Holders of a valid foreign driving licence (not EU/EEA member state) may drive motor vehicles indefinitely to the extent of their entitlement in Germany if they do not have a normal place of residence in Germany. If there is a reason for residence in Germany, the entitlement is only valid for a period of 6 months. Thereafter, the issuance of a German driving licence on the basis of the foreign driving licence is required (so-called rewriting).

Hint:

EU or EEA driving licences of harmonised driving licence categories do not require any transfer and can be used without a time limit. This applies to driving licence classes A to BE.

In the case of driving licence classes that are limited in time in Germany (such as the driving licences for trucks and buses), the German validity periods also apply if no or a longer period is entered in the foreign driving licence.

Card driving licences issued from 19 January 2013 are limited to 15 years. However, the time limit only applies to the driving licence document. This must be renewed every 15 years. Regular medical examinations or other examinations are not associated with the exchange of documents.

• Leaflet for holders of foreign driving licences (driving licences) from EU and EEA countries
• Leaflet for holders of foreign driving licences (driving licences) from countries outside the European Union