Germany to finish EU driver‑licence swap by Jan 2033

The European Union will replace all paper driver licences with a new plastic format. In Germany, the Federal Government has set a deadline of 19 January 2033 for owners of licences issued before that date to exchange them. The exchange schedule is staggered: drivers born before 1953 must swap by 2033, those born 1953‑1958 by 2022, 1959‑1964 by 2023, 1965‑1970 by 2024 and those born 1971 or later by 2025. For licences issued from 1999 onward, the exchange deadline depends on the issue year, ranging from 2022 for 1999‑2001 licences to 2033 for licences issued after 2012. The programme aims to improve traffic safety, prevent counterfeiting and facilitate free movement across EU member states.