Reissue an expired driving licence

  • Performance specification

    Driving licences issued from 19 January 2013 are valid for 15 years.

    If the validity of your driving licence is about to expire or has expired, you must apply for a new driving licence, unless you waive your driving licence.

    However, the time limit only affects the driving licence document, not the underlying driving licence.

  • Process flow

    You must submit an application to the driving licence authority responsible for you (usually that of your place of residence).

  • Competent body

    Contact the driving licence authority in the place where you have your main residence.

  • Requirements

    • You are resident in the Federal Republic of Germany
    • You must be the holder of a temporary driving licence issued from 19.01.2013 onwards

  • Which documents are required?

    • Official proof of place and date of birth (e.g. identity card or passport)
    • Current certificate of registration, if applicable
    • Current photograph (size 45 x 35 mm, portrait format, frontal photograph) Information and examples can be found in the photo sample board (Bundesdruckerei).
    • Driving licence

  • What are the fees?

    The fee is based on the scale of fees for road traffic measures (GebOSt)

  • What deadlines do I have to observe?

    Please remember to apply for your driving licence in good time before it expires.

  • Processing time

    The processing time depends on the capacity utilisation of the respective driving licence authority.

  • Legal basis

  • Applications / Forms

    Forms available: Yes

    Written form required: Yes

    Informal application possible: No

    Personal appearance required: Yes

    Online services available: No


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