Compulsory exchange of driving licences: What you should know

In the past, driving licences were valid for life, but the EU has now introduced a compulsory exchange. We have compiled an overview of whether and when you are affected by this.

Driving licence issued before 1999: Compulsory exchange according to year of birth

The EU has decided that a driving licence is only valid for 15 years. This does not affect the driving licence, only the document. Since many driving licences are already much older, the date for mandatory exchange is staggered.

• If the driving licence was issued before 1999, the deadline for exchange depends on your year of birth. The older you are, the longer the document is valid – regardless of when you took your driving test, the main thing is that it was issued before 1999.

• If you were born before 1953, you don’t have to exchange your driving licence until 19.01.2033.

• For those born between 1953 and 1958, the deadline for exchange is 19.01.2022.

• If you were born between 1959 and 1964, you must exchange your driving licence on 19.01.2023.

• The effective date is 19.01.2024 for those whose year of birth is between 1965 and 1970.

• For those born in 1971 and later, the conversion deadline is 19.01.2025.

Driving licence 1999 and later: exchange after date of issue

For anyone whose licence was issued in 1999 or later, the date for mandatory exchange is based on the date the licence was issued, regardless of age.

• Anyone whose driving licence was issued between 1999 and 2001 must exchange it by 19.01.2026.

• Those whose driving licence was issued between 2002 and 2004 must exchange it by 19.01.2027.

• Whoever was issued their driving licence between 2005 and 2007 must exchange it by 19.01.2028.

• Whoever was issued their driving licence in 2008 must exchange it by 19.01.2029.

• Whoever was issued his driving licence in 2009 must exchange it by 19.01.2030.

• Who was issued his driving licence in 2010 must exchange it by 19.01.2031.

• Whoever was issued his driving licence in 2011 must exchange it by 19.01.2032.

• Whoever was issued their driving licence between 2012 and 18.01.2013 must exchange it by 19.01.2033.

• Driving licences issued later are generally valid for 15 years.

Applying for a new driving licence: costs and location

To exchange your driving licence, you must appear in person at the competent authority and bring your old driving licence, identity card and a biometric passport photo.

• Depending on the city, the authority has a different name, for example Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (Essen) or Landesbetrieb Verkehr (Hamburg).

• You will have to pay around 25 euros for the new driving licence. After three to four weeks you will receive your new driving licence.