01Free
First meeting
We check your country of issue and tell you whether a test is needed, and which one.
Exchange a licence
A licence from
another country?
Whether you have to sit a test depends on where your licence was issued. We work out your case, sort out the paperwork and prepare you — in German, Kurdish, Turkish or English.
EU and EEA licences
- Validity
- Valid in Germany straight away
- Test
- None — only the document is exchanged
- Exchange
- Voluntary but recommended — compulsory after 15 years at the latest
- Classes
- Carried over as they are
- Processing
- About 2–4 weeks at the Straßenverkehrsamt
- Applies to
- Every EU country plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein
Licences from outside the EU (§ 31 FeV)
- Valid for a further 6 months after you register your address in Germany
- After that the exchange is compulsory
- Whether a test is needed is decided by the list of countries
- Anlage 11 countries need no test — Japan, South Korea, Canada and Israel among them
- Other countries: a theory test and/or a practical test
- A certified translation of your licence is required
Not sure what applies to you
The rules depend on the issuing country, your residence status and the class. Bring your licence to the first meeting — we work out your case before you sign up to anything.
How the exchange works
- 02We help
Documents & application
Translation, eyesight test, first-aid course, passport photo — we tell you exactly what you need and prepare the STVA application. Handing it in has to be done by you, in person, at your appointment.
- 03If required
Preparation
Theory classes and driving lessons about the German rules — not about learning to drive again.
- 04Theory and/or practical
Sitting the test
The theory test is available in a number of languages; the practical test is taken at the TÜV.
- 05Done
German licence
You receive the German EU card licence. The old one is retained and returned to the authority that issued it.
Common questions about the exchange
Which language can I sit the theory test in?
The TÜV offers the theory test in twelve languages: German, English, French, Greek, Italian, Croatian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. We can additionally advise and explain in Kurdish — the test itself you sit in one of the twelve, usually in English.
Do I need a translation of my licence?
For non-EU licences yes, and it has to be a certified translation by a sworn translator. We can point you to one.
Can I exchange my licence from Syria, Iraq or Turkey?
Yes. For these countries a theory test and a practical test are usually required. You do not have to repeat the whole training though — we prepare you specifically for what is needed.
My licence has expired or been lost. What now?
Without a valid foreign licence it counts as acquiring Class B from scratch. You already have driving experience, so you will normally need fewer lessons.