Obligation to exchange paper driving licenses: Deadline ends on January 19, 2025

Obligation to exchange paper driving licenses: Deadline ends on January 19, 2025

The deadline for exchanging paper driving licenses is January 19, 2025. This applies to all holders born before 1971. The old driving licenses will gradually lose their validity. By 2033, all driving licenses issued before January 19, 2013 must be exchanged for a new EU driving license. The mandatory exchange takes place gradually in order to avoid waiting times and overloads at the authorities.

Exchange early

Holders of paper driving licenses born in 1971 or later should submit an application to the district office's driving license office early on. This can be done in person or online. Opening hours are Monday to Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. An appointment is not necessary, but can be booked to avoid waiting times.

Mandatory exchange

Once the deadline has expired, the old driving license will no longer be valid. Anyone who continues to drive with their old license risks being fined. The exchange is administrative and does not require a health check. The old driving privileges will be converted to the new classes. The new driving license is limited to 15 years, but the driving license remains unlimited.

Necessary documents

The following documents are required for the exchange: passport or ID card, a completed application form, the old driver's license and a current biometric passport photo. If the old driver's license was not issued by the current residence authority, a record card copy is required. The cost of the exchange is around 25 euros, plus there are additional costs for the passport photo.

Voluntary exchange

Driver's license holders who do not yet have to exchange can do so voluntarily at any time. Further information can be found on the relevant websites.