Often people want to know if they can drive foreign country with their German driving license and how long they can drive. Your German driving license is not valid in all countries and you may need an International driving license to drive in some countries.
In this post we are goin to discuss the validity of your German driving license in Germany and other countries.
How long is my German driving license Valid?
Under an EU directive of 2006, from 19 January 2013 the Member States of the European Union can only issue driving licenses with a validity of 15 years.
All German driving license are valid for the period of 15 years after which you will have to renew your German driving license.
Renew your German driving license
German driving license are valid for 15 years from the day of delivery after which you are required to renew your driving license.
To renew your German driving license you will have to make an appointment with the local driving license authority before your current driving license expires. You should bring your current driving license along with you. The new driving license will cost you about25 EUR and will be ready within a couple of weeks.
If you are having any troubles getting a German driving license you should consider buying a driving license from us, you can visit the driving license page to know more about our driving license services, or watch videos of German driving license we have already produce for our clients and its qualities.
using a foreign driving license in Germany
You can use your foreign issued driving license in Germany, however the amount of time your foreign driving license is valid in Germany depends on where your driving license was issued (EU / EEA Member states or somewhere outside of Europe).
EU / EEA member country driving license in Germany.
If you have a driving license issued by an EU or EEA member country, it usually remains valid until it’s expiration date. After your driving license expires you will have exchange it for a German driving license(Führerschein).
non EU or EEA driving license in Germany.
If your driving license was issued by a non EU or EEA country it will still be valid in Germany for up to 6 months.
After 6 months however you will need to get a German driving license, depending on the country your driving license was issued you might be able to exchange it else you will have to apply for and pass the theory and practical exams before getting a German driving license.
If you are finding it difficult to get a German driving license you can buy one from us without having to pass any practical or theory test. you can checkout our driving license service page for more or visit the sample page to see samples of German driving license we produced for some of our clients.
Convert Foreign driving license in Germany
Before you can exchange your driving license for a German driving license, you will have to meet some requirements.
- Valid Resident in Germany
- Your driver’s license was issued by an EU/EEA country, or a country with a special reciprocal driving licensing agreement with Germany (Andorra, Australia, Canada, Croatia, Israel, Monaco, Namibia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, USA, Switzerland, South Korea, South Africa).
- Your driver’s license is valid at the time of application.
How to exchange foreign driving license in Germany.
To exchange a foreign driving license in Germany you will have to make an appointment with your local driving authority, then bring along all required document for the driving license exchange.
Documents required to exchange foreign driving license in Germany
You will need to bring the following document for your driving license exchange.
- A Valid Identification
- Your Certificate of registration in Germany
- Biometric passport Photo
- driving license issued by your former residents country you wish to exchange.
- eye test certificate
- Proof you completed the first aid course
NB: you will be required to give your former driving license.
If you were successful the your German driving license will be ready within 3 to 5 weeks.
If you are finding it difficult to get a German driving license you can buy one from us without having to pass any practical or theory test. you can checkout our driving license service page for more or visit the sample page to see samples of German driving license we produced for some of our clients.
Countries in which a German driving license is Valid
What you should consider when driving in other countries with your German driving license and whether your German driving license is valid in a country.
Valid German driving license are recognized in EU and EEA member state. When you are in an EU or EEA member country you can use your driving license without restrictions until it expires.
Recognition of driving licences in non-EU and non-EEA states depends on what kind of licence you hold (grey or pink model, credit card format or International Driving Permit) and what international agreement the state in question has signed.
In some non-EU and no-EEA countries such as Andorra, Australia, Canada, Croatia, Israel, Monaco, Namibia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, USA, Switzerland, South Korea, South Africa, Your German driving license are valid.
German driving license in the UK
You can currently drive in the UK with Your German driving license so you do not need to exchange it or retake the driving exams.
German driving license in the USA
You will be able to driving with your German driving license in the USA for about 3 to 4 months after entering the country after which you will need an IDP(International driving permit). All USA State recognize foreign driving license for this period.
Keep in mind that the US does not issues IDP for short term visitors (non-resident) so you will have to get your IDP from Germany.
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