Exchanging old driver's licenses: an important date for drivers in January

Created: 01/07/2022, 10:19 AM

The countdown to driving license exchange has long since begun.

By 2033, all driver's licenses issued before 2013 should be replaced by counterfeit-proof copies.

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Now let's go.

The first drivers license holders have to swap their old rags.

Find out here for whom which submission deadlines apply.

The countdown to

has long since begun.

By 2033, all driver's licenses * issued before 2013 should be replaced by counterfeit-proof copies.

The exchange of around 43 million licenses takes place in annual stages.

is

.

The basis for the campaign is the EU Directive 2006/126 / EC, which provides for a Europe-wide, uniform and forgery-proof driving license from 2033.

Exchange old driver's license: what is the time frame?

First of all, the old

, which were issued until December 31, 1998, have to be dealt with.

The year of birth of the driver's license holder is decisive here.

The reason for this is that the date of issue of these paper documents is often no longer legible.

It starts with the driver's

who were born between 1953 and 1958. You must have changed your old paper driving license for a forgery-proof copy by January 19, 2022. In 2023, those born between 1959 and 1964 will be in demand. 2024 is the key year for the age group from 1965 to 1970, 2025 for those born after 1971. Anyone who saw the light of day before 1953 can take their time. You don't need to take action before 2033. The reason for this is the fact that it is still unclear how many of them will still actively drive cars due to their age.

For all

issued after 1.1.1999, only the date of issue applies.

They will be exchanged from 2026.

This also applies to driving licenses that were acquired before 1999, but were reissued, for example, because of loss, theft or the desire for a more manageable credit card format.

Also read:

How long is the new driver's license valid?

Unlike before, the documents lose

their validity

They then have to be renewed, such as the identity card or passport.

The 15-year period of validity already applies to

issued from January 19, 2013 .

The time limit is intended to make forgeries more difficult, as passport photos and personal data are regularly updated.

Which driving license classes are accepted?

The driving authorization classes acquired with the driver's license test continue to apply and are entered in the new document according to the current classification.

Which documents are required?

In addition to an identity card or passport, you must bring your driver's license and a current, biometric passport photo.

If the driver's license was not issued in the area of ​​validity of the responsible authority, an extract from the local driver's license register, the so-called index card copy, is required.

Also read:

What are the fees?

At the moment you have to reckon with around 25 euros.

There are also costs for the photo.

If you don't pick up your driving license yourself, but have it sent to you, you have to pay extra for it.

What happens if you don't exchange?

Anyone who drives with an old driver's license commits an administrative offense that entails a fine of 10 euros.

How much time do you have to plan for the exchange process?

Due to Corona measures in the administration, the processing process can be delayed and the previously usual six to eight weeks can be exceeded.

Those wishing to exchange should therefore try to make an appointment as early as possible.

This is especially true for the baby boomers who will have to swap their driving licenses from 2023.

Also interesting

Will the exchange deadlines be extended due to Corona?

No.

As the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport informs, the deadlines remain.

However, a uniform nationwide procedure is under discussion that if an old driver's license is presented, a fine as a sanction is currently waived.

Instead, a six-month period should be allowed to submit a valid EU driving license.

Can I exchange earlier?

Yes.

If you want, you can apply for a new driver's license before your official exchange date.