Get Your Old EU Driver's License Swapped Now: Here's Why and How
Updated drivers' licence standards affect millions of Germans
In the spirit of standardizing and modernizing drivers' licenses across EU member states, Germany is cracking the whip. The deadline for exchanging old and non-compliant EU licenses in Germany is set for January 19, 2026. Around 43 million German driver's licenses will undergo this exchange!
Who Needs to Swap Their License Right Now?
If your driver's license was issued between 1999 and 2001, get ready to swap it for the new, secure EU card driving license. We're in this boat together with fellow EU citizens—it's a widespread requirement to ensure uniformity and security in driver's licenses within the EU.
How Much and What's Involved in the Swap?
No panic mode! The exchange is a breeze. No additional tests or health checks are needed. Just head to your local driver's license office with your old driver's license, a valid identity card or passport, and a biometric passport photo. The cost for this service is approximately 25 euros, with additional fees for the passport photo. Your new license will be valid for fifteen years. Bear in mind that the expiration date of your license only applies to the document itself, not your driving privileges, which remain valid indefinitely.
Penalties for Ignoring the Change
If you're caught driving with an expired old driver's license in Germany, you'll face a ten-euro warning fine. But beyond the borders, problems may brew—especially when renting cars. As a bonus tip, driver's license holders born before 1953 enjoy a special rule: They need to exchange their license by 2033, regardless of the age of their license. However, those with driver's licenses from 1999 to 2001 should swap their licenses promptly to avoid unnecessary stress and potential troubles.
Happy swapping, and remember that your old license must comply with EU regulations by January 19, 2026!
Insights
This change is part of Germany's commitment to implementing EU regulations for driver's license standardization and modernization. By exchanging old licenses for the new EU standardized format, the goal is to create uniform and secure driver's licenses across member states. The deadline for the exchange comes before the introduction of EU digital identity wallets, including mobile driver's licenses, planned for the end of 2026.
Further reading: The New Wave of Fines Hitting Pedestrians Too.
Other industry, such as transportation, may also be affected by this change, as uniform and secure driver's licenses across member states could lead to improved safety and efficiency in these sectors. The financing for the swap will come from the drivers themselves, as they will have to pay approximately 25 euros for the service, with additional fees for the biometric passport photo.
