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Getting a German Driver's License


How to get German Driving License (Expats in Deutschland)

Every information expats need to know about German Driving License

Germany Autobahns are known for high speeds and driving is sort of favourite time pass for Germans. If you are expat to Germany and plan on driving a car in Germany, you have to consider about driving license as one of your top priorities.

 But how this is done? Getting a German driving license can be tricky and also strongly depends on your country of origin. The German word for driving license is (der Führerschein).

Validity of your foreign driving license in Germany

Your foreign driving license is valid if your stay in Germany is temporary.

If you have a foreign driving license or International driving permit (IDP), you may drive all categories of vehicle as mentioned in your driving license in Germany. If you hold an IDP, you do not have to translate your driving license in German language.

You have a foreign driving license not issued in EU or EEA and you plan to stay in Germany.

If you have a foreign driving license not issued in EU or EEA, this license will be valid for six months after applying of your residence address. After this period your license will not be accepted in Germany.

If you want to continue driving after this, you will have to obtain a driving license issued by the local driving license authority (Führerscheinstelle).

Different rules for different countries

The requirements are dependent on your country of origin. 

  • Driving license issued by member state of the EU/EEA

If you are holding a license from an EU/EEA member state, it is equivalent to a German driving licence and remains valid until its expiry date.

  • Driving license is issued by country outside of the EU/EEA 

You can use your driving license for first six months after you become resident of Germany. After that you will need a German driving license. Before you go to the driving office aka. Führerscheinstelle.
Documents required to exchange a foreign's driving license
  1. Valid identification such as passport or identity card
  2. Recent biometrics photo
  3. Your original valid foreign driving license
  4. An official translation of your foreign driving license. Translation and classification is done at the nearest ADAC center.
  5. Your certificate of registration

Countries with exchange agreements with Germany


The following countries driving license can be exchanged with German driving license due to a special agreement with Germany:
AndorraNamibia
AustraliaNew Caledonia
CanadaNew Zealand
Channel IslandsSan Marino
CroatiaSingapore
French PolynesiaSouth Africa
Isle of ManSouth Korea
IsraelSwitzerland
JapanU.S.A.*
Monaco
*For USA requirements vary based on the states.

Full details of the requirements based on countries can be seen using the link.
If you are coming from India there are more steps required to obtain a driving license. I have covered this in a separate post exchange Indian driving license to German.
Cost of translation at ADAC: Refer ADAC link for current charges.
  • Driver's license with Latin characters: 55 €
  • Driver's license with foreign characters: 65 €
For further information, see:
  • www.adac.de ( search for “Führerschein- Übersetzung” for info on licence translation)
  • www.fahrerlaubnisrecht.de (official guide on all issues related to driving licences in Germany)

Labels:
Location: 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany

Comments

  1. BhoopenAugust 16, 2019 at 5:18 PM

    Sanjay,

    What a fantastic post! This is so chock full of information. I appreciate that you explained step by step guide and shared all useful resources.

    ReplyDelete
  2. moinkhanchouhanSeptember 17, 2020 at 9:19 PM

    German driving license


    Willkommen bei der fahrerlizenz, Kaufen sie ihren führerschein noch heute online. Wir Angebot das führerschein original ohne mpu, Kontakt uns jetzt - +49 159 02972011



    https://fahrerfuhrerschein.com/

    ReplyDelete

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