Driving license: Apply for key number 96 or key number 196 for category B
Online services
If you want to drive your vehicle with a trailer weighing more than 750 kilograms, you need an extension to class B with the key number 96. If you want to drive light motorcycles up to 125 cm³ without a motorcycle license, you need an extension with the key number 196.
What do I need to know?
Service description
Under certain conditions, you can extend your Class B driver's license.
With the code number B96, you are permitted to drive Class B motor vehicles with a trailer with a maximum authorized mass of more than 750 kilograms. The maximum authorized mass may exceed 3,500 kilograms, but may not exceed 4,250 kilograms.
The code number B196 allows you to drive motorcycles (including those with sidecars) with a maximum displacement of 125 cm³. The engine power may not exceed 11 kW. The power-to-weight ratio may not exceed 0.1 kW/kg.
To drive vehicles with these code numbers, you must complete the driver training specified in the Driver's License Regulation (FeV).
Description Key number 96
The driver's license authority issues a Class B driver's license for vehicle combinations consisting of a Class B motor vehicle and a trailer with a permissible total mass of more than 750 kg with key number 96. However, this is subject to the condition that the permissible total mass of the vehicle combination (car + trailer) exceeds 3,500 kg but does not exceed 4,250 kg.
We may only enter the key number 96 if the applicant already holds a Class B driver's license or has fulfilled the requirements for its issuance. In this case, we may enter the key number 96 at the earliest when the Class B driver's license is issued.
The minimum age for issuing a Class B driver's license with key number 96 is 18. In the case of "accompanied driving from 17," the minimum age is 17.
Driver training is required for the key number 96 to be entered in the Class B driver's license.
Driver training
- A prerequisite for the issuance of a driver's license with the key number 96 is the successful completion of at least seven hours of driver training at a driving school.
- After completing the driver training, the driving school must issue the participant with a certificate of successful participation.
Application
- You can apply for the key number 96 to be entered at the same time as you apply for a Class B license.
- When submitting your application, please indicate that key number 96 should be entered when issuing class B.
- Submit the certificate of participation in the driver training course to the driver's license authority at the latest after passing the practical test.
- Persons who already hold a Class B driver's license must apply for the exchange of their driver's license in order to have the key number 96 entered and must submit the certificate of participation in driver training with their application.
Description of key number 196
Use of two-wheeled vehicles, "corresponding to class A1," with a class B driver's license
The driver's license authority can issue a Class B driver's license with key number 196 for motorcycles (including those with sidecars) with a displacement of up to 125 cm³ and an engine power of no more than 11 kW. The power-to-weight ratio must not exceed 0.1 kW/kg.
We may only assign the key number 196 if the participant has held a class B driver's license for at least 5 years.
Key number 196 is a national key number. The resulting authorization is therefore only valid within the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany (domestic). Registering the key number does not entitle you to a Class A1 driver's license. With this authorization, it is not possible to extend to Class A2 in accordance with Section 15 (3) of the Driver's License Regulation (FeV).
The minimum age for obtaining a Class B driver's license with key number 196 is 25.
Driver training is required for the entry of key number 196 in a Class B driver's license. The content of the driver training is specified in Appendix 7b to Section 6b (3) and (4) of the FeV.
When applying for the key number 196 to be entered in class B, you must submit proof of driver training in accordance with the model in Annex 7b FeV before the entry is made.
The period between completion of the driver training and entry of the code number 196 must not exceed one year.
Driver training
- The prerequisite for obtaining a driver's license with key number 196 is successful participation in driver training consisting of at least 9 lessons of 90 minutes each at a driving school. The theoretical training consists of at least 4 lessons and practical driving exercises of at least 5 lessons.
- After completion of the driver training, the driving school must issue the participant with a certificate of successful participation in accordance with Annex 7b FeV.
Application
- Personal appearance required (for identification and signature)
Prerequisites
For license plate number 96:
- You must be at least 18 years old, or 17 years old if driving with an accompanying driver.
- You must have completed at least 7 hours of driver training and be able to provide proof of this (at least 2.5 hours of theoretical training, at least 3.5 hours of practical training).
- You must hold a Class B driver’s license or meet the requirements for its issuance.
For license code 196:
- You must be at least 25 years old.
- You must have held a Class B driver’s license for at least 5 years.
- You must complete and provide proof of 9 training sessions of 90 minutes each (4 theory sessions and 5 practical sessions).
