FAQ: Driver's license document expires - what now?
In January 2026, some driver's license documents will become invalid again. We clarify who is affected, what should be considered, and what the costs are.
(Image: Florian Pillau / heise Medien)
When does my driver's license expire?
Strictly speaking: never. Unlike in the past, only the document itself no longer has unlimited validity. This means that even if you don't exchange it, you don't lose the driving license itself but only have an invalid document. When it needs to be exchanged depends on the date the driver's license was issued.
- 1999 to 2001: Exchange by January 19, 2026
- 2002 to 2004: Exchange by January 19, 2027
- 2005 to 2007: Exchange by January 19, 2028
- 2008: Exchange by January 19, 2029
- 2009: Exchange by January 19, 2030
- 2010: Exchange by January 19, 2031
- 2011: Exchange by January 19, 2032
- 2012 to January 18, 2013: Exchange by January 19, 2033
License holders born before 1952 must exchange their driver's license by January 19, 2033, regardless of the year the license was issued. Driver's license documents issued up to 2001 have already expired.
Why do the old driver's licenses need to be exchanged?
In December 2006, Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council was adopted, which obliges Member States to update all driver's licenses by 2033. The new documents are intended to be more forgery-proof than the previous ones and to facilitate checks through standardized versions across Europe. In principle, all driver's licenses issued after January 18, 2013, are only valid for 15 years. This also applies to the driver's licenses that are now being exchanged.
What do I need to apply for a new driver's license?
The following documents must be presented for a successful driver's license exchange:
- a valid identity card or passport
- a biometric passport photo
- the current driver's license
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Which authority is responsible for the driver's license exchange?
The driving license authority at your place of residence is responsible for this. If you are unsure, you can find the authority by entering “Führerschein” (driver's license) and your postal code in the Federal Portal. The Federal Motor Transport Authority also provides a list of driving license authorities in PDF format on its website.
Can I also apply for the exchange online?
This depends on whether the responsible driving license authority offers an online service for driver's license exchange. You should check the authority's website to see if this is the case. Ideally, the aforementioned Federal Portal will also link to the online service of your local authority. Make sure that the online service actually relates to the exchange of the driver's license, not to an initial issuance.
What do I need to consider when applying online?
In many cases, the online application is a simple form where you enter your personal data. In addition, you usually have to upload photos of your current driver's license, your identity card, a current biometric passport photo, and a photo of your signature.
You should consider in advance whether you want to fill out the application on your smartphone or PC. Typing on a smartphone is more cumbersome. However, if you take photos of your documents with your smartphone, you will have the photos on the correct device and do not need to transfer them to your PC.
Before the online application is sent to the authority, you usually have to pay the application fee, for example, via PayPal. When the new driver's license is ready for collection, you will be informed by email and can pick up the document at the driving license authority. You should bring your old driver's license with you for collection so that it can be invalidated.
What does the exchange cost?
There is a fee of 25.50 Euros according to item 202.5 of the GebOSt and a fee of one Euro according to item 126.2 of the GebOSt. Those who have the driver's license sent directly must also pay an additional 6.50 euros for direct shipping by the Bundesdruckerei. In addition, there are the costs for a current, biometric passport photo.
What happens if I don't have a new driver's license after the deadline and still drive a vehicle?
This is not a criminal offense, which “driving without a license” would fall under. During a check, a warning fine of 10 euros may be due. In addition, there may be problems, for example, if you want to rent a car. If you have missed the deadline for an exchange, you can still apply for a current driver's license at any time.
Do I have to pass another test?
No, the exchange is purely an administrative matter and does not change the permission to drive a car or motorcycle itself. Only the document is exchanged.
Does my truck and bus driver's license also affected?
There are separate rules for these driver's licenses. They are only valid for five years and must then be renewed. For a renewal after the 50th birthday, a medical fitness assessment and an eye test are also required. Professional drivers must undergo further training every five years.
Why exchange driver's licenses? Isn't the digital driver's license coming soon anyway?
The federal government actually intends to offer a digital version of the driver's license from the end of 2026. Users will be able to store these in the i-Kfz app and later, presumably, also in a EUDI Wallet app. When driving domestically, the plastic driver's license can then stay at home. Nevertheless, the digital driver's license does not completely replace the plastic card. So you can't avoid exchanging your driver's license.
(mfz)