Since 18 August 2026 Ukrainian driving licences can be exchanged for German ones without exams — with no theory and no practical test. Ukraine was added to Anlage 11 (Annex 11) of the German Driving Licence Regulation (FeV) by a decree published in the Federal Law Gazette BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 236 of 17 August. The federal government estimates that the simplified exchange will be used by around 350’000 people.
Below: what exactly changed, which categories carry over into the German licence and which are lost, what it costs in different cities, and what you do not need to buy, although half the internet recommends it.
No rush: you do not have six months — you have years
The most common misconception on this topic. Many sites, and even the pages of some city authorities, say the licence must be exchanged within six months. That is wrong in two ways at once.
First. The six months in § 29 FeV are the period during which you may drive on a foreign licence, not the deadline for applying. There is no deadline for the application at all. The Berlin authority puts it plainly: there is no period within which this application must be made.
Second, and this is the key point for Ukrainians. For people in Germany under temporary protection, the six-month rule does not apply at all. Directly applicable EU Regulation 2022/1280 takes precedence: Ukrainian licences are recognised across the Union until temporary protection ends. By a Council decision of 30 July 2026, that protection was extended until 4 March 2028.
The authorities confirm this and advise against creating queues: Nuremberg writes that the licence does not have to be exchanged immediately, and Erlangen and the district of Zwickau say the same.
The only hard condition: the Ukrainian licence must be valid at the time of application . Expired licences are not exchanged.
Which categories carry over and which are lost
Twelve categories are exchanged without a test. But the mapping is not always one to one, and there are unpleasant surprises here.
| In the Ukrainian licence | Becomes in the German | Test |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | AM | no |
| A | A | no |
| B, BE | B, BE | no |
| C1, C1E, C, CE | the same | no, but medical certificates required |
| D1, D1E, D, DE | the same | no, but medical certificates required |
| B1 | not on the list | theory and practical |
| T | no German equivalent | — |
Category C or D without category B — here a test is required
The main trap in the whole procedure. In Ukraine, category C can be obtained without holding category B. In Germany that is not possible: § 9 FeV allows C or D to be issued only to someone who already holds B.
What happens in practice. If the Ukrainian licence shows C but no B, the authority will require you to sit the full theory and practical test for category B. Only after category B has been issued is category C transferred without a test. People arrive for a test-free exchange and learn about the test at the counter.
Motorcycle: A1 becomes AM
The Ukrainian A1 covers mopeds and scooters up to 50 cc with no speed limit. The German AM is limited to 45 km/h. The new licence will show AM, and it does not permit a 125 cc motorcycle: the German categories A1 and A2 cannot be obtained from a Ukrainian licence at all.
Lorry and bus categories become time-limited
The Ukrainian C is valid as long as the licence itself is valid. The German one is not: § 23 FeV issues C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE for a maximum of five years. After that a renewal every five years, each time for a fee and each time with fresh medical reports.
The authority can order a test even without any of this
§ 31 FeV leaves the authority the right to order a test where there are grounds to believe the necessary knowledge and skills are no longer present. The provision is rarely used, but it exists.
What you do not need to buy, although you will be told otherwise
An exchange under Anlage 11 is not acquiring a licence anew, and § 31 FeV expressly switches off part of the usual requirements.
- A vision test (Sehtest) is not required for categories A, AM, B, BE. It is required only for lorry and bus categories, and there it is not an ordinary Sehtest but a certificate under Anlage 6, no older than two years.
- A first-aid course is not required for any of the twelve categories. That is 60–70 euros and a whole Saturday you can save.
- A driving school is not needed. There are no compulsory theory or practical lessons in an exchange. A driving school is needed only in the case where category C exists without B and a test is unavoidable.
For lorry and bus categories, certificates under Anlage 5 are added — a general medical examination, and for bus categories also a check of attention, concentration and reaction speed. These documents must not be older than one year.
The trap that leads to refusals
German law knows no requirement to have lived 185 days in Ukraine. There is the reverse one, and hardly anyone writes about it: § 29 FeV does not recognise a foreign licence if, at the time it was issued, the holder was already living in Germany. Ordinary residence is defined here as at least 185 days in the year.
The practical meaning is simple. If you obtained your Ukrainian licence, or swapped it for a new one, after registering in Germany — including online or on a short trip — the authority may refuse the exchange. Some cities, Nuremberg among them, expressly require an extended registration certificate naming the country you came from, and Hamburg puts proof of residence in the issuing country directly on its list of documents.
If a refusal has already been issued, or the matter is heading for a dispute with the authority, the costs of the proceedings are covered by legal protection insurance — provided the policy was taken out before the dispute arose.
In my consultations I keep seeing the same thing: people think of legal expenses insurance only once the refusal from the Führerscheinstelle (driving licence authority) has already arrived. A new policy will not pay for that dispute, as it began before the policy did.
But you exchange your licence only once, and you will be driving for years. Verkehrsrechtsschutz (legal cover for traffic matters) applies behind the wheel of your own car and also when you are on foot or on a bike. Which policy fits your risks, and whether it also pays for a formal objection (Widerspruch), we can check in a consultation.
The original licence is taken away for good
The German licence is handed over only in exchange for the Ukrainian one. The confiscated document stays with the authority, and § 31 FeV allows it to be destroyed after three years. There is only one way to get it back — by handing in the German licence.
This has a consequence worth knowing in advance: without the original, no exchange is possible. Neither a certificate nor a copy nor a report of loss will do — the Berlin authority states this expressly. If the licence is lost or left at home, the only lawful route is a duplicate from Ukraine and only then the application.
What it costs and how long it takes — city by city
The authority’s fee is almost the same nationwide, because the basic items are set by the federal tariff: issuing under Anlage 11 without a test 28.10 euros, checking the application 5.10, querying the driver fitness register 3.30, entering the data in the central driving licence register (ZFER) 1.00. That makes 37.50 euros in total, which is what most authorities charge. With a probationary period (Probezeit), it comes to slightly more.
Processing times, by contrast, differ by a factor of seven, and nobody writes about that. The figures were checked on the authorities’ own pages on 4 September 2026.
| City | Fee without a test | Processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Cologne | 36,30 € | 2–3 weeks |
| Berlin | 37,50 € | about 2 weeks |
| Hamburg | 37,50–74,40 € | 4–6 weeks |
| Mannheim | 37,50 € | 4–6 weeks |
| Munich | 37,50 € | up to 14 weeks |
| Düsseldorf | 37,50–45,10 € | 12 weeks on average |
| Stuttgart | 42,60 € | not published |
On top of the authority’s fee comes the translation of the licence with classification: at the ADAC that is 65 euros for Cyrillic script, taking from three working days to two weeks depending on the regional club. A biometric photo is about 10 euros. That is all.
If a test is needed after all, the tariffs are the same nationwide: theory 24.99 euros, practical test for category B 129.83 euros, for lorry and bus 195.76. On top comes the driving school’s presentation fee: 60–137 euros for theory and 160–289 for the practical.
Documents: the common list and where cities differ
Required everywhere:
- identity document and residence permit;
- the original of the Ukrainian licence, valid at the time of application;
- biometric photo 35 × 45 mm;
- translation of the licence with classification — from the ADAC, a sworn translator or another recognised body;
- a declaration that the foreign licence is valid.
Here, however, the cities differ, and it is worth checking on the page of your own authority before you go:
- Extended registration certificate naming the country of origin: required by Berlin, Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart; absent from the lists of Hamburg, Düsseldorf and Mannheim.
