Germany mandates original vehicle registration papers for police checks and driver‑license exchange deadlines

German law requires drivers to carry the original vehicle registration document (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) during police controls. A copy does not satisfy the requirement, and failure to present the original can result in a €10 fine. The regulation is set out in the Vehicle Registration Ordinance, paragraph 11‑6, and applies to all drivers, including those using family or company cars.

In parallel, Germany is enforcing a nationwide exchange of old paper and card driver’s licences for the new EU‑wide format. Approximately 15 million paper licences and 28 million card licences must be replaced. The exchange, conducted at the local driver‑licence authority, costs about €25 and requires a passport‑type ID, a biometric photo, and the current licence. Missing the deadline constitutes an administrative offence punishable by a €10 fine. The new licence is valid for 15 years, after which a new card must be issued, though the underlying driving entitlement remains lifelong.

Both measures aim to improve document security, reduce fraud, and ensure compliance with EU standards.