EU card driver's license - exchange
Are you still in possession of an old grey or pink driving license or would you like to exchange your EU driving license issued before 19.01.2013?
Since 19.01.2013, driving licenses in the European Union have been given a uniform standard. This guarantees a high level of protection against counterfeiting and improved comparability.
Details
Prerequisite
You have your main residence in Jena.
Application
It is not possible to apply by proxy, as the card driver's license contains your signature, which must be provided at the time of application. You do not have to fill out an application form. It is created by us and simply signed by you.
Apply online
You can also 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.
Obligation to exchange
The validity of driving licenses issued from 19.01.2013 is limited to 15 years.
Driving licenses issued before 19.01.2013 must be exchanged by 19.01.2033.
In the following cases, however, the exchange is required immediately:
- You wish to have an International Driving Permit issued and do not yet have a new card driver's license.
- You would like to apply for a driver's license for passenger transport and do not yet have a new card driver's license.
- If you have a category 2 license, your entitlement to drive the corresponding vehicles ends when you reach the age of 50. If you still wish to drive the relevant vehicles after this age, you should exchange your driving license in good time. In this context, you should note that if you do not exchange your license in good time, the new categories C and CE will have to be issued. As a result, your driving license will no longer show your driving status. In addition, higher fees will be charged.
Procedure/deadlines
When the EU card driving license is available after ordering, you will be notified by us and can collect the driving license on presentation of your old driving license.
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 (see links)
- for existing 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 license authority that issued the driver's license is required. Please request the file card copy yourself from the relevant driving license authority and have it sent directly to us or sent by fax.
- 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
| Services | Service fee |
|---|---|
| Processing fee | 26,50 € |
| Exchange of class 2 with simultaneous renewal from the age of 50 | 45,10 € |
Legal basis
- Driving License Ordinance (FeV)
- Road Traffic Act (StVG)
- Fee regulations for road traffic measures (GebOSt)