- Age of the photo: Cologne accepts up to three months, Hamburg up to a year, Düsseldorf up to two years.
- Application by proxy: Hamburg requires you to appear in person.
- Payment: Mannheim takes cash only, Düsseldorf card only, Munich accepts PayPal and Wero for online applications.
- Certificate of good conduct for bus categories: Mannheim requests it itself, Berlin and Hamburg require it from the applicant.
What else changed with the same decree
- Anlage 11 also gained Montenegro, and the list of categories for Israel was widened.
- Germany now recognises third-country licences already exchanged in another EU country. Previously such an exchange was not recognised — that provision has been repealed.
- Ukrainian was added to the list of languages for the theory test. That only takes effect on 1 April 2027.
Licences from other countries: three exchange regimes
Who issued your licence determines both the procedure and the exams. There are three regimes.
- A licence from an EU or EEA country. No exchange is needed at all — it stays valid in Germany until its own expiry date. You may exchange it if you wish, but there is no obligation.
- A licence from a country on the Anlage 11 FeV list. The exchange follows an eased procedure, and exemption from the theory and the practical test depends on both the country and the licence class: some need nothing at all, others still sit the practical exam. Ukraine is on the list, Moldova since 2022, and so are Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and several dozen other states, plus individual US states, Canadian provinces and Australian territories.
- A licence from a country not on the list. The theory and practical exams are taken again from scratch, as if applying for a first licence.
The deadline is the same for everyone except the Ukrainian case discussed above: under § 29 Abs. 1 FeV, once the holder of a foreign licence establishes ordinary residence in Germany, the right to drive on it lasts a further six months. After that it is driving without a licence, with everything § 21 StVG entails.
The Anlage 11 list is revised from time to time: countries are added and categories change. Before applying, check the version currently in force — and check it with your own Führerscheinstelle (driving licence office), because that is the office that decides.
German driving licences also need to be exchanged – depending on the deadlines
A separate issue concerns those whose German licence was issued before 19 January 2013. These licences are being converted to a unified European format, with deadlines rolling out in waves according to the year of issue. The licence you receive in the exchange already has the new format: it is valid for 15 years, and these waves do not affect it.
On 19 January 2026 the deadline expired for licences issued between 1999 and 2001. The next date is 19 January 2027 for those issued in 2002–2004. Being late brings a 10-euro warning fine, and abroad such a licence may not be recognised. The exchange itself costs about 25 euros, and no tests have to be retaken.
The full table of deadlines up to 2033 is in the guide to fines for motorists. And if a car has to be registered next, the procedure is explained separately: registering a car in Germany.
What you can sort out while you wait
The exchange takes from two weeks to three months, and the car sits idle all that time. A good moment to settle two things people in Germany put off for years.
Personal liability insurance — the first policy people take out in Germany, and not only drivers: it covers damage you accidentally cause to someone else in everyday life. It costs a few euros a month, and without it one broken laptop belonging to someone else becomes a personal debt.
Legal protection insurance with a traffic module covers disputes with the authority, proceedings after an accident and your legal defence in fine cases. The insurance does not pay the fine itself. One important detail: the policy only applies to disputes that arose after it was taken out — signing up during an ongoing conflict is too late.
One more thing people forget: while you have no licence you are still a road user. E-scooters in Germany have their own rules and their own compulsory insurance, and hitting a pedestrian on a bicycle is assessed under the same rules as a car accident. With a bicycle, this is exactly the case where private liability and legal protection cover work without any car at all. Damage caused on an e-scooter, however, is not covered by private liability insurance — that is what its own insurance is for.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to exchange my Ukrainian licence right now
No. As long as temporary protection applies — and it has been extended to 4 March 2028 — Ukrainian licences are recognised in Germany under the EU regulation. There is no deadline for applying.
Do you have to take tests when exchanging a Ukrainian licence
Since 18 August 2026, no — neither theory nor practical. There is one exception: if category C or D was issued without category B, the full test for B has to be taken.
What does the exchange cost
The authority’s fee is 36.30–37.50 euros in most cities, the ADAC translation 65 euros, the photo about 10. A vision test and a first-aid course are not required for an exchange.
What happens to the Ukrainian licence after the exchange
It is confiscated and stays with the authority. After three years the document may be destroyed. You can get it back only in exchange for the German licence.
Can you exchange the licence if the original is lost
No. An exchange is possible only with the original. The only route is a duplicate from Ukraine, and the application is then made with that.
Is the motorcycle category kept
The Ukrainian A becomes the German A. A1, however, becomes category AM limited to 45 km/h — that is a moped, not a motorcycle. The German categories A1 and A2 cannot be obtained from a Ukrainian licence.
Sources
- BGBl. 2026 I No. 236 of 17.08.2026 — the decree that added Ukraine to Anlage 11 FeV
- Anlage 11 FeV with footnote 21 — list of categories and the conditions for C and D
- § 9, § 23, § 29, § 31 FeV — the requirement to hold B, the validity period of C and D, recognition of foreign licences, and the exchange procedure
- Regulation (EU) 2022/1280 and Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912 of 30.07.2026 — recognition of Ukrainian licences and extension of temporary protection to 04.03.2028
- Bundesrat, Drucksache 318/26 — the explanatory memorandum and the estimate of 350’000 people
- Pages of the Führerscheinstelle offices in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart and Mannheim — fees, processing times and document lists as of 04.09.2026
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Good afternoon Valeriy! I want to exchange my Moldovan driving licence for a German one, I am on §24 as a refugee from Ukraine, I have a residence permit, I am a citizen of Moldova, am I obliged to take the theoretical exam?
Good afternoon, I had a driving licence from the Russian Federation, I retaken the exams in Germany and exchanged it for a German one less than a year ago. My Russian licence was confiscated even before I passed the exams. I wanted to rent a car in Turkey, but they all require a validity period of at least 2 years, and the German licence only shows the start date from last year. As proof, companies require the old licence along with the new one. Can I demand the return of my Russian driving licence, even if it has already expired, or do they not have that option anyway? I won’t be able to use them anywhere else anyway.
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Good afternoon.
You are able to ask for it to be issued to you temporarily, for the duration of your trip abroad.
But of course it is better to provide a copy of the first licence to the rental company.
Hello, could you please advise? Before coming to Germany, I started my studies in Ukraine (completing them online). I travelled back to take the exam (the licence was not bought). However, at the time I received it, I was already on § 24 residence permit. And now, as I understand it, I am not allowed to drive with it in Germany? Can I get it exchanged? Or do I need to learn to drive all over again?
Hello.
You have an unusual situation. I recommend consulting the Führerscheinstelle
Hello, could you please advise? Before coming to Germany, I started my studies in Ukraine (completing them online). I travelled back to take the exam (the licence was not bought). However, at the time I received it, I was already on § 24 residence permit. And now, as I understand it, I am not allowed to drive with it in Germany? Can I get it exchanged? Or do I need to learn to drive all over again?
Good afternoon. I have an Anmeldung in Germany and have been working for 10 months, my driving licence is Romanian with code 70 (the school was in Moldova). Can I deregister my address now and exchange my driving licence somewhere else in Europe? Is this legally allowed?
Hello.
Only the Zulassungsstelle will be able to give you a correct answer.
Hello, could you please tell me, if you exchange a Ukrainian driving licence for a German one, do they take the Ukrainian licence away? Thank you.
Hello.
More often than not, yes, they collect it.
But in exceptional cases they might keep it, though that’s rare.
