Validity of foreign driving licence

What

Depending on the country your driving licence was issued it may or may not be valid in Germany.

Who

If you own a valid driving licence from states in the EU you are allowed to drive a motor vehicle in Germany.
If you own a driving licence from states outside the EU you have to convert your national driving licence in a German driving licence.

How

EU driving licenses don’t have to be converted into a German driving license document. However, a description is possible on a voluntary basis.
If you own a non-EU driving licence you have to convert your national driving licence. Therefore you need to submit an application for the German driving license to the driving license authority in the city or community of your primary residence. Depending on the country where your driving licence was issued you need to take the theoretical or practical test in Germany or hand in certain documents.
If the foreign driving license contains restrictions or conditions, this also applies to the driving license in Germany.

When

For non-EU driving licences latest six month after you have registered a regular residence in Germany. If you can prove that you will not have the regular residence in Germany for more than 12 months, the 6-month period can be extended.

Good to know

Your driving license is not valid if you have not yet reached the minimum age required in Germany.

Where

München

Kraftfahrzeugzulassungs- und Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (Vehicle registration and driving license authority)

Landeshauptstadt München (City Of Munich)
Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR) (Department of Public Order)
Hauptabteilung III Straßenverkehr
Eichstätter Straße 2

80686 München