Driving license - mandatory exchange
Mandatory exchange
In accordance with EU Directive 2006/126/EC (PDF), all driving licenses issued before 19.01.2013 must be exchanged. In Germany, the exchange will take place in two stages and staggered in the period from 19.01.2022 to 19.01.2033.
The validity of driving licenses issued from 19.01.2013 is limited to 15 years.
Details
Apply for an exchange date as early as possible - current driving license becomes invalid
In Germany, the exchange takes place in two stages and staggered in the period from 19.01.2022 to 19.01.2033. In the table you will find the relevant exchange date for you. Your driving license must be exchanged by the specified date. Otherwise your current driving license will become invalid. Apply for the exchange date as early as possible.
First stage - paper driving licenses issued up to and including 31.12.1998
|
Year of birth of driver's license holder |
Key date for exchange |
|---|---|
| before 1953 | 19.01.2033 |
| 1953 to 1958 | 19.01.2022 |
| 1959 to 1964 | 19.01.2023 |
| 1965 to 1970 | 19.01.2024 |
| 1971 and later |
19.01.2025 |
Second stage - card driving licenses issued in the period from 01.01.1999 to 18.01.2013
Year of issue of card driving license |
Key date for exchange |
|---|---|
| 1999 to 2001 | 19.01.2026 |
| 2002 to 2004 | 19.01.2027 |
| 2005 to 2007 | 19.01.2028 |
| 2008 | 19.01.2029 |
| 2009 | 19.01.2030 |
| 2010 | 19.01.2031 |
| 2011 | 19.01.2032 |
| 2012 until 18.01.2013 | 19.01.2033 |
Note: License holders born before 1953 must exchange their driving license by 19.01.2033, regardless of the year in which the license was issued.
Prerequisite
You have your main residence in Jena.
Application
Applications must be made in person by prior appointment. You do not have to fill out an application form. It will be prepared by us and simply signed by you.
Apply online
Alternatively, you can apply online to the driving license authority to exchange your driving license for an EU driving license.
To do this, please have your old driving license ready, as you will need to enter the data accordingly. If your driving license was issued in the former GDR between 1968 and 1982, you must still be in possession of the proof of driving license issue (VK 30 card). Please enclose this proof with the application documents you have signed and send them to us.
If you are the holder of the old category 3, you must answer further questions in the window that appears. You can find more information on this under the notes on the respective classes.
Procedure/deadlines
- Your new driver's license will be sent directly to your registration address by Bundesdruckerei. This means that you do not need to make another personal visit.
- Should you wish to collect your new driving license in person, this can be done after approx. 4 weeks.
Documents
- Passport or identity card
- Photograph: Please bring a printed photograph that is no more than three months old and complies with biometric regulations. The photo must be 3.5 x 4.5 cm in size. You can find out what the photo must look like on the Bundesdruckerei website (-> Links).
- If you have a paper driver's license: If the existing paper driver's license was not issued by the city of Jena, a copy of the index card from the foreign driver's licensing authority that issued the license is required. Please request the file card copy yourself from the relevant driving license authority and have it sent directly to us.
- Proof of driving licenses issued in the former GDR from 1968 to 1982 (index card "VK 30")
Opening hours
Document issue - without an appointment
You can collect documents from the reception on the first floor during the opening hours of the Citizens' Service (without an appointment).
Other requests with an appointment
An appointment must be booked for personal visits for other matters. This can be done online or by telephone.
Appointment times
Day |
Time |
| Monday | by arrangement |
| tuesday | 08:40 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | by arrangement |
| thursday | 08:40 - 16:00 |
| Friday | 08:40 - 13:00 |
Please note
On 23.12.2025 the area is only open until 4 pm. The area is closed on 02.01.2026. The department cannot be reached by telephone from 4 p.m. on 23.12.2025 and all day on 02.01.2026.
Fees
| Service | Service fee |
|---|---|
| Processing fee including driver's license and delivery by direct mail | 32,82 € |
Legal basis
- EU Directive 2006/126/EC
- Driving License Ordinance (FeV)
- Road Traffic Act (StVG)
- Fee schedule for road traffic measures (GebOSt)