Hello. Could you please tell me, I want to exchange my Hungarian driving licence for a German one. Since I live and am registered here in Germany, it is not possible to exchange it in Hungary without a Hungarian registration. Where do I need to go and what might I need for this?
Hello!
I live in Germany, I have a valid Russian driving licence, but it shows my old surname (I changed it when I got married).
Could you please tell me if I will be able to exchange such a driving licence in Germany, or do I need to get a licence from scratch?
Good afternoon.
Only the Zulassungsstelle will be able to answer this question for you. Try contacting them, taking with you all documents relating to the change of surname.
Hello, I am a citizen of Moldova, but I lived in Ukraine and had a temporary residence permit and a Ukrainian driving licence. Due to the war, I moved to Germany in 2022 and have been living here under Section 24. My Ukrainian licence was about to expire, so I exchanged it for a Moldovan one. Afterwards, I drove until the police stopped me, issued a fine, and treated it as driving without a licence, saying I have no right to drive with this licence. Is this correct? Also, will I be able to exchange the Moldovan licence for a German one, given that I already exchanged it initially?
Hello.
I recommend contacting a traffic lawyer — they will be able to help you.
Good afternoon,
I have been a German citizen since 2023, and my driving licence is Ukrainian. I now want to exchange it for a German one. Could you please tell me how simplified the procedure is in this case?
Good afternoon, Alexei.
You only need to take the exams. There is no requirement to complete either the theory or the practical training.
Good day, Valeriy.
I am a Ukrainian citizen, and I am in Germany under Section 24. In 2023, I renewed my driving licence because it was lost. Do I need to exchange it for a German driving licence, given there was a case where a driving licence obtained in 2023 is not covered by Section 24, meaning it is not valid? However, I only replaced my licence rather than getting one from scratch.
Thanks for the reply
Good afternoon.
As long as Section 24 remains in force, there is no need to exchange Ukrainian driving licences.
Hello
I got my driving licence in Poland, studied at a driving school and passed the exam. .
I am currently living in Germany under Section 24 and I am from Ukraine. Do I need to exchange my driving licence for a German one? Are they only valid for the first 6 months?
Hello.
As long as Section 24 is in effect, there is no need to change driving licences generally.
Since you obtained your driving licence from scratch in Poland while living there, it is also valid in Germany.
Hello!
For drink-riding an electric scooter, I was given a fine and a three-month driving licence disqualification.
At the same time, I was informed that my Ukrainian driving licence is annulled in Germany until I obtain a special permit or a German driving licence. What is this special permit? What procedure for obtaining a driving licence in Germany is available to me?
Thank you in advance!
Hello.
You need to check this with your government authorities.
Because in Germany you can also lose your driving licence for riding a bicycle or scooter.
Good evening. I am a citizen of Ukraine and have been in Germany under § 24 for almost 3 years. My Portuguese driving licence was issued in 2000 without an exam, based on the exchange of a Ukrainian one (the Ukrainian one was taken away), but its validity expired in 2022. I have not been registered in Portugal for over 5 years, and in order to exchange it there, I need a residence registration, a job, etc. I would like to exchange my licence for a German one; what is required for this?
Good evening. Could you tell me, please? Before I came to Germany, my driving licence was valid. While being here, it has expired. Can I submit the relevant documents to exchange it? Or do I need to start from scratch?
Hello.
Yes, such a possibility exists.
The main thing is that your licence hasn’t been revoked. Contact your local licence-issuing authority and explain the situation.
I am a German citizen, but I previously held a driving licence issued in Russia. I exchanged it for a Polish driving licence. When I applied to the Führerscheinstelle to exchange it for a German licence, after a check, I was informed that I had obtained the Polish licence illegally, as at the time of obtaining it I was registered as a resident in Germany and was not entitled to use it.
Can I hand back my Polish driving licence, cancel the exchange, and get my Russian driving licence back so I can use it as a basis to get a German driving licence?
Good afternoon.
You need to find out in Poland whether this is possible.
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to give you a competent answer to this question.
Good afternoon, I have a question. I have been living in Germany since 2017 and I have a Latvian driving licence because I am a Latvian citizen. The licence is due to expire in March 2025, and I use a car every day. Could you please tell me where I should apply to renew my licence? Do I need to travel to Latvia, or can I renew it locally here (in Berlin)?,
— how long will it take?
- can everything be done online?
— what documents might I need to prepare in advance?
— What sort of approximate expenses might there be?
Yours sincerely
Adrianna
Hello.
Latvian driving licences, as a document issued by an EU country, are valid in Germany, and exchanging them for a German one is not compulsory. However, if you wish to obtain a German driving licence, the exchange process is possible and generally does not require passing tests, but involves submitting a number of documents, identity verification, payment of state fees and, in some cases, a notarised translation.
Could you please help me understand?
I am currently living in Germany under Section 24 (from Ukraine).
Held Ukrainian driving licences for categories B, C, CE, issued in 2007 (i.e. before 2009)
Is it enough for me to complete the 5-module training to get the CPC (Code 95)?
(Also I have a Polish code 95, but I got it while already living in Germany, which is apparently wrong)
Basically, which route should I take to get Code 95 in Germany without an exam?
Thank you
Hello Alexander.
You had better ask these questions at the Zulassungsstelle in your local area, as there can be specific quirks and everything might depend a little on the official dealing with your case.
Hello, could you please tell me, I am currently in Germany under Section 24, I have a Ukrainian driving licence from 2009, I want to exchange it for a German one, how does this work and do I need to take a test?
Hello.
Currently, the replacement of driving licences not issued in the EU takes place under a simplified procedure. It is only necessary to pass the theoretical and practical exams.
Good afternoon. Such a situation: in Ukraine I was deprived of my licence for three years. In Germany I went to a driving school and submitted my documents and just a photo of my old licence, and I was assigned a retake, but I don’t have the plastic card. What will happen when I retake the test and am asked to return my Ukrainian licence, but I don’t have it?! What should I do, advise me?
Hello.
You are not entitled to obtain a German driving licence through the simplified procedure. You should be informed of this immediately so that it does not result in additional expenses for you later.
Hello, is there a link to the law for your answer?
“.....also, if you exchanged your driving licence in Poland without taking exams, this licence is valid in Germany for 6 months.”
Good afternoon. .
I live in Germany under Section 24. I have Ukrainian driving licences for categories B, C, E. I want to work on a LKW. .
Could you please tell me how to get a German driving licence while keeping my Ukrainian one? If I do an exchange, will my driving experience be retained?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hello.
Your driving licence from your home country is confiscated. But in some cities, there is sometimes the possibility that they let you keep your licence. However, this is very much on a case-by-case basis.
Your previous driving experience is retained and is usually entered in a separate section of the new German driving licence.
If my licence was revoked in Latvia for a year for speeding and the year has not yet passed, can I drive in Germany, I still have the physical licence in my possession
If your driving licence is suspended in Latvia, this may apply to all EU countries, including Germany. Even if you have the licence in your possession, driving may be prohibited, and this will become apparent during a police check, leading to sanctions. It is recommended that you check the status of your licence at the consulate or with local authorities before driving.
Good afternoon, ,
I’m originally from Ukraine and have been living in Germany for a few years now. Back in 2010, I got my driving licence in Ukraine. I didn’t have one in Germany
I’ve never even driven a car. It’s been well over six months… Can I still have my driving licence reissued now?
