EU Driving License: Meaning of Field 4a and Exchange Deadlines

On the EU-standard credit card-format driving license, the code ‘4a’ refers to the date the card was ordered or issued. This information is found on the front of the document under the name and date of birth.

This date is significant for determining exchange deadlines. According to the ADAC, holders of old paper driving licenses were required to exchange them for the new card format by January 19, 2025. However, individuals born before 1953 are exempt from this specific deadline and must exchange their licenses—whether paper or card—by January 19, 2033. The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) confirms that field 4a represents the ‘order date of the card.’ Approximately 43 million licenses must be converted into forgery-proof, EU-wide uniform versions by 2033.