Führerschein
Führerschein

Which Age Groups Must Exchange Their Driver’s License in Germany

Munich - Out with the old, in with the new: Driver's licenses issued before January 19, 2013, must gradually be exchanged for the new EU driver's license.

The reason for this exchange is the EU’s Third Driver’s License Directive, which aims to ensure that all driver’s licenses still in circulation within the European Union have a uniform, forgery-proof format. Here is what you need to know about the requirements for the exchange in Munich, the necessary documents, and the upcoming deadlines.

EU Requirements: Why the License Exchange is Necessary

The change is due to EU regulations. The goal is for all driver’s licenses within the EU to be uniform and forgery-proof—for instance, through the use of a biometric photo—and to be recorded in a database to prevent fraud. These new licenses have been issued since January 19, 2013, and the old ones must now be replaced in phases. A staggered schedule is designed to prevent millions of people from applying for the exchange at the same time, which would overwhelm the responsible licensing authorities and the federal printing office.

Requirements for Exchanging Old Licenses in Munich

According to the City of Munich, a key requirement for exchanging your license in Munich is that your primary residence must be registered in the city. An exchange is mandatory in the following cases:

When applying for an International Driver’s Permit, a passenger transport license, or a driving instructor’s license.

For holders of a Class 2 driver’s license, and when intending to drive vehicles in this class after turning 50 years old.

author avatar
Daniel Tat