Good afternoon, if you have Paragraph 24, you can already drive without exchanging your driving licence; if you do not have Paragraph 24, contact a driving school for a Umschreibung.
Hello Valeriy, since it was issued in Poland, can I exchange it for a German one without a driving school.
Good afternoon, you can obtain a driving licence from scratch in Poland if you live there, and use it in Germany after moving, but if you already live in Germany you cannot get a licence in Poland and then use it in Germany; also, if you exchanged your licence in Poland without passing exams, this licence is valid in Germany for 6 months.
Good afternoon. I have been living in Germany under Section 24 for over a year. Initially I did not have a driving licence, but I travelled to Poland and passed my driving test there. Am I allowed to drive with this licence in Germany, or can I exchange it for a German licence without taking an exam?
Hello! If you deregistered in Germany, lived in Poland for more than six months, and obtained a driving licence there, you can use it in Germany. However, if during this time you were registered as a resident in Germany and travelled back and forth to take the test, or were not in Germany for less than 185 days, such a licence cannot be recognised or exchanged in Germany. Upon inspection, this will be considered as driving without a licence.
Hello, I have a question. I am currently in Germany exchanging my driving licence under the simplified procedure, and I wanted to ask: I don’t have the actual plastic licence card anymore, but my licence has been translated into German. Am I allowed to drive using this paper?
Good afternoon, you cannot drive on a licence translation document. Along with it, you must have a certificate stating that you have surrendered your licence for exchange. This document must be presented if you are stopped.
Hello, I am Algerian, I have been living in Germany for 10 months, I have my residency permit and I would like to exchange my category B and D driving licence, please what is the procedure?
Hello! To exchange your Algerian driving licence for a German driving licence (categories B and D), here is the general procedure to follow in Germany:
1. Verification of the validity of the Algerian driving licence
Your Algerian driving licence is valid in Germany for the first 6 months following your registration at the registration office (Anmeldung). As you have been in Germany for 10 months, you can no longer use it legally, and it is therefore important to start the exchange procedure.
2. Documents required for licence exchange
You will need to visit the relevant local authority, usually the Straßenverkehrsamt or the Führerscheinstelle, with the following documents:
Your valid Algerian driving licence.
Your residence permit or any document proving your residency in Germany.
A biometric passport photo.
A certificate of residence (Meldebescheinigung) proving that you have been in Germany for more than 6 months.
Official translation of the driving licence (if requested).
Certificate of good conduct (sometimes requested).
Medical certificate for category D (passenger transport).
Eye test (compulsory for category D licences).
3. Theoretical and practical examination
Unlike some countries, Algeria is not on the list of countries with which Germany has an automatic driving licence recognition agreement. This means that for both categories B and D, you will need to:
Take a theory test on the German Highway Code.
Take a practical driving test for each category.
4. Practical training (for category D)
For Category D, you will probably need to undertake practical training at a German driving school, as this licence is for driving buses or vehicles carrying passengers, and the requirements are more stringent.
5. Administration fees
Fees may vary depending on the region, but generally, they include:
Exchange registration fee.
Fees for theory and practical tests.
Fees for driving school training (particularly for category D).
6. Waiting time
Processing the application may take a few weeks, so it is advisable to submit your file as soon as possible.
Conclusion:
For category B, you will need to pass the theory and practical tests, and for category D, you will also need to complete additional training. Don’t forget to contact your local Führerscheinstelle to confirm the specific requirements for your region.
Please do not hesitate if you need any more information or help to find a driving school or prepare for the tests!
Hello Valeriy. I have been in Germany for 4 years, and I exchanged my Serbian category B driving licence for a German one after 6 months. Now I need to finish driving school in Serbia and get categories CE. Serbia requires the original licence for training. Is it possible to get it back from the authority where it was confiscated? Even if they take the German one back in return...
Thanks for the reply
Good afternoon, your Serbian driving licence cannot be reinstated in Germany. To do this, you need to contact the relevant authorities in Serbia and replace them as lost. However, please bear in mind that if you are registered in Germany and obtain a new licence category in Serbia, it will not be recognised in Germany. You can read more about this via the link: https://www.bussgeldkatalog.org/fuehrerscheintourismus/
Could you tell me how you got your Serbian driving licence? Did you take the tests or did you exchange your Russian one for a Serbian one? I want to understand if this multi-step plan would work for me: exchanging a Russian driving licence for a Serbian one in Serbia, and then exchanging the Serbian one for a German one in Germany...
Good afternoon, if the driving licence was exchanged without an exam, a note is placed on the licence, and such licences cannot be exchanged in Germany for German ones without an exam; likewise, if you already live in Germany, there is no point in getting a licence in other countries.
Hello
Could you please tell me, I was disqualified from driving in Belarus. And after moving to Germany, once the disqualification period had expired, I travelled to Belarus and had my licence reinstated. Can I now exchange my licence for a German one?
Thank you!
Hello.
Yes, since your licence is currently valid, you can exchange it for a German one under the simplified procedure.
I have a Russian driving licence and a residence permit in Germany, I’ve been living here for a year and a half and haven’t managed to exchange my driving licence yet. Can I rent a car in Greece as a tourist using my Russian driving licence?
Good afternoon.
Yes, as a tourist in another European Union country, you can hire a car.
I recommend checking with the rental company in advance to make sure everything is to their satisfaction.
Good afternoon!
I have a Ukrainian driving licence, valid until 2030
I am in Germany, originally entered Germany on Section 24, 7 months ago I changed from Section 24 to Section 18.
Do I have the right to drive in Germany with a Ukrainian driving licence? Or are such licences no longer valid in Germany and am I obliged to exchange them?
Good afternoon.
If you are in Germany under Section 18, you are entitled to drive on your licence for no longer than 6 months. You need to exchange it via the simplified procedure.
Good afternoon, are the actions of the German driving school lawful?
I have been living in Germany since 2019
Driving licence held since 2018 (issued in Russia)
I’ve just started exchanging my driving licence for a German one. I successfully passed the theory test in January 2024. Now I’m doing my driving lessons.
Today the instructor said that they missed something there, that I shouldn’t be exchanging my licence, but supposedly getting a brand new licence from scratch because I’ve been living in Germany for more than 3 years. Supposedly, if you exchange it within 3 years, it’s an EXCHANGE. But if you change your licence later, it’s already a new licence. And according to him, I should have attended school for theory. But since I’ve already passed the theory (I studied using the app), they said okay. But now I’m going through the practical lessons completely as a beginner.
I couldn’t find any information anywhere stating that if the refresher takes place after 3 years, it counts as new training. Could you please advise what I should refer to, and whether the instructor’s actions are lawful?
Hello Natalia.
This is the first I’ve heard of anything like that.
And accordingly I haven’t encountered requirements about 3 years anywhere. And of course this is definitely a desire of the instructor and the school to make more money out of you than they should have.
Since there are no requirements for the number of practical lessons when replacing a driving licence, you can skip taking them altogether.
Ask the instructor to provide a link to the legislation since he’s making that claim 🙂
You’re some kind of expert, I see. .
He couldn’t answer a single question. Just plucked an article off the internet and that’s it. He doesn’t even know what code 70 on a driving licence means.
Hello Vadim!
You are on the website of an insurance broker in Germany, where we cover life in Germany, the specifics of relocation, and financial particulars. All our articles on topics unrelated to finances are based on personal experience and information from official sources. If you have information on any question asked here, we and the author of the question will be glad to receive your comments!
We are also always happy to welcome new competent authors and are ready to publish their useful articles on our website.
