Prerequisites
In order to have the driver's license rewritten by the Landesbetrieb Verkehr (LBV), the applicant's main place of residence must be in Hamburg. In addition, the foreign driving license must be valid at the time the application is submitted.
The transfer is also only possible if the foreign driver's license was obtained at a time when the applicant had had a normal residence for at least 185 days (six months) in the issuing country. This means that you must have lived abroad for at least six months in order to be able to have the driving license you acquired there converted into a German one. For example, if the driver's license was obtained during a four-week vacation, it cannot be converted into a German driver's license.
Information is also available in other languages on the BMDV website (see link below).
Documents required
Please bring the following documents with you to the appointment:
- a valid identity card or an electronic residence permit (eAT) or passport with current confirmation of registration
- the valid foreign driving license in the original (if necessary with official translation)
- a biometric passport photo 35 x 45 millimeters
- if necessary, a translation and/or classification of the driving license by an officially sworn interpreter (the necessity can only be decided after consultation)
- the appointment confirmation
- Depending on the issuing country, additional documents may be required
For class C and D driving licenses you also need:
- an ophthalmological report is not older than two years
- a medical report is not older than one year
- a medical report is not older than one year(class D only)
- a certificate of good conduct (class D only), which must be applied for at the responsible residents' registration office and is not older than three months
- If applicable, proof of professional driver qualification for commercial goods and/or passenger transport
Please note: You only need the medical reports if you want to extend your driving license at the same time as re-registering it.
Please note
In Hamburg, only the driving license offices LBV-Mitte and LBV-Nord are responsible for converting driving licenses. The application must be submitted in person; you will need 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 group Driver's license the service conversion of foreign driver's 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.