Germany Urges Drivers: Exchange Old Licenses by 2025
German drivers are reminded to exchange their old paper driver's licenses for the new credit card format. The exchange process is mandatory for licenses issued before certain dates and can be done without a personal appearance.
All driver's licenses issued before January 19, 2013, must be exchanged by January 19, 2033. Additionally, holders of licenses born in 1971 and later must exchange their paper licenses by January 19, 2025. The exchange process does not require an examination or medical examinations for most licenses, but certificates may be needed for truck and bus driver's licenses.
To initiate the exchange, required documents include a copy of the identity card or passport, a biometric passport photo, and the current driver's license in the original. If the old paper driver's license was not issued by the driver's license authority of the city of Aschaffenburg, a card file copy of the issuing authority is required. The conversion costs up to €30.30, including direct shipping by registered mail.
After January 19, 2025, old paper driver's licenses will be invalid for use in Germany and abroad. The new driver's license will be valid for 15 years. Drivers are urged to start the exchange process soon to avoid any inconvenience or delay.