Hello
I had my driving licence revoked in Latvia (EU), the ban has expired and I want to get it back in Germany, as I have been living here for almost 9 years. What do I need to do this and is it possible to do it in Germany, since I am hardly ever in Latvia?
Hello Irina.
As both countries are members of the European Union, you have the right to reinstate them in Germany.
Contact your local driving licence office.
Hello, Valery.
I have been in Germany for more than two years under Section 24. I need to exchange my Ukrainian driving licence for a German one. I am also planning to change my residence status (§). I read on the internet that when changing the residence status, the six-month period during which you are allowed to drive with a Ukrainian driving licence starts from scratch from the date the §24 is changed to another one. Is this true?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Good afternoon.
No, that’s not right. The countdown starts from the moment you are in Germany, that’s precisely what they look at.
Hello!
I’m sure my question concerns many migrants.
Clause 8.5 of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 626 of 9 April 2022
“On introducing amendments to Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 353 of 12 March 2022”, the validity period of national driving licences whose validity expires in the period from 1 January 2022 is extended by 3 years.
Question: If the validity period of my national driving licence expired in May 2023, but it has been officially extended for another 3 years by this decree, do I have the right to exchange this licence for a German one? Or will I still be asked to complete training from scratch, or first fly to Russia to exchange my licence there and only then exchange the new national licence for a German one?
Hello.
The Führerscheinstelle will be best able to answer this question for you.
I am aware of situations where it was possible to replace an expired driving licence using a simplified procedure.
Hello, Valery!
Recently moved to Germany. I have a Russian driving licence and driving experience since 2001. For the past year, I lived in another country and used public transport.
Just realised my licence expired back in May 2023.
So, I can’t swap them for German ones and I either have to fly to Russia and do it, or take the test in Germany from scratch.
Am I losing my no-claims bonus if I start from scratch? And how expensive is it? NRW. Thanks in advance.
Hello Irina!
I recommend contacting your licensing authority.
I have heard about cases when such licences were exchanged. The main thing is that you have not been disqualified from driving.
Let me know later what answer they give you.
When you claim on your insurance from scratch, you will lose your no-claims bonus.
The current cost of taking the test varies quite significantly from region to region and from school to school, but I think it is at least 2500–3000 euros.
Good afternoon. Could you please tell me how a Canadian citizen can exchange Canadian driving licences for categories B, BE, C, CE? They have 22 years of driving experience in these categories in Canada. Is a re-examination necessary, and if so, how much might it cost? Or where can I go with these questions?
Good afternoon.
You need to contact your licensing authority, and in all likelihood there is an agreement between Canada and Germany, so your driving licence might simply be exchanged. However, only the Führerscheinstelle can tell you that for sure.
Good afternoon, I am planning to exchange my Ukrainian driving licence, but it is the old-style one from 2006. Is it suitable for exchange? Or should I get an international driving permit and then apply for a German licence?
Good afternoon.
You will only be able to find this out at your local office that handles licence exchanges.
But I don’t see any problem with confirming old-style licences.
Good afternoon. Is a medical certificate required when renewing a category C licence? The licence is Romanian with the MD 70 restriction code.
Good afternoon!
Yes, when exchanging a Romanian category CE driving licence for a German one, you will need a medical certificate.
Hello.
Given: licence obtained in Latvia (not exchanged)
Categories B, BE, C{95}, CE{95} modules are valid until 18.05.2025 (today is 27.02.24)
Registered in Germany, can I exchange my driving licence for a German one so that they indicate the same module dates, or will I only be able to do so after the periodic 45-hour module training?
Hello.
Only the Straßenverkehrsamt (Driving Licence Department) or Führerscheinstelle (Driving Licence Office) in Germany will be able to give you an accurate answer in order to find out the exact requirements and exchange procedure.
Hello
Could you please tell me, if Ukrainian driving licence expired in 2009 and I want to renew it now in Germany, will I need to take the driving test again or can these be re-issued?
Hello.
If you are able to renew your originally Ukrainian driving licence, you will be able to drive with it until 25.
A simplified replacement for Ukrainians in Germany does not currently exist. As for the standard procedure, you should check with the Straßenverkehrsamt (Road Traffic Office) or Führerscheinstelle (Driving Licence Office) in Germany to find out the exact requirements and exchange procedure.
Hello, I passed my driving test in Germany; according to the rules, I sent my old licence by post and DHL lost it. In this case, will it be possible to get a new plastic licence and will my previous driving experience be indicated on it?
Hello.
Only the Straßenverkehrsamt (Driving Licence Department) or Führerscheinstelle (Driving Licence Office) in Germany will be able to give you an accurate answer in order to find out the exact requirements and exchange procedure.
However, the experience will most likely be listed, as this data is already held by the department after you submitted your driving licence for verification.
Hello, I have an old-style Moldovan driving licence, meaning without an expiry date. Can I exchange it for a German one without taking the theory test?
Hello.
You will only be able to get a correct answer to this question from the Straßenverkehrsamt (Road Traffic Office) or Führerscheinstelle (Driving Licence Office) in Germany in order to find out the exact requirements and exchange procedure.
Good afternoon. I am from Ukraine and am now starting the process of exchanging my driving licence in Germany. My licence is from 2010, so I have 13 years of experience. Could you please tell me if this driving experience is taken into account when exchanging the licence? I mean, will these 13 years be stated on the new licence?
Hello.
Yes, a note is made of when the first licence was issued.
Hello, could you please advise, I have a Moldovan driving licence, I am currently exchanging it for a German one, I passed for category B, I only have CE left to pass, but in two weeks my Moldovan licence expires. My question is, will I have any problems exchanging a licence that has already expired?! Thank you
Good afternoon.
There won’t be any problems. This happens often. The main thing is to start the renewal process before your current licence expires.
Hello, I have a Polish driving licence, I trained for category C+E in Poland, I have a Ukrainian passport, and I am working in Germany on a visa. I need to exchange it for a German one. At the company, they say I can work until their expiry date.
Hello.
In Germany, as in most European Union countries, the rules for the recognition and exchange of driving licences are regulated by local laws, but there are also general recommendations and agreements between EU countries.
If you lived in Poland and trained for your driving licence, i.e. you did not obtain it through an “exchange” procedure, it remains valid and you do not need to exchange it.
You can obtain more precise information from your local Zulassungsstelle.
Valeri, good evening. Anyway, my driving licence saga I mentioned earlier is ongoing. I visited the licence office again and once again they used the excuse that there is no confirmation of my licence from the issuing country. When I suggested confirming it through ADAC, they said that ADAC has no authority over them. When I suggested getting an apostille, they said they could let me take lessons with an apostille, but I wouldn’t get the licence. In the end, I thought to ask where they send the request so that I could speed up the process, to which I was told that they send the request to another organisation, and that organisation then sends out the requests. Basically, it’s a vicious circle.
P.S. I read through the legislation and couldn’t find anything. I also checked the website of the German Embassy in Moldova, and they don’t have a procedure for legalising driving licences either. It is what it is.
Strange, very strange.
Are there any updates on your matter? The German office must verify through its own channels that the licence was lawfully issued. Therefore, a response from the official office in Moldova is mandatory.
Hello, I have Russian citizenship and a Ukrainian residence permit. I have a Russian driving licence. Under Section 24, do I need to exchange my licence here?
Good afternoon.
Those under Paragraph 24 do not need to exchange their driving licences.
