How to get driving license in Germany #
So, you’ve moved to Germany and enjoyed the thrill of driving on the Autobahn? Unless you convert your foreign license, that freedom won’t last long.
This guide explains how long your foreign license is valid in Germany and, if it isn’t, exactly how to exchange it for a German one, step by step, including the costs.
When do you need a German driving license? #
Whether your current license is valid in Germany depends on where it was issued.
EU / EEA Licenses #
If you hold a valid EU/EEA driver’s license (not previously converted from a non-EU one), you can drive in Germany until it expires—no need to exchange it. However, renewals must be done in the country that issued it.
⚠️ Warning:
If your EU/EEA license was originally a non-EU license that was exchanged elsewhere (e.g., a Turkish license swapped for a Polish one), it may not be valid in Germany.
Example: A Turkish driver exchanged their Turkish license for a Polish one, then moved to Germany. The German authorities deemed it invalid, and they had to obtain a new German license.
Non-EU / EEA Licenses #
Your non-EU license remains valid for 6 months after you register your German address. After that, you must exchange it for a German license to continue driving.
You can only exchange your license if you hold a residence permit and plan to stay longer than 12 months. If you’re in Germany for just one year, you can request a 6-month extension instead. (See the official government website for details.)
Ukrainian Refugees #
Ukrainians with temporary protection can continue using their Ukrainian licenses without an exchange or new test.
However, if they register permanent residence in Germany and stay for more than 185 days, their license becomes invalid after 6 months and must be converted to a German one.
Countries with a reciprocal agreement with Germany #
If your driver’s license was issued in one of the following countries, you can exchange it for a German Class B license (for regular cars) without taking a theory or driving test:
Andorra • Australia* • Bosnia and Herzegovina • Canada • French Polynesia • Guernsey • Isle of Man • Israel • Japan • Jersey • Monaco • Namibia • New Caledonia • New Zealand • Republic of Korea • San Marino • Serbia • Singapore • South Africa • Switzerland • Taiwan** • United Kingdom • USA***
Australia: Full reciprocity applies only to South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. Licenses from other states require an eye test.
Taiwan: Only licenses issued under the jurisdiction of Taiwanese authorities are valid.
USA: Reciprocity depends on the state of issue—some offer full, partial, or no reciprocity.
U.S. States with Full Reciprocity #
If your U.S. driver’s license was issued in one of the following states, you can exchange it directly for a German license—no theory or driving test required:
Alabama • Arizona • Arkansas • Colorado • Delaware • Idaho • Illinois • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • New Mexico • Ohio • Oklahoma • Pennsylvania • South Carolina • South Dakota • Texas* • Utah • Virginia • West Virginia • Washington • Wisconsin • Wyoming • Puerto Rico
Texas: Full reciprocity applies, but an eye test is required.
U.S. States with Partial Reciprocity #
If your license was issued in one of these states, you’ll need to take the German written theory test (available in English). It’s more challenging than the U.S. version, so plan to study beforehand.
Connecticut • District of Columbia • Florida • Indiana* • Minnesota* • Mississippi • Missouri • Nebraska • North Carolina • Oregon • Tennessee
Indiana and Minnesota: An eye test is also required.
U.S. States with No Reciprocity #
If your license comes from one of the states below, you must complete the full German licensing process, including both theory and driving exams.
Alaska • California • Georgia • Hawaii • Maine • Montana • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New York • Rhode Island • Vermont
⚠️ Note: Don’t try to shortcut the process by getting a new license from a state with full reciprocity. German authorities often require proof that you lived in that state for at least 185 days before issuing the license, to prevent “license tourism.”
Countries without a Reciprocal Agreement with Germany #
If your country or U.S. state isn’t listed above, be prepared to invest more time and money to get a German driving license. You cannot exchange your current one, you’ll need to complete driving lessons or pass both the theory and practical exams.
You can check the official list of countries to see which rules apply to yours.
⚠️ Note: Trying to get a license in another country just because it’s “easier” won’t help. German authorities usually require proof that you lived in the issuing country for at least 185 days to prevent so-called license tourism.
How to Get a German Driving License #
1. Make an appointment at the driving license office
Apply in person at your local Road Traffic Licensing Department (Straßenverkehrsamt) or Driving License Office (Führerscheinstelle) in the city where you are registered. You can usually book an appointment online or by phone.
For non-EU/EEA licenses, choose the appointment type: “Umschreiben eines ausländischen Führerscheins (Non-EU/Drittstaaten).”
Helpful links for major cities:
2. Prepare your documents
Bring the following:
- Biometric passport photo (35 × 45 mm)
- Your valid foreign driving license
- Certified German translation (unless exempt)
- Passport or German ID (Personalausweis)
- Proof of how long you’ve held your current license (if not shown)
- Eye-test certificate (not older than two years, if required by reciprocity rules)
If your license is in English, a translation may not be necessary confirm with your local office beforehand.
For translations, Lingoking offers fast, certified services. If your language isn’t available, you can find authorized translators through the German State Justice database.
⚠️ Important for Düsseldorf:
This office only accepts translations from the ADAC, as translators must physically verify the original license. Lingoking translations are not accepted there.
You can complete your required eye test at any local optician.
3. Attend your appointment
Submit all documents and pay the applicable fee.
4. Collect your German license
Once approved, you’ll receive your German driving license. In most cases, your foreign license must be surrendered and will be sent back to the issuing authority though this may vary depending on your country and local office.
Check out our guide on How to exchange your Foreign Driving License in Germany without reciprocity agreement
How long does it take to get a driving license in Germany? #
If your country has a reciprocity agreement with Germany and you don’t need to take any theoretical or practical tests, the process is quite straightforward. Exchanging your foreign license for a German one usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks once you’ve submitted your application.
However, if there’s no reciprocity agreement, you’ll need to complete both the theoretical and practical exams. In this case, the process can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months, depending largely on the availability and scheduling capacity of your driving school (Fahrschule).
How much does it cost to get a driving license in Germany? #
Obtaining a German driving license can be quite expensive especially if you’re starting from scratch or need to take lessons through a Fahrschule. For a completely new driver, the total cost typically ranges between €1,500 and €2,000.
If you already have a license from abroad but no reciprocity agreement, you’ll still need to attend some lessons and take the exams, which can add up.
Conclusion #
As you can see, exchanging a foreign driving license for a German one can be both bureaucratic and costly, but it’s definitely manageable with a bit of patience and preparation. Once you understand the process and gather the required documents, the whole procedure becomes much smoother.
While the expenses and paperwork may feel overwhelming at first, obtaining a German driving license ultimately gives you peace of mind and ensures that everyone on the road meets the same safety standards.
Happy driving and safe travels in Germany
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