Exchanging a Driver’s License – A Brief Explanation: Driver’s licenses issued before January 19, 2013, must be gradually exchanged for the standard EU card-style driver’s license by January 19, 2033, at the latest. However, depending on the type of driver’s license, year of birth, or year of issuance, an earlier deadline may apply. A current biometric passport photo is also required when applying for a driver’s license for the first time. A current biometric photo is also required when exchanging a driver’s license.
Why You Need to Renew Your Driver’s License
The third EU Driver’s License Directive serves as the basis for the mandatory replacement of driver’s licenses. The goal is to make driver’s licenses within the European Union more standardized and tamper-proof. Old paper driver’s licenses and older card-style driver’s licenses are therefore being gradually replaced by the current EU card-style driver’s license.
Important: When exchanging a car or motorcycle driver’s license through the regular process, your existing driving privilege generally remains valid. Only the driver’s license document itself is replaced. A new driving test or routine medical examination is not required for this.
Newly issued EU driver’s licenses are valid for 15 years. Once this period expires, the driver’s license must be renewed. However, the underlying driving privilege generally does not expire as a result.
Exchanging a Driver’s License: These Deadlines Apply
The deadline that applies to you depends on whether you still have an older paper driver’s license or already have a card-style driver’s license.
Validity Periods for Card-Style Driver’s Licenses
For card-style driver’s licenses issued between January 1, 1999, and January 18, 2013, the exchange deadline depends on the year of issuance:
| Year the driver’s license was issued | Must be renewed by |
|---|---|
| 1999–2001 | January 19, 2026 |
| 2002–2004 | January 19, 2027 |
| 2005–2007 | January 19, 2028 |
| 2008 | January 19, 2029 |
| 2009 | January 19, 2030 |
| 2010 | January 19, 2031 |
| 2011 | January 19, 2032 |
| 2012 through January 18, 2013 | January 19, 2033 |
The following is particularly relevant for 2026: Driver’s licenses issued between 2002 and 2004 must be replaced by January 19, 2027, at the latest.
Deadlines for Older Paper Driver’s Licenses
For paper driver’s licenses issued on or before December 31, 1998, the deadline is generally based on the license holder’s year of birth:
| Year of Birth | Exchange by |
|---|---|
| 1953–1958 | January 19, 2022 |
| 1959–1964 | January 19, 2023 |
| 1965–1970 | January 19, 2024 |
| 1971 or later | January 19, 2025 |
An important exception applies to people born before 1953: Regardless of when their driver’s license was issued, they do not have to exchange it until January 19, 2033.
Where is the issue date listed?
For card-style driver’s licenses, the date of issuance is located on the front in field 4a. This date determines the deadline for exchanging older card-style driver’s licenses.
You’ll need these documents to exchange your driver’s license
To renew a car or motorcycle driver’s license, you generally need:
- a valid ID card or passport
- a recent biometric passport photo
- the current driver’s license
- the application documents required by the competent authority
There is usually a fee of about 25 euros for the exchange. In addition, there may be costs for the biometric passport photo or other services provided by the relevant government agency.
If you still have a paper driver’s license and it was issued by a different driver’s license authority than the one currently responsible, you may also need what is known as a “card index transcript.” This document confirms the driver’s license information on file with the previous authority.
You should check directly with the appropriate authority to find out which documents your driver’s license office requires in your specific case before submitting your application.
The Right Passport Photo for a Driver’s License Renewal
To obtain a driver’s license, you need a current photo that meets the requirements of the Passport Regulations. These requirements include, among other things, a frontal shot, a clear view of the face, and even lighting.
For more information, see our guide on passport photo requirements, as well as the size and format of a biometric passport photo.
A professional photographer will provide you with a biometric passport photo that meets the current requirements. Important: The digital e-passport photo process used since 2025 for ID cards and passports cannot be automatically applied to every driver’s license application. The type of photo your driver’s license office accepts or requires depends on the specific procedures of the relevant authority.