Hello, I also have § 24 and I am currently exchanging my Ukrainian licence for a German one. The contract with the driving school has been signed and all documents and photos have been submitted to the Führerscheinstelle. The question is, can I drive a car during the preparation and exam period? Will I get a fine?
Hello.
As long as you have paragraph 24, you can drive a car.
Good afternoon. I currently live in Germany and hold a Section 24 residence permit, and I am planning to change my permit and
I am currently exchanging my Ukrainian driving licence for a German one. The official at the Führerscheinstelle said that I will not be able to drive with my Ukrainian licence anymore, only once I receive the German one. Otherwise, I will get a fine. Further up in the comments, I read that it is possible to drive during the period of retaking the theory and practical driving tests if you hold Section 24. Since this procedure takes more than a month, I would not want to get a fine. Could you please provide some link to a document that confirms the possibility of driving while exchanging a Ukrainian driving licence for a German one? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hello.
If you lose paragraph 24, you will not have the right to drive with a Ukrainian driving licence.
Good afternoon!
Can you perhaps tell me, I have a German residence permit, but my driving licence hasn’t been exchanged for a German one yet, and 6 months have passed.
Do Russian driving licences apply in this case in other EU countries, namely Poland, Latvia and Lithuania, for short tourist trips?
Hello.
If you are travelling in other EU countries as a tourist, then most of the time your driving licence is valid.
But of course — it is worth checking the specifics of local legislation.
Hello Valery. Would you be so kind as to answer a couple of questions?
1. Is there an expiry date for the Erste Hilfe course, as I completed it 2 years ago? Due to certain circumstances, I wasn’t able to enrol in a driving school right away. Or will I need to retake the Erste Hilfe course?
What is the maximum time after passing the theory test that I can take the practical test?
Good afternoon.
1. Erste Hilfe does not have an expiry date, i.e., it is indefinite.
If I’m not mistaken, after passing the theory, you are given 12 months to pass the practical test.
Good afternoon. We called this Straßenverkehrsamt the other day, but they just shrug their shoulders and say they know nothing about exchanging a driver’s licence. Is there another department we could contact?
Good afternoon.
Why not try contacting the Führerscheinstelle?
Hello, Valery. Where can I find out how to exchange a Kazakh driving licence for a German one, and where should I go in Germany – in the state of Paderborn?
Hello!
To find out how to exchange a driving licence from Kazakhstan for a German one, you can contact the local Straßenverkehrsamt (road traffic licensing department).
Hello, could you please tell me if a Russian passport with a D visa is sufficient for exchanging a Belarusian driving licence for a German one, or is a residence permit (VNZh) strictly required? Thank you.
Hello!
The procedure for exchanging a driving licence in Germany for foreign citizens may vary depending on the federal state of residence and the specific conditions set by the local authorities. However, generally speaking, exchanging a driving licence for a German one requires proof of legal residence in the country. This means that you will need to have a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) or another residence authorisation in Germany.
A Type D visa is usually a national visa that allows you to enter and reside in Germany for a long period for the purposes of work, study or family reunification. It remains valid until a residence permit has been issued. Therefore, if you hold a valid D visa, you will most likely be able to apply for a German driving licence, but this does not replace the need to obtain a residence permit in the future.
However, it is advisable to check this directly with your local Road Traffic Authority (Straßenverkehrsamt), as the rules may change and vary from place to place.
Hello Valery, my husband holds a Moldovan driving licence for categories A, B and C. He recently passed his test for category B here in Germany. The clerk said she would only issue a German licence on condition that she confiscates the Moldovan one. But what about the other categories? After all, they’re valid in other countries, such as Moldova and Romania. What does the law say about this? Do they have the right to revoke a driver’s other categories? How can I keep my licence on the condition that I don’t use it in Germany? Many thanks for your reply.
Yours sincerely, Tatiana
Hello Tatiana.
You have two options:
1. When travelling outside Germany, take the Moldovan driving licence and hand over the German one.
2. You could try explaining why you need your Moldovan driving licence, and they might let you keep it. Such things do happen.
Yours sincerely, Valery
Hello! I have a German residence permit and am in the process of having my driving licence replaced. The six-month period has already expired, but the date for taking the test is still several months away. I’d like to go on holiday to Spain, for example. Can I hire a car there and drive using my Russian driving licence? Thank you!
Hello.
In theory, your Russian driving licence is valid in other countries when travelling as a tourist, provided there are no local restrictions.
In other words, if Spain does not impose any restrictions on your situation, then you can use them.
Yours sincerely,
Valery
Good afternoon, I’ve been in Germany for 10 years; I used to live in Portugal. I converted my Ukrainian driving licence, and now I have Portuguese citizenship and a driving licence marked as ‘converted from Ukraine’. I’ve been pulled over loads of times, fined, had my licence taken away for a month and so on, but it’s all fine. I even asked the police; they said, ‘You’re a Portuguese citizen, so you don’t really need to’ – it’s just all a bit of a nuisance, and I’d like to get it sorted without having to go through driving school all over again.
Good afternoon.
It really is a strange situation when you have both the citizenship and the driving licence of an EU country.
Why not pop into your registration office and ask them about the replacement?
Hi, Sergey. I understand that the problem is that the licences were originally obtained in Ukraine (as stated in point 12). I’m in a similar situation, though without any fines. Please let me know if you know of a way out of this situation. Thank you
Good afternoon, Valery. I am a Moldovan citizen. I did not renew my driving licence within six months. I was stopped by the police, after which I submitted the documents to have my licence replaced. Eighteen days ago, the public prosecutor sent an official notification stating that the case against me had been closed as I had paid the fine. I contacted the local registration authority regarding the status of my re-test authorisation, and they told me they were awaiting confirmation from the Bundesamt. Can I submit a request for confirmation myself, and where should I send the request?
Thank you in advance
Hello.
The average time taken to confirm entitlement used to be 4–8 weeks, and there was nothing that could be done about it.
Unfortunately, all we can do is wait.
Hello. I am a Belarusian working in a Lithuanian transport company. For a road traffic accident in Germany, I was banned from driving in Germany for a year. There was no alcohol involved. Could you please tell me who to contact after the ban period expires? I have a Lithuanian residence permit.
Hello.
To the authority to which you submitted your driving licence.
It’s most likely based on where you live.
Is it possible to hold driving licences from several countries in Germany, for example from Lithuania and Germany? My country of permanent residence is Germany.
Good afternoon.
Yes, that is acceptable.
Yours sincerely,
Valery Melech
Good afternoon. Could you please tell me: if I have a Moldovan driving licence that has been exchanged for an Italian one, am I allowed to use it in Germany?
Hello, Elena.
I would advise you to contact your registration authority with this enquiry.
As there might be questions about the driving licence not being issued, but exchanged in Italy.
Yours sincerely,
Valery Melech
Good afternoon! I’ve been in Germany for over a year. I have a Ukrainian driving licence and a Paragraph 24 licence. I’d like to retake my test to get a German licence so that I can later apply for a Blau Karte. I’ve already submitted the documents to have my licence converted (Umschreibung). Could you please advise whether I am allowed to drive on my Ukrainian licence from the moment I receive authorisation to retake the test until I have passed the practical test (and received a provisional licence)?
Good afternoon.
You may drive using your Ukrainian driving licence whilst Paragraph 24 remains in force. As soon as you change your visa category, you will lose the privilege of driving with your Ukrainian driving licence.
