Exchange driver's license: You should know that

In the past, a driving license was valid for a lifetime, but the EU has now introduced an obligation to exchange it. We have put together a clear overview of whether and when you will be affected.

Driver's license issued before 1999 - exchange obligation based on year of birth

The EU has decided that a driver's license is only valid for 15 years. This does not affect the driver's license, but only the document. Since many driving licenses are much older, the date for the obligation to exchange is staggered.

• If the driver's license was issued before 1999, the date for the exchange is based on your year of birth. The older you are, the longer the document is valid - regardless of when you took the driving test, the main thing before 1999.
• If you were born before 1953, you do not have to exchange your driving license until January 19, 2033.
• For those who were born between 1953 and 1958, January 19, 2022 is the deadline for the exchange.
• If your birthday is between 1959 and 1964, you must exchange your driver's license on January 19, 2023.
• The deadline is January 19, 2024 for everyone whose year of birth is between 1965 and 1970.
• For those born in 1971 and later, an exchange obligation applies until January 19, 2025.

Driving license 1999 and later - exchange after the date of issue

For those who obtained their driver's license in 1999 or later, the time for the obligation to exchange is based on the date of issue of the driver's license, regardless of age.

• Those who obtained their driver's license between 1999 and 2001 must exchange it by January 19, 2026.
• Anyone who obtained their driver's license between 2002 and 2004 must exchange it by January 19, 2027.
• Anyone who obtained their driver's license between 2005 and 2007 must exchange it by January 19, 2028.
• Anyone who obtained their driver's license in 2008 must exchange it by January 19, 2029.
• Anyone who obtained their driver's license in 2009 must exchange it by January 19, 2030.
• Anyone who obtains their driver's license in 2010 must exchange it by January 19, 2031.
• Those who have obtained their 2011 driving license must exchange it by January 19, 2032.
• Anyone who obtained their driver's license between 2012 and January 18, 2013 must exchange it by January 19, 2033.
• Driver's licenses issued later are generally valid for 15 years.

Apply for a new driver's license: cost and location

• In order to exchange the driver's license, you must appear in person at the competent authority and bring your old driver's license, ID card and a biometric passport photo. Depending on the city, the authority is called differently, for example the driver's license authority (Essen) or the state transport company (Hamburg).
• You have to pay around 25 euros for the new driver's license. After three to four weeks you will receive the new driver's license.