Therefore, before your appointment, check with your driver’s license office to find out whether you should submit the passport photo in paper form, digitally, or in another format specified by the agency.
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What happens if I miss the return period?
Once the deadline applicable to you has passed, your old driver’s license will no longer be valid as a document. For car and motorcycle licenses, however, the right to drive generally remains in effect. Anyone who continues to drive with the old driver’s license after the deadline has passed risks a fine of currently about ten euros.
An expired driver’s license can also cause problems when traveling abroad or, for example, when renting a car. That’s why it’s a good idea to apply for a replacement well in advance of your personal deadline.
Applying for a Driver’s License: The Process for First-Time Applicants
Anyone applying for a driver’s license for the first time must submit the application to the agency or driver’s license authority with jurisdiction under state law. The specific jurisdiction and procedure vary by region.
To obtain a driver’s license for the standard passenger car and motorcycle classes, the following documents, among others, are required:
- Proof of personal information and residence
- a photograph taken in accordance with the requirements of the Passport Regulations
- a valid eye exam certificate or the required proof of vision
- proof of first aid training
- the application documents required by the competent driver’s license authority
For certain driver’s license classes, particularly those for trucks and buses, additional requirements and documentation obligations apply.
After completing driver training, verifying eligibility, and successfully passing the required tests, a driver’s license is granted and issued.
Other Special Cases Related to Driver’s Licenses
International Driver’s License: When driving in certain countries outside the European Union, an international driver’s license may be required or recommended in addition to your national driver’s license. It is applied for at the appropriate driver’s license office and is valid only in conjunction with your national driver’s license. Among other things, a recent biometric photo is required for the application.
Driver’s License After a Name Change: A name change—for example, due to marriage—does not automatically require the issuance of a new driver’s license. However, it may be advisable to have a driver’s license with your current personal information, especially when traveling abroad. A new card-style driver’s license can be issued upon request. Check with your local driver’s license agency to find out what documents are required.
Extension of Temporary Driver’s License Categories: Additional time limits apply to certain categories of truck and bus driver’s licenses. Medical examinations, proof of vision, and other documentation may be required for renewal. These regulations differ from the standard mandatory renewal of a car or motorcycle driver’s license.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driver’s License Conversion
Do I have to retake the driving test when I exchange my license?
No. The standard mandatory renewal of a car or motorcycle driver’s license is an administrative procedure. You do not need to take a new driving test.
Do I need a new eye exam or a medical exam when renewing my regular driver’s license?
For the regular mandatory renewal of a car or motorcycle driver’s license, a new medical examination or vision test is generally not required. However, special regulations apply to certain classes of truck and bus driver’s licenses.
Does this also apply to motorcycle licenses?
Yes. Older motorcycle driver’s licenses are also generally subject to the phased conversion deadlines.
Where do I exchange my driver’s license?
You must apply for the exchange at the appropriate driver’s license authority or office. Which authority is responsible depends on the state and your place of residence.
What kind of passport photo do I need to renew my driver’s license?
You will need a current biometric photo that meets the requirements for driver’s license applications. The Driver’s License Regulation refers to the requirements of the Passport Regulation regarding the photo. You can learn more about this in our guide, “Passport Photo Requirements.”
Does the passport photo for the driver’s license have to be submitted digitally?
It does not necessarily have to follow the same procedure as for an ID card or passport. The type of photo that is accepted or required depends on the procedures of your local driver’s license office. Therefore, please check directly with your local office before your appointment.
How long is the new EU driver’s license valid?
The newly issued driver’s license is valid as a document for 15 years. After that, the document must be renewed. The driver’s license itself remains unaffected by this.
What do I need to get my driver’s license for the first time?
For standard car and motorcycle license classes, the required documents include, among other things, a photograph that meets the requirements of the Passport Regulation, proof of vision, and proof of first-aid training. Depending on the license class, additional documents may be required.
Note: Fees, appointment procedures, and specific requirements may vary depending on the driver’s license agency. Therefore, please check the current information from your local driver’s license office before your appointment.