Yours sincerely,
Valery Melech
Hello! I’ve been in Germany as a student (on a student residence permit) for a year now. My Ukrainian provisional driving licence (valid for two years) expires in a month. I’d like to exchange it for a German driving licence without having to attend driving school. Is this possible? Or will I run out of time, and would it make more sense to exchange my Ukrainian licence at the consulate for a permanent one (valid for 10 years) and then exchange that for a German one later? Thank you.
Hello.
Only paragraph 24 allows you to drive a car with a Ukrainian driving licence for more than six months.
As for replacing your licence, it is best to contact your licensing authority; they will be able to advise you on whether it is possible to replace it. It is usually important that your licence is valid at the time of application.
Yours sincerely,
Valery.
Good afternoon! I am currently in Germany under Paragraph 24. I would like to study for a driving licence in Poland – will it be recognised in Germany???
Thanks in advance!
Hello.
If you are living in Poland at the time you obtain your driving licence, it will be recognised.
If you live in Germany, then this makes no sense.
Does a probationary period apply when exchanging a Ukrainian driving licence with 10 years of experience?
Anton, good morning,
Thank you for your message.
When transferring a driving licence (previously issued in another country) in Germany, there will be no probationary period, but to find out about the current requirements and procedures for recognising a Ukrainian licence in Germany, you should contact the relevant authority in Germany responsible for issuing driving licences, such as the Straßenverkehrsamt (Road Traffic Office) or Führerscheinstelle (Driving Licence Office).
Hello, tell me if I have an employment contract as a driver, do I need to exchange my driving licence??
Paragraph 24 is missing
Hello!
If you have a driving licence issued in one of the countries of the European Union or the European Economic Area (EEA), it is valid in Germany without the need to exchange it.
However, if your licence was issued outside the EU or EEA, its validity in Germany is limited. Such licences are generally valid in Germany for the first six months after establishing a permanent place of residence. After this period, you must obtain a German driving licence.
To get a German driving licence, sometimes it is simply enough to exchange it without an additional test, while in some cases you will need to pass a theory and/or practical test. This depends on the country in which your original licence was issued, as well as on the existence of bilateral agreements between Germany and that country.
For more precise information and to determine your specific actions, I recommend contacting your local driving licence office (Führerscheinstelle) in Germany.
Is it possible to additionally obtain new categories when exchanging a Ukrainian driving licence for a German one under the simplified procedure? Does category B (driving a car) on a German licence give the right to ride a motorcycle, or does this category need to be obtained separately?
Good afternoon, Vitaliy!
Unfortunately, there is no simplified procedure 🙁
To ride a motorcycle, you need to undergo separate training and take exams.
Hello, I have a Russian driving licence with categories B, C, and D. After moving to Germany, will I be allowed to simply retake the exams for these categories during the exchange process for a German licence, or will I be forced to train from scratch for the lorry and bus?
Good afternoon, Herman!
When exchanging a foreign driving licence for a German one, you must pass both a theoretical exam and a practical exam. Your Russian licence and categories B, C and D may be taken into account, and you may not need to start training from scratch. However, this will depend on your experience and knowledge, and the decision will be made by the staff member handling your case.
It is recommended to contact the local traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt) or the nearest driving licence office (Führerscheinstelle) in Germany for precise information and advice.
Hello! Is it possible to exchange a Belarusian driving licence in Germany? Roughly how much does it cost to learn and take the driving test from scratch in Germany?
Thank you in advance for your reply
Daria
Good afternoon,
If you’re starting from scratch, the cost could be as high as 2,000–2,500 euros.
Good afternoon. I moved to Germany due to marriage, completed my registration a few days ago, and do not have a residence permit yet. I have a Belarusian driving licence. How are the 6 months permitted for driving in Germany with a national licence calculated – from the date of registration or from receiving the residence permit?
One more question: if I get my driving licence in Italy now, will I be able to drive in Germany with it, and do I need to exchange it for a German one?
Thank you
Hello.
Generally speaking, all registration authorities look at the date of registration and count from that date.
In Italy, you must obtain a driving licence once you are officially resident in Italy and deregistered from Germany. Furthermore, the licence must be obtained from scratch rather than being exchanged.
Good afternoon. Is it possible to exchange Danish (Denmark) CE driving licences for German ones? Due to relocation. And roughly how much would it cost? (driving test, etc.). Thank you
Hello.
If the licence was originally obtained in Denmark, the replacement procedure should be simplified. It is best to check the details with your registration authority.
Hello, Valery.
I have dual citizenship of the Russian Federation and Germany. I have been living in Germany for one year.
Am I allowed to drive in Germany on my Russian driving licence after six months?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Hello.
No, after six months, you are not entitled to drive in the Russian Federation on the basis of your licence.
Good afternoon! When I applied to have my driving licence categories recognised by the Russian Federation, I asked for my two existing categories – A and B – to be recognised. I have now decided to postpone taking the test for category A and will only be taking the test for category B. Will I be issued with a German driving licence in this case, or do I need to pass the tests for both categories first and only then obtain my licence? If I pass the test for Category B, receive my licence, and then pass the test for Category A a few months later, will I have to have my licence reissued? Thank you!
Good afternoon.
You need to state your wish to confirm only category B and you will be able to get your licence straight away. Then you can take the test for category A.
Good afternoon. I have a German residence permit and a Category B driving licence issued by the Republic of Lithuania, which expires at the end of the year. In Lithuania, my application to replace my licence with a new one was refused because I no longer have any Lithuanian documents. What do I need to do to replace my licence with a new one in Germany?
You will get the best answer to this at the registration authority in your city, as it makes a big difference whether you obtained your driving licence in Lithuania from scratch or exchanged it there as well.
Good evening, I’ve been living in Berlin under § 24 for over a year. The criminal police stopped me and warned me that I need to exchange my driving licence, otherwise next time they will issue a warning. What should I do next time? What can I refer to and how should I explain to them that I have the right to drive until my § 24 expires? Thank you in advance.
Driving licences held by residence permit holders under Section 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) are valid for the entire duration of temporary protection throughout Germany and the EU.
For further details, please see the website of the German Ministry of Transport (in Ukrainian and German).
https://bmdv.bund.de/SharedDocs/DE/Artikel/K/ukraine-informationen-fuer-fluechtende.html
https://bmdv.bund.de/SharedDocs/DE/Artikel/K/ukraine.html
Good morning. We have an international driving licence issued in Ukraine. My husband used this to work in Europe before the war. Does he need to have it validated (by taking a test), or is it only possible to exchange it? Thank you.
Good afternoon.
When it comes to category C driving licences, they need to be renewed.
It is better to contact the vehicle registration and driving licence authority at your place of residence.
Hello, I have been living in Germany for 6 years, with a Russian driving licence, and never got round to exchanging it. I was advised about a service where you can get a licence in Poland and then exchange it in Germany. I have a feeling this doesn’t work for two reasons: (1) I don’t understand how a licence can be obtained without residency in Poland, and (2) it always states that licences from other EU countries can only be exchanged if they were obtained before entering Germany. Is that all correct?
You’ve answered your own question. You need to be a resident of Poland in order to have a driving licence obtained in Poland recognised in Germany.
Hello. I’d like to exchange my Moldovan driving licence for a German one. What do I need to do? Thank you
Good morning,
Please contact the Zulassungs- und Fahrerlaubnisbehörde at your registered address; they will provide you with clear guidance on the necessary steps to take.
Good afternoon!
Could you please tell me, my husband, who holds a Lithuanian residence permit, passed the theory and practical tests for the top category CE and obtained a European driving licence.
