The Bundestag is currently establishing the legal framework by amending the Road Traffic Act, with members of parliament discussing the project’s details for the first time today.
What Will Change?
The federal government aims to create the legal basis for digitizing both driver’s licenses and vehicle registration documents. Once implemented, drivers will no longer be required to carry physical cards or paper forms; a smartphone with the appropriate applications will suffice. For example, the “i-Kfz” app already exists for digital vehicle registration.
The government’s bill also envisions a framework for digital parking enforcement. Specialized vehicles equipped with scanners will be able to verify whether a car owner is a local resident or has paid for a parking voucher.
When Will Digital Licenses Be Introduced?
Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) has set the end of 2026 as the target. Meanwhile, Digital Affairs Minister Carsten Wildberger (CDU) specified January 2, 2027, as the launch date for the so-called “Wallet.” This digital storage system will house driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, ID cards, and insurance cards. This timeline places Germany well ahead of the European Union’s schedule, as the EU-wide digital license is not planned until 2030.
Following today’s first reading in the Bundestag, the relevant committee will discuss the specifics before a final vote in the Bundestag and the Bundesrat.
Objectives and Limitations
The Cabinet views this law as a step toward reducing bureaucracy and providing citizens with modern digital access to state services. In daily life, the digital ID is expected to simplify the use of rental cars and car-sharing services.
However, there are some practical considerations:
- Hardware Requirements: Users will need a functional smartphone with sufficient battery life.
- Compatibility: The i-Kfz app does not yet support all devices or operating systems.
- eID Requirement: Use of the service requires an electronic identity card (eID).
- Geographic Limits: Initially, the digital license will only be valid within Germany until the EU-wide rollout in 2030.
- Supplement, Not Replacement: The digital version is an addition to, not a replacement for, the physical card. The bill states: “Possession of a card-based driver’s license is a mandatory prerequisite for the issuance of a digital license.” Only the obligation to carry the plastic card while driving is being removed.
For those who prefer not to use digital options or do not own a smartphone, the physical license remains available and legally equivalent.
Do Old Licenses Still Need to Be Exchanged?
Yes. Since the digital version does not replace the physical document, the mandatory exchange of licenses issued before January 19, 2013, into the new EU standard format remains in effect. The introduction of the digital format does not change this requirement.
Source: Welt
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