Germany Driving Licence Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driving Licence in Germany
The Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (local driving licence authority) handles licence renewals in Germany. Your licence lasts 15 years (EU card format since 2013). Follow these steps to renew.
You should start early. Do not wait until the last week. Plan ahead so you have time to get your photo and forms. Most people finish in one visit. The process is simple if you have the right papers.
Available Renewal Methods
- In person — visit your local government office with the required documents.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- Check your licence format — Check if you still have the old grey or pink paper Führerschein. You must swap it for the EU card by 19 January 2033. You can find your exact deadline by birth year on the BMVI site.
- Book an appointment — Book a slot at your local Bürgeramt (city office). In big cities, expect a 2–6 week wait. You can often book online through your city’s website.
- Get a biometric photo — Get a biometric photo at a photo booth or a photographer. Make sure the photo meets the 35×45mm size rule.
- Bring documents — Bring your current licence, a valid ID or passport, and the photo. You also need proof of address if you moved.
- Pay the fee — Pay €25–€40. The exact fee depends on your local office. You can pay by card or cash at most offices.
- Receive your new licence — Your new EU card arrives by post in 4–8 weeks. You may get a paper permit to use while you wait. This paper permit is valid until your new card arrives.
Germany Driving Licence Renewal Fees.
| Standard renewal fee. | €25–€40. |
| Currency. | EUR. |
| Validity period. | 15 years (EU card format since 2013). |
Required Documents
Bring these documents to renew your licence in Germany.
- Valid identity card (Personalausweis) or passport.
- Current driving licence.
- Biometric passport-style photograph (35×45mm).
- Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) if address changed.
- Completed application form from the Bürgeramt.
Make copies of all your papers. Bring both the copies and the originals. Check that none of your ID cards have expired. If any are out of date, renew them first.
Photo Rules
You need a biometric photo (35×45mm). Look straight at the camera with a neutral face. Use a light grey or white background. You can get one at most photo booths for about €10.
Medical Rules
You do not need a medical for standard car or bike licences. Truck and bus drivers (C, CE, D, DE) need a medical check and eye test each 5 years. You book this check with any approved doctor.
If Your Germany Licence Expires
Driving with an expired card is a minor offence. The fine is about €10. Your right to drive does not expire. Only the card does. But police may not accept an expired card as proof. You should renew your card before it runs out.
There is no grace period. The fine for an expired card is low (€10) because your right to drive does not expire. Still, renew on time to avoid any issues. You can start the renewal up to 6 months early.
Important: Do not drive with an expired licence in Germany. Renew before your expiry date. This avoids fines and keeps your insurance valid.
Swapping a Foreign Licence in Germany
EU and EEA licences work in Germany with no time limit. Non-EU licences last 6 months after you move there. Then you must swap yours. Some countries have exchange deals. Others need a written or practical test. You can find the full list of swap deals on the BMVI website.
To learn about swapping licences across the EU, see our EU driving licence exchange guide.
Common Germany Licence Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes.
Thinking the old Führerschein is still valid forever
Old paper licences (grey or pink) must be swapped for the EU card by 19 January 2033. Your deadline depends on your birth year or issue date.
Not booking a Bürgeramt appointment early enough
In cities like Berlin and Munich, waits can be 4–8 weeks. Book your slot well before your renewal date.
Confusing licence card expiry with driving entitlement expiry
Your right to drive does not expire. The card is just an ID document. You only need to renew the card itself.
What Makes Germany Different
Licences issued before 19 January 2013 had no expiry. You must swap them for the EU card by 19 January 2033. The exact deadline depends on your birth year or issue date.
Your right to drive (Fahrerlaubnis) never expires for standard types. Only the card (Führerschein) expires each 15 years.
Germany uses a points system based in Flensburg. At 8 points, your licence is taken away.
New drivers have a 2-year trial period (Probezeit). Breaking the rules during this time adds 2 more years. You must also take a seminar.
You must carry your licence card when you drive. You cannot use a photo or a copy as proof.
If you move to a new city, you do not need a new card. Your licence stays valid at your old address until you renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licence Guides for Nearby Countries
Driving licence renewal in Germany is simple. Start early. Get your photo and forms ready. Pay the fee. Then wait for your new card. Most people finish the whole process in less than a day. Do not let your licence expire. Set a reminder now so you renew on time.