This applies when exchanging a driver's license

Created: 01/17/2022, 17:08

It doesn't matter if it's pink or gray: Such paper driver's licenses are gradually losing their validity.

Some in credit card format are also affected.

© Andreas Arnold/dpa/dpa-tmn

In several waves, old driver's licenses will be exchanged for current documents in credit card format.

Who has to exchange their ticket now and who still has time?

And how does that even work?

Berlin/Munich - More protection against counterfeiting and EU-wide uniformity.

These are two reasons why many old driver's licenses will have to be exchanged for new check cards in several waves by the beginning of 2033.

When is mine due?

How does the exchange work and what happens if I can't get an appointment at the office so quickly because of Corona?

The Auto Club Europa (ACE) and the ADAC clarify important questions:

Which driving licenses have to be exchanged at all?

Any driver's license for cars and motorcycles that was issued before January 19, 2013 must be exchanged by certain deadlines.

It concerns all paper driver's licenses issued up to December 31, 1998.

These can be grey, pink or GDR driver's licenses.

According to the ADAC, banknotes that were issued between January 1, 1999 and January 18, 2013 in credit card format are also affected.

The date of issue in the document is always decisive.

To make the exchange of around 43 million old banknotes easier to handle logistically, the exchange periods run in waves.

Which deadlines apply - when is it my turn?

Two points are important for the key date: the year of birth and the date of issue of the driver's license.

The year of birth of the holder is relevant for driving licenses made of paper, i.e. grey, pink or documents from the GDR.

These certificates were issued before January 1st, 1999.

If you have a credit card-sized document issued up to and including January 18, 2013, you can use the date of issue as a guide.

Exception: If you were born before 1953, you can take your time until January 19, 2033 - regardless of the date of issue or the format of the driver's license.

Deadlines for driving licenses before January 1, 1999 (grey, pink, GDR):

Deadlines for driving licenses from January 1, 1999 including January 18, 2013 (credit card format):

Do I have to meet the deadlines?

Yes, the exchange is mandatory.

However, the expiry dates always refer to the document and not to the driver's license - which remains in place even after the deadline.

However, one commits an administrative offense, according to the ADAC.

This will be punished with a fine of 10 euros.

Even those who are traveling abroad with an expired license can have problems.

Driving without a license is a criminal offence.

However: Due to Corona, it can be difficult to get an appointment for the exchange at the office.

The first deadline of January 19, 2022 is to be extended by six months.

Until that becomes final, it has been decided that no fine will be due on affected notes until July 19 of this year.

Where can I exchange my driver's license?

As a rule, the exchange can be applied for at the responsible driver's license office.

Depending on where you live, this can also be the Citizens’ Registration Office, according to the ACE.

In the corona pandemic, however, there may be delays in making appointments.

Is a new exam due?

The exchange for car and motorcycle driving licenses takes place without an examination or health examination.

However, the authorities may have concerns about fitness to drive in individual cases, for example in the case of obvious physical limitations such as a walker or crutches.

Then you have to prove the suitability, according to the ADAC.

Conditions or restrictions may be imposed in the event of limited fitness to drive.

But that is independent of the exchange.

What documents do I need to have ready?

In addition to the old original driver's license, a valid ID document (identity card or passport) and a biometric passport photo are required.

Tip: When taking a photo, clarify in advance in what form it must be available or whether it can also be taken on site.

If necessary, a so-called index card copy may also be necessary, according to the car clubs.

This is an excerpt of the personal data from the driver's license register of the authority that originally issued the driver's license.

This applies to paper notes that were not issued before 1999 by the authority where an exchange is now to take place - i.e. after a move, for example.

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As a rule, this application can be made online, according to the ACE.

Usually, the extract is then sent directly to the new driver's license office, which carries out the exchange.

How much does the exchange cost?

The costs for the new EU driving license are around 25 euros plus costs such as for the passport photo.

Can I keep my old driver's license?

If you want to keep your old document after the exchange for nostalgic reasons, you can do so.

However, it is devalued by punching, for example, so that it cannot be used.

How long is the driver's license valid?

All documents issued since January 19, 2013 have an expiry date and must be renewed every 15 years.

This serves to protect against counterfeiting, according to the ADAC.

dpa