Converting a foreign driving license from a third country outside the EU or EEA

Prerequisites

• Her main residence is in Hamburg.
• You have a valid foreign driving license.
• You have resided in the state that issued your current driver's license for at least 6 months (185 days).
• If you have to take a driving test: You have completed the preparation at a driving school and passed the theoretical and practical driving tests.
  Further information on when a test is necessary can be found in Annex 11 to the Driving Licence Regulations (FeV).

Documents required

• valid identity card, electronic residence permit (eAT) or passport with current registration confirmation
• Valid foreign driving license (if necessary with translation by an officially sworn interpreter; the necessity can only be decided after consultation)
• biometric passport photo (35x45 millimeters)
• For driving licence classes A and B: if necessary, eye test (e.g. by an optician)
• if applicable, proof of participation in first aid training
• Proof of previous residence for at least 6 months in the country in which the driving license was issued (e.g. employer certificates, rental agreement)
• Appointment confirmation

Additionally for driving licenses of classes C and D:

• ophthalmological report according to Annex 6 to the Driving Licence Regulation (FeV), not older than 2 years
• Medical report according to Annex 5.1 to the Driving Licence Regulation (FeV), not older than 1 year
• for class D: medical report according to Annex 5.2 to the Driving Licence Regulation (FeV), not older than 1 year
• for class D: Certificate of good conduct, not older than 3 months, applied for at the responsible residents' registration office
• for commercial goods and/or passenger transport: proof of professional driver qualification

You only need the medical certificate if you want to renew your driver's license at the same time as the conversion. Depending on the country where your driver's license was issued, you may also need to submit additional documents. You will be informed of this during your appointment.

Please note

• The LBV-Mitte and LBV-Nord driving license offices are responsible for issuing driving licenses.
• You can find information on exchanging your driver's license in other languages on the website of the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV). Further information can be found in the "Links" section.
• Provisional driving licenses or learner's permitsdo not entitle you to drive motor vehicles in Germany and therefore cannot be converted into a German driving license.
• Germany has entered into agreements with several countries regarding the recognition of driving licenses, simplifying the conversion to a German driving license. Drivers from these countries often do not require a new driving test. Further information on when a test is required can be found in Appendix 11 of the Driving Licence Regulations (FeV).

Deadlines

You must exchange your foreign driving license for a German driving license no later than 6 months (185 days) after entering Germany.

Procedure

• You complete the preparation at a driving school and, if necessary, take the theoretical and practical driving test.
• You book an appointment online.
  • On our website for booking appointments, select the category "Driver's License"
  • Book the appointment "Conversion of foreign driving licence or service driving licence into temporary EU card driving licence"
  • You will receive an email. Confirm your reservation using the link in the email.
• Bring all necessary documents and the appointment confirmation with you to your appointment at the LBV.
• Scan the QR code on your appointment confirmation using the scanner on site.
• Take a seat in the waiting area. You will be called by your call number.
• Your request is being processed.

Processing time

The production of your new driver’s license takes approximately 3-4 weeks.

Fees

37.50 EUR - 74.40 EUR.


The exact costs depend on your driver's license class and can only be determined on-site based on the complete documentation. The basis for this is the German Fee Schedule for Measures in Road Traffic (GebOSt).

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Section 29 Driving Licence Regulation (FeV)

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/fev_2010/__29.html


Section 31 Driving Licence Regulation (FeV)

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/fev_2010/__31.html