Germany outlines deadlines for swapping pre‑2013 driver licences

Germany will phase out old national driver licences issued before 19 January 2013 in line with an EU mandate that requires all member states to replace them by 19 January 2033. The German authorities will stagger the exchange based on the holder’s birth year for licences issued up to 31 December 1998, with deadlines ranging from 2022 to 2033, and according to the year of issue for licences dated from 1999 onward, following a detailed schedule that extends to 2033.

If a licence is lost, the holder must report the loss immediately and can apply for a replacement at the local licensing office. The driver’s entitlement remains valid, so no re‑examination is required. While a replacement is processed, the driver may be fined €10 for not having the document during a police check, but can continue to drive under the law until the new licence is issued.

The measures aim to improve road safety, prevent fraud and ensure licence uniformity across the European Union.