Driving license, rewrite foreign driving license (third countries)

Prerequisites

• foreign driver's license   is valid at the time of entry and application (possibly with an official translation; the necessity can only be decided after a consultation),
• Applicant's main residence is in Hamburg
• You must have lived in the third country for at least six months in order to have the driving license obtained there converted into a German one.

Note: Passing a theoretical and practical driving test is a prerequisite for the granting of a German driving license. The test can only take place when the driving school has determined that you are ready to take the test.

Information is also available in other languages under the BMVI link (see below).

Further information on whether an examination is required in connection with the re-registration can be found in Annex 11 to the FeV (see link below).

Documents required

• a valid identity card or passport with a current confirmation of registration
• the valid foreign driver's license in the original
• a biometric passport photo 35 x 45 millimeters
• an eye test (only for A / B classes; e.g. by an optician)
• proof of participation in first aid training
• If necessary, a translation and / or classification of the driver's license by an officially sworn interpreter (the necessity can only be decided after a consultation)
• the appointment confirmation

For driving licenses of classes C and D you also need:

• an ophthalmological report in accordance with Annex 6 FeV not older than two years
• a medical certificate according to Annex 5.1 FeV not older than one year
• a medical report according to Annex 5.2 FeV not older than one year (only class D)
• a certificate of good conduct (class D only), which must be requested from the responsible residents' registration office and is not older than three months
• if necessary, proof of professional driver qualification in the case of commercial goods and / or passenger transport

Please note

Provisional driving licenses or learner's licenses do not entitle you to drive motor vehicles in Germany and therefore cannot be converted into a German driving license.

Only the driving license offices LBV-Mitte and LBV-Nord are responsible for converting driving licenses from third countries. Be sure to book an appointment for this.
Applications with power of attorney are not possible.

Appointment booking
Appointments are booked via the LBV. Here, do the following:
1. Visit the appointment booking website (see link below) and select the service converting a foreign driving license into a temporary EU card driving license .
2. Use the location selector to view appointments at a specific location.
3. After choosing the location, use the calendar displayed to choose a free appointment (date and time).
4. Now enter your name and email address to book.
5. You will receive an email. Please confirm the appointment.

Please be sure to bring the appointment confirmation that you will receive with you to the appointment.

Processing time

The transfer takes about four to six weeks from the application.

Fees

The transfer of a foreign driver's license costs between EUR 43.90 and EUR 72.50. The basis for this is the fee schedule for measures in road traffic (GebOSt). The exact costs depend on the driver's license class and can only be determined on site using the complete documentation.