparing a complete exchange application: checklist, forms, health declaration, translations and appointment preparation. You submit it yourself.
€295incl. 21% VAT
Independent help with the official process. You can also apply to the authority yourself; its fees are paid to it, separately from ours. How we work
Frequently asked questions
How long can I drive in Germany on my foreign licence?
A non-EU/EEA licence is valid for 6 months after you take up residence in Germany (FeV § 29). The authority may extend this by up to 6 months if you show your stay will not exceed 12 months. After that you need a German licence, so start the exchange early: some cities quote up to 14 weeks.
Official sources for this pageSpotted something out of date?