Germany driver’s license exchange deadline and €10 fine

In Germany, drivers must exchange their licence by a date that depends on the year of issue. For licences issued before 1 January 1999, the exchange deadline ranges from 19 January 2023 for 1953‑1958 issues to 19 January 2025 for those issued in 1971 or later. For licences issued from 1999 onward, deadlines run from 19 January 2026 for 1999‑2001 issues to 19 January 2033 for 2021‑2022 issues. Failure to meet the deadline does not invalidate the driving entitlement, but the holder commits an administrative offence and must pay a €10 fine. The exchange itself costs about €25 and requires a passport or ID card, a biometric photo, and the current licence, with no additional test or health check needed.