Converting the "old" driver's licence into an EU licence
Certificate, transform
Which certificate would you like? Since you generally don't have to exchange your old pink or grey driver's licence. However: whoever wants to avoid difficulties abroad will replace the "old worn out" version with the practical EU plastic card.
All change
Changing from the old to the new driving licence requires only one small easy step. Simply apply for the new one at your driver's licence authority. You can do this at the road traffic licensing department, Public Order Office, or District Office. You only need:
- your previous driver's licence,
- a current photograph 35 x 45 mm, and
- a valid form of personal identification or passport.
- You may have to submit a health check-up, depending on the driving licence class or age
Exchanging your driving licence currently costs 24 euros.
Exchange and reap the benefits
The new EU driver's licence opens new mobile opportunities for you. Individual driving licence classes are expanded according to the EU driver's licence law.
If you have any questions concerning the conversion, you're best to contact your driver's licence authority directly. The TÜV NORD professionals will also be happy to advise you.
What will happen to your old driving licence?
When you replace your old driving licence, you receive a corresponding European driving licence class. Additional licences are included.
| driving licence
class(old) |
Date of issue
of the driver's licence |
Unrestricted driver's licence
classes (new) |
Issued only upon submitting an application
Class (key numbers according to Appendix 9) |
Additional licences:
Class and code according to Appendix 9) |
| 1 | Before 01.12.54 | A, A1, B, M, S, L | L 174, 175 | |
| 1 | In Saarland, after
30.11.54 and before 01.10.60 |
A, A1, B, M, S, L | L 174, 175 | |
| 1 | After 30.11.54
and before 01.01.89 |
A, A1, M, S, L | L 174, 175 | |
| 1 | After 31.12.88 | A, A1, M, L | L 174 | |
| 1a | before 01.01.89 | A, A1, M, S, L | L 174, 175 | |
| 1a | After 31.12.88 | A, A1, M, L | L 174 | |
| 1 limited
to light motorcycles |
After 31.03.80
and before 01.04.86 |
A1, M, S, L | L 174, 175 | |
| 1b | before 01.01.89 | A1, M, S, L | L 174, 175 | |
| 1b | After 31.12.88 | A1, M, L | L 174 | |
| 2 | before 01.12.54 | A, A1, B, BE, C1,
C1E, C, CE, M, S, L, T |
C 172 | |
| 2 | In Saarland, after
30.11.54 and before 01.10.60 |
A, A1, B, BE, C1,
C1E, C, CE, M, S, L, T |
||
| 2 | before 01.04.80 | A1, B, BE, C1,
C1E, C, CE, M, S, L, T |
C 172 | |
| 2 | After 31.03.80 | B, BE, C1, C1E,
C, CE, M, S, L, T |
C 172 | |
| 2 limited to
combinations according to the type of a semitrailer tractor or a lorry with three axles |
After 31.12.85 | B, BE, C1, C1E,
M, S, L |
C, CE 79 (L ≤ 3),
T** |
C 172 |
| 3 (a + b) | before 01.12.54 | A, A1, B, BE, C1,
C1E, M, S, L, T |
CE 79
(C1E > 12000 kg, L ≤ 3), T** |
C1 171, L 174,
175 |
| 3 | In Saarland, after
30.11.54 and before 01.10.60 |
A, A1, B, BE, C1,
C1E, M, S, L, T |
CE 79
(C1E > 12000 kg, L ≤ 3), T** |
C1 171, L 174,
175 |
| 3 | before 01.04.80 | A1, B, BE, C1,
C1E, M, S, L, T |
CE 79
(C1E > 12000 kg, L ≤ 3), T** |
C1 171, L 174,
175 |
| 3 | After 31.03.80
and before 01.01.89 |
B, BE, C1, C1E,
M, S, L, T |
CE 79
(C1E > 12000 kg, L ≤ 3), T** |
C1 171, L 174,
175 |
| 3 | After 31.12.88 | B, BE, C1, C1E,
M, S, L, T |
CE 79
(C1E > 12000 kg, L ≤ 3), T** |
C1 171, L 174 |
| 4 | before 01.04.54 | A, A1, B, M, S, L | L 174, 175 | |
| 4 | In Saarland, after
30.11.54 and before 01.10.60 |
A, A1, B, M, S, L | L 174, 175 | |
| 4 | before 01.04.80 | A1, M, S, L | L 174, 175 | |
| 4 | After 31.03.80
and before 01.01.89 |
M, S, L | L 174, 175 | |
| 4 | After 31.12.88 | M, L | L 174 | |
| 5 | before 01.04.80 | M, S, L | L 174, 175 | |
| 5 | After 31.03.80
and before 01.01.89 |
S, L | L 174, 175 | |
| 5 | After 31.12.88 | L | L 174 |
