Germany mandates exchange of old driving licenses for new EU versions

Drivers in Germany are required to exchange old paper or older chip-card driving licenses for the new, standardized EU driving license. This mandatory transition aims to ensure forgery protection and uniformity across the EU, while also integrating data into a central database to prevent misuse.

Approximately 42 million licenses must be replaced over a ten-year period. For paper licenses issued before December 31, 1998, the exchange deadline is determined by the holder's birth year. For example, individuals born in 1971 or later were required to exchange their licenses by January 19, 2025.

The exchange process must be completed at the driving license office (Führerscheinstelle) of the holder's current place of residence. Required documentation includes a valid ID or passport, a biometric photo, and the current license. The new EU license is valid for 15 years, though the underlying driving permission remains valid for life. Failure to comply with the exchange deadlines may result in a fine of 10 euros and potential issues when driving abroad. The cost for the exchange is approximately 25 to 26.50 euros, plus potential additional fees.