Upon arrival in Germany on a work visa, you will need to have your Lithuanian driving licence converted to a German one.
Does this mean I have to retake the exams? If so, for which categories? Just the highest CE category or each category separately?
Good morning
find the office registered at your address in Germany — “straßenverkehrsamt führerschein *your_city*” — which will give you a one hundred percent correct answer on what you should do.
Good afternoon. I have a Greek driving licence with code 70... Can I drive with such a licence?
You need to contact your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde to clarify all the details.
Hello, my old Russian driving licence is expiring in 5 months. I renewed them in Chechnya and Germany twice. As you wrote to me, I need certificates, I drove without fines and without accidents correctly, thank you in advance.
Yes, you need certificates of accident-free driving, which you can obtain from where you previously lived.
Hello Valery!
I am currently in Germany, but I don’t have time to exchange my Russian driving licence for a German one (the validity period of the driving licence is expiring).
I have a certified copy of my driving licence and a translation (confirmation that I used to have a licence). I want to travel to Russia and exchange my Russian licence for a new one, and then go about exchanging this new driving licence for a German one.
In this case, will the Führerscheinstelle staff have any questions for me? What driving experience will ultimately be taken into account? The total experience or only that from the most recent licence?
Thanks for the help and information!
Good afternoon.
The length of service—the date of issue of the first driving licence—is taken into account. However, what matters more is the history of accident-free driving, which can be confirmed by certificates from previous insurers.
Hello, I have a Russian driving licence, I have been living in Germany for 10 years, under § 24, can I drive a car?
Hello.
Paragraph 24 only allows driving with a Ukrainian driving licence.
Hello, my licence has expired. In Ukraine they said it’s okay to drive and there’s no need to exchange it, but can I still drive in Germany? If so, where is this written? I want to show it to the police if something happens. Thank you
Hello. Whilst you are in Germany under Section 24, you do not need to exchange your driving licence.
Hello. Could you please tell me, I am here under paragraph 24, I have had my driving licence for over 10 years, and I want to get a category A motorcycle licence. Will I need to exchange my licence for a German one first and then add the new category? Or is there another procedure?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Hello.
I would recommend contacting your local highways authority regarding such a matter. Since you are currently under Section 24, you do not need to exchange your Ukrainian driving licence. However, whether you are allowed to hold two different licences is a rather delicate question.
Hello Valery!
I am a citizen of Ukraine and I am here under Section 24 in Germany, but I have a Belarusian driving licence. Do I need to exchange it for a German one? Thank you.
As long as Paragraph 24 remains in effect, you don’t need to change your licence.
Valeriy, good afternoon! Thank you for the consultation. I wrote to you just above regarding Moldovan driving licences in Germany, whether they are valid under Section 24 for temporary protection. I went to the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde, and they told me that my driving licence is not valid under Section 24, and wouldn’t be even if I had a Ukrainian one. Perhaps there is a link to a regulation or a law number.
Thanks in advance
Hello Maxim.
There are plenty of links. Here is one on the website
ADAK
Good afternoon
Could you please help me
I picked up my German driving licence today and handed over my Moldovan one in exchange.
I was told that I will no longer be able to get my Moldovan driving licence back when I want to leave the country.
Is that lawful? Or not?
And what should I do if I want to exchange my German driving licence back for a Moldovan one?
Thank you.
Your licence will be kept for a certain period of time. If I’m not mistaken, 3 years, and during that time you’ll be able to exchange it. Later, it will be destroyed.
Good afternoon. Could you please help me?
My Ukrainian driving licence expires in a couple of months. I am in Germany under Section 24.
Can I replace my document with a German one via a simplified procedure after it expires? Or does this need to be done sooner, or should I first replace it with a new Ukrainian driving licence?
Thanks in advance!
Hello.
While Section 24 is in effect, you do not need to renew your residence permit; it remains valid even past the expiry date.
Of course, if you wish, you can replace it with a German one by passing the exams.
Valery Melech
Good afternoon! I am a citizen of Moldova, but I have a permanent residence permit in Ukraine. In Germany, I was granted refugee status under Section 24. I would like to ask you about driving licences. I have a Moldovan driving licence. Is my driving licence valid until the end of Section 24, like a Ukrainian driving licence? Or does the validity of my driving licence expire after 6 months?
Everyone who is in Germany under Section 24 does not need to exchange their driving licence.
Valeriy, hello, thank you for your answers!
Where can I find out about exchanging a Turkish driving licence?
I’ve searched everywhere I could, I can’t find the answer to the question anywhere:
can they really be replaced in a simpler way than a Russian driving licence?
How could the replacement procedure be simpler?
Thanks in advance!
Good afternoon.
Still, the procedure is the same as for a driving licence from the Russian Federation.
As an example, an article:
https://www.bussgeld-info.de/tuerkischen-fuehrerschein-umschreiben/
Good afternoon.
Unfortunately, my question was missed.
I am in Germany under Section 24, but I have a Moldovan driving licence.
Is it necessary to exchange them for German ones?
If so, how difficult is it?
Good afternoon.
For now, until 2024, everyone under Section 24 does not need to exchange their driving licence.
Good afternoon, thank you for the detailed article!
Could you please tell me if exchanging a Turkish driving licence for a German one is in any way different from exchanging a Russian licence?
And is it possible to exchange a Russian international driving licence for a German one?
Good afternoon.
International-standard Russian driving licence is a booklet, not valid without the main driving licence, only the two of them can be replaced.
Regarding the Turkish driving licence, it is best to check, as there is a likelihood they can be exchanged in a simpler way.
Hello Valery,
Is it possible to exchange a Russian driver’s licence as well?
Yes, of course — the simplified procedure for exchanging a Russian driving licence exists.
Good evening, I’m from Ukraine, currently in Germany, but my driving licence is not in the Ukrainian register. Can I drive in Germany, and what are the consequences if something happens?
If you have a Ukrainian driving licence, then you can drive. If you don’t have a licence, then of course driving is forbidden.
Good afternoon.
I am in Germany under Section 24, but I have a Moldovan driving licence.
Is it necessary to exchange them for German ones?
If so, how difficult is it?
Hello. I have a Latvian driving licence, which is an EU country. Do I need to exchange my licence for a German one, and do I need to re-confirm the category? I only have category B.
Hello. If you obtained your Latvian driving licence while living in Latvia, you do not need to exchange it; it is recognised in Germany.
Good afternoon, what should I do if my licence is expiring? Can I keep driving with it as long as Section 24 is valid?
As long as Section 24 remains valid, there is no need to exchange Ukrainian driving licences.
Good afternoon, I want to exchange them for a German driving licence. Will the German licence have all the categories as the Ukrainian one?
You need to renew your licence. Each category must be renewed separately, which requires passing exams. Any driving school can give you more details.
Good afternoon. Could you please tell me what to do if I had my driving licence revoked in Ukraine, but I am currently in Germany? Is it possible to have it transferred within Europe? Thanks in advance.
Hello. You can learn to drive and get your licence from scratch, as you don’t currently have a driving licence.
Good afternoon. Can I exchange my Ukrainian driving licence for a German one with you? What is required for this?
Hello.
There is no need to change your driving licence before paragraph 24 expires.
Yes, you can validate your licence through the streamlined procedure — you only need to take the exams.
Good afternoon, the driving licence was issued in Poland based on an exchange of a Ukrainian driving licence. I lost it in Germany. Where can I get a duplicate? If I am already registered (resident) in Germany, a Polish duplicate will not be recognised.