- The period between the completion of driver training and the entry of code 196 must not exceed 1 year.
Remark
What else should I know?
The key number B96 represents an allocation that is valid throughout the European Union (EU).
The key number 196 is a national key number. The resulting authorization is therefore only valid in Germany.
Entering the key number B196 does not confer a Class A1 driving license. Therefore, it is not possible to extend it to Class A2, for example.
Legal basis
- § 6a Driving License Ordinance (FeV) (opens in a new tab)
- § 6b Driving License Ordinance (FeV) (opens in a new tab)
- Annex 7a (Section 6a (3) and (4)) of the Driving License Ordinance (FeV) (opens in a new tab)
- Annex 7b (to Section 6b (3) and (4)) of the German Driving License Ordinance (FeV) (opens in a new tab)
Deadlines
The period between completion of driver training and entry of key number 196 must not exceed one year.
Responsible body
The local driver's license authority at the city or district administration office is responsible for this.
What do I need to bring or submit?
- Valid ID card or passport (with a current certificate of residence, if applicable)
- Application for registration of a key number
- A biometric photo in accordance with the provisions of the Passport Ordinance (size 45x35 mm)
- Proof of first aid training (unless already provided to the driver’s license authority)
- Certificate of participation in the respective driver training course
- Valid driver’s license
- If applicable, a copy of the driver’s record from the most recent issuing authority (if different from the current authority)
- A recent biometric photo (size 45x35 mm, portrait orientation, full-face view); digital codes are not accepted!
Note:
Since May 1, 2025, the regulation regarding passport photos for ID cards and passports requires that you submit a digital passport photo to the registration office. 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.
How much does it cost and how can I pay?
Fees
- The fee is based on the Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt).
- An additional shipping fee applies if the driver's license is sent directly to your home address.
- The fee for entering key number 96 or key number B196 is €28.60 (fee no.: 216 GebOST).
- In addition, we charge fees between €11.20 and €45.10 for issuing the new driver's license document, for the conversion or for the renewal/extension of the driver's license.
- Depending on the individual case, additional fees may apply, e.g., for express delivery (€20.50).
- A fee of €6.50 is charged for direct shipping by the Federal Printing Office in Berlin.
Forms, information sheets, links
Similar services
- Driving license: Apply for an extension of category A1 or A2 to the next higher category
- Driving license: Apply for an extension to category T
- Driving license: Apply for an extension to category B
- Driving license: Apply for an extension to category L
- Driving license: Apply for an extension to categories AM, A1, A2 or A
- Driving license: Apply for trailer category E
Contact us
Address
Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (Führerscheinstelle)
Elly-Beinhorn-Straße 16
55129 Mainz
Postal address
55028 Mainz
Your way to us
Contact persons
| Mr. KeilProcessing for initial issue, BF 17, replacement, exchange, extension, renewal of C and D classes, letters D to G and T | Letter range: D–G und T | +49 6131 12 ext. 3728 | |
| Mrs. LangeProcessing for initial issue, BF 17, replacement, exchange, extension, renewal of C and D classes, letter range R to S | Letter range: R–S | +49 6131 12 ext. 2812 | |
| Mrs. MayerProcessing for initial issue, BF 17, replacement, exchange, extension, renewal of C and D classes, letters U to Z | Letter range: W–Z und H | +49 6131 12 ext. 2187 | |
| Mrs. WeideClerk for initial issue, BF 17, replacement, exchange, extension, renewal of C and D classes, letters I to L and C | Letter range: I–L und C | +49 6131 12 ext. 2193 |
Opening hours
Current Notice:
Appointments during the times listed below are available only by prior online booking. (opens in a new tab)
Monday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays!
Please also note that due to the time required to process an affidavit in connection with a lost driver’s license, we can only accept these on Thursdays until 5:00 PM.
General Information
A self-service photo terminal is available on the ground floor between the "waiting area" and the "pickup area." Here you can take biometric passport photos and submit them digitally. A fee of 6 euros applies.
Accessibility
Information on accessibility
Barrier-free access available.
Wheelchair-accessible WC available.
Further information
Overnight mailboxes are located at
- Stadthaus Große Bleiche, Löwenhofstr. 1, to the left of the sliding door, and at
- Stadthaus Kaiserstraße, Lauterenflügel, Kaiserstr. 3–5, to the right of the entrance door.