How can I exchange my Dutch driving licence in Germany?

Exchanging your driving licence

You can exchange your Dutch B or BE driving licence for a German B or BE licence at the Führerscheinstelle (driving licence office) in your place of residence. This must be done according to the European rules. You can only have 1 European driving licence. Submit your application well before your driving licence expires. You will only have to retake your driving test if your driving licence expired some time ago.

What do I need?

Ask the Führerscheinstelle in your place of residence which documents you will need to exchange your Dutch driving licence for a German one. For more information see the website of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (information in German and English).

Exchanged driving licence?

If your original driving licence was issued by a country that is not part of the European Union (EU) and you then exchanged it for a Dutch driving licence, you may not always be able to exchange your Dutch driving licence in another EU country. The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (information in German) can tell you whether you can exchange your Dutch driving licence for a German licence in this case. If this is not possible, you will need to take your driving test again.

Lost your driving licence?

If your Dutch driving licence has been lost or stolen, you will need proof that you have reported this to the police if you wish to apply for a German driving licence.

You may also need a certificate of authenticity (echtheidsverklaring) from the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW). The certificate shows whether your driving licence is listed in the Central Driving Licences Register. Visit the website of the RDW for information on how to apply for a certificate of authenticity. There is a fee for this service. Once you have paid you will receive the certificate of authenticity by post at your address. The certificate is in English.