We convert driving licenses from EU and EEA countries without requiring a new driving test.

You must present the original EU or EEA driver's license at the time of issuance of the German driver's license. We will only issue the German driver's license upon surrender of the EU or EEA driver's license. We will return this to the issuing country.

We generally recognize foreign EU driver's licenses (national foreign driver's licenses from an EU member state). Please note the validity period of the respective driver's license.

A conversion of an EU driver's license (including a foreign EU card driver's license) is required if you apply for an international driver's license (e.g., for travel to countries outside Europe, such as the USA).

Further information on the validity of foreign driver's licenses in the Federal Republic of Germany can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.

Application

• You must submit the application in person (for identification and signature purposes).

• Your primary residence is in Mainz.
• You must bring your valid EU or EEA driver's license with you when you enter the country and present it to us.

We do not convert international driver's licenses. You always need a valid national driver's license.

approximately 6 to 8 weeks

• A recent biometric photo (size 45x35 mm, portrait orientation, full-face view); digital photos are not accepted!

Note:
As of May 1, 2025, the regulation requiring you to submit a digital passport photo to the registration office applies to passport photos for ID cards and passports. However, this requirement does not apply to the driver’s license office and therefore does not affect applications for driver’s license documents. The Driver’s License Authority has the technical equipment available on-site for taking digital photos. For an international driver’s license, please bring an analog passport photo. Of course, you may continue to submit analog passport photos to the Driver’s License Authority, preferably along with the complete application documents. 

• Application for Transfer of a Driver’s License

We do not convert international driver’s licenses. You always need a valid national driver’s license.

Pickup of the card driver’s license at the Driver’s License Office:

• in person
  • Letter from the Driver’s License Authority
  • Identification document

• by an authorized representative
  • Letter to the Driver's License Authority
  • Identification documents for both individuals
  • Written power of attorney

• Transfer of an EU or EEA driver's license: €37.50 to €38.30 (with probationary period)
• Provisional driver's license: €11.20 to €12 (with probationary period)
• Direct shipping: €6.50