Converting Foreign Driving License in Germany: 2026 Guide
Driving in Germany offers unparalleled freedom, from the unlimited speed sections of the Autobahn to the winding roads of the Black Forest. However, for expats arriving in 2026, the transition from a foreign license to a German Führerschein remains one of the most bureaucratic hurdles in the integration process.
The "Six-Month Rule": A Critical Deadline
If you hold a driver's license from a non-EU/EEA country, you are legally allowed to drive in Germany for six months starting from the day you register your residence (Anmeldung).
Once this period expires, your foreign license becomes invalid for use in Germany. Driving after this date constitutes "driving without a license" (Fahren ohne Fahrerlaubnis), which is a criminal offense carrying heavy fines and potential bans on obtaining a license in the future.
⚠️ Important Warning: The Deadline is Strict
The 6-month clock starts ticking the moment you do your Anmeldung, not when you start driving. If you plan to stay in Germany longer than 12 months, you must convert your license (Umschreibung). Do not wait until month 5 to apply, as processing times at the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde in major cities like Berlin or Munich currently average 8-12 weeks in 2026.
Are You on the "Lucky List"? (Anlage 11)
Germany has reciprocal agreements with several non-EU countries. If your license was issued in one of the states listed in Anlage 11 (Annex 11) of the FeV (Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung), you can convert your license without taking practical or theoretical exams.
Direct Conversion Eligibility (No Exams)
You are likely eligible for a direct swap if your license is from:
- ✓ United Kingdom (Post-Brexit rules still allow direct swap)
- ✓ Canada (All provinces)
- ✓ USA (Specific states only - e.g., Texas, California, NY. Check specific reciprocity)
- ✓ Japan, South Korea, Singapore
- ✓ Australia & New Zealand
- ✓ Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia
Note for other countries: If you are from India, Turkey, Brazil, Russia, or other "Third Countries" not on the list, you must pass both the theoretical and practical driving tests. However, you are generally exempt from the mandatory 12 driving lessons (Sonderfahrten), which saves significant money compared to a first-time applicant.
Cost Breakdown: 2026 Price Check
The cost of converting your license varies drastically depending on whether you need to take exams. Below is our analyzed data for 2026 based on averages in major German cities.
| Expense Item | "Lucky List" (Direct Swap) | Standard Conversion (With Exams) |
|---|---|---|
| Official Application Fee | €35 - €50 | €45 - €60 |
| Translation & Classification (ADAC) | €50 - €80 | €50 - €80 |
| Eye Test & First Aid Course | €10 - €40 | €10 - €40 |
| Driving School Registration | N/A | €200 - €350 |
| Exam Fees (Theory + Practical) | N/A | €250 - €300 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATE | €95 - €170 | €555 - €830+ |
💡 Tip regarding Translations: You do not always need a translation. If your license is in English (e.g., USA, UK, Australia), many local Bürgerämter in major cities no longer require a formal ADAC translation. Always check your local city's website first to save that €60.
The Hidden Trap: Finding a Driving School
If you are required to take the exams (e.g., Turkish or Indian license holders), the hardest part isn't the test—it's finding a driving school (Fahrschule).
Legally, you are not required to take lessons. However, you must register with a driving school to be presented for the theoretical and practical exams. Many schools are reluctant to take on "Umschreibung" students because they make less profit than they do from full students.
"I called 15 driving schools. Most said they were 'full'. I finally found one, but they forced me to buy a package of 6 driving hours as a condition to register me for the exam, even though the law doesn't require it. Be prepared to negotiate or pay for a few refresher hours just to get a spot."
Step-by-Step Conversion Process
- Prepare Documents: Passport, current license, biometric photo, Anmeldung confirmation, and First Aid course certificate.
- Translation (If needed): Get a certified translation (ADAC or sworn translator).
- Application: Book an appointment at the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde. Submit documents and pay the fee (approx. €43).
- Wait for Approval: This takes 4-8 weeks. The authority checks your background and validates your license.
- Exams (If applicable): Once approved, the authority notifies your driving school. You can now take the theory test (available in English, Turkish, Arabic, etc.) and the practical test.
- License Exchange: Upon passing (or approval for direct swap), you hand over your foreign license and receive the German card. Yes, you must surrender your old license.
💡 The "Automatic" Restriction (Key Code 78): If you take your practical test in an automatic car, your license will be restricted to automatic vehicles (Code 78). However, since late 2025 reforms, you can lift this restriction (Code 197) by doing a short training block (10 hours) on a manual car without retaking the full exam.
Converting your license requires patience, but it is a vital step for long-term residency. For more details on other bureaucratic steps, check our guides on Citizenship Processing Times or Blue Card Requirements.
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