High demand: driving license exchange appointments will soon be fully booked!

High demand: driving license exchange appointments will soon be fully booked!

Drivers all over Germany are now facing an important deadline. Numerous motorcycle and car driving licenses must be exchanged by January 19, 2024, especially credit card driving licenses that were issued between 1999 and 2001. This regulation was introduced as part of the EU regulations, which aim to create a uniform and forgery-proof driving license design. The next big exchange date is imminent, and there is already an increased rush at the responsible authorities in Hesse. As n-tv.de reports, the number of applications has increased significantly in cities such as Kassel and Wiesbaden.

Online applications are currently in high demand, especially in Kassel. The processing time for such an application is three to four weeks. In Wiesbaden, those interested have to be prepared for a lead time of around six weeks, while in Darmstadt there are enough appointments available, but many applications are received shortly before the deadline. In Hanau, making an appointment in advance is mandatory, and the number of applications has more than tripled since November 2025. In Frankfurt am Main the situation is even more precarious: Here the appointments for the mandatory exchange are fully booked, with around 6,500 appointments available every year.

Deadlines and requirements

The deadlines for exchanges are clearly regulated and staggered according to the year of issue. The most important dates are:

• Führerscheine, die zwischen 1999 und 2001 ausgestellt wurden: Umtausch bis 19. Januar 2026
• 2002 bis 2004: Umtausch bis 19. Januar 2027
• 2005 bis 2007: Umtausch bis 19. Januar 2028
• 2008: Umtausch bis 19. Januar 2029
• 2009: Umtausch bis 19. Januar 2030
• 2010: Umtausch bis 19. Januar 2031
• 2011: Umtausch bis 19. Januar 2032
• 2012 bis 18. Januar 2013: Umtausch bis 19. Januar 2033

For the exchange you need a valid ID card or passport, a current biometric photo and your previous driver's license. The exchange fee is usually between 25 and 35 euros. Surprisingly, the exchange takes place without any inspection or health check - it's just an administrative matter.

The consequences of non-exchange

Anyone who misses the exchange can expect a fine of ten euros, but their driving license will remain intact. At the same time, however, there is a risk of problems abroad, especially when renting vehicles with an old driving license. In addition, by 2033, all driving licenses that were issued before 2013 will be required to be converted into the new EU driving license. This applies not only to car licenses, but also to motorcycle licenses.

The obligation to exchange also applies to driving license holders who were born before 1953; you must exchange by January 19, 2033, regardless of the year of issue. However, these regulations can vary for foreign driving licenses. If someone does not have a driver's license from the current authority of residence, a record card copy is required.

The switch to a uniform and forgery-proof driving license design is an important step that was decided by the EU Parliament 20 years ago. Germany is now gradually implementing these requirements, which represents an organizational challenge for many road users. It is therefore highly recommended that you visit the relevant driving license offices early - the sooner you book your appointment, the less stress you will have before the deadline expires.

Further information can be found on the Federal Government websites and the Bavarian Broadcasting.