How to Get Your Driving Licence Recognised in Germany (Umschreibung Guide)

Written By GermanisedGulnur

If you already have a driving licence from another country and live in Germany, you do not need to start from scratch.

I got my licence recognised in Germany about three years ago, and it cost me almost half the price compared to doing a full German driving licence.

How is that possible?

Through driving licence recognition, also called Führerscheinumschreibung.

Since I already had a licence from my home country, Turkey, I was able to convert it into a German driving licence.

Because I already had a licence from Turkey, I was able to exchange it for a German one. There are rules, paperwork, and sometimes exams, but overall it is usually cheaper and faster than starting over.

This guide explains how to convert a foreign driving licence in Germany.

What is driving licence recognition (Führerscheinumschreibung)?

Führerscheinumschreibung means converting your foreign driving licence into a German one.

Whether you need tests or not depends entirely on which country issued your licence.

Germany treats EU/EEA licences very differently from non-EU licences, so let’s break it down clearly.

Which driving licences can be recognised in Germany?

EU and EEA driving licences:

If your driving licence was issued in an EU or EEA country, recognition is very simple.

  • You can usually drive in Germany without converting your licence

  • No exams required

  • Conversion is only needed if your licence expires or for administrative reasons

  • This is the easiest case.

Non-EU driving licences:

If your licence is from a non-EU country, Germany has bilateral agreements with certain countries. These agreements define whether you must take:

  • no exams

  • only a theory test

  • only a practical test

  • both tests, but without mandatory driving lessons

Here are the countries whose licences can be converted under special conditions:

  • Albania

  • Andorra

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • French Polynesia

  • Gibraltar

  • Guernsey

  • Isle of Man

  • Israel

  • Japan

  • Jersey

  • Kosovo

  • Moldova

  • North Macedonia

  • Monaco

  • Namibia

  • New Caledonia

  • New Zealand

  • South Korea

  • San Marino

  • Switzerland

  • Serbia

  • Singapore

  • South Africa

  • Taiwan (official administrative licences only)

  • United Kingdom

  • Turkey (Theory + practical test required)

  • USA (Depends on the state)

  • Canada (Depends on the province)

  • Parts of Australia, the US, and Canada are also included with class-based conditions.

If your country is not listed here, always check the official German regulation, here is the link.

How to apply for driving licence recognition in Germany?

Once you know the rules for your country, you can apply for Führerscheinumschreibung.

You must apply at your local driving licence authority (Führerscheinstelle), usually found at:

  • Bürgeramt

  • LABO

You can book an appointment via your Rathaus or Bürgeramt website. Appointments are usually fast, but documents must be complete.

Required documents for licence conversion:

Always double-check locally, but these are usually required:

  • Valid passport or ID

  • Residence registration (Anmeldung)

  • Original foreign driving licence

  • Certified German translation (ADAC or sworn translator). Often not required if the licence is already in English

  • Biometric photo

  • First aid certificate (Erste-Hilfe-Kurs)

  • Eye test (Sehtest)

  • Application form

  • Fee. Usually 40–60 €

In many cases, your original licence will be kept and returned to the issuing country.

Do you need to take tests?

If tests are required, you must register with a driving school before applying. Even if no driving lessons are mandatory, registration is required to access the exams.

TÜV or DEKRA?

  • DEKRA usually has faster exam dates.

  • TÜV often has waiting times of up to 8 months.

Theory test

  • Available in multiple languages

  • You can prepare using apps for the exam. The questions are identical to the real exam

  • Very detail-oriented and often underestimated

  • Memorising answers is risky. Understanding the rules matters.

  • Germany has traffic rules that may not exist in your home country, which affects both theory and practical exam.

    So learn it, don’t just memorise the answers!

Practical driving test

  • German traffic rules are enforced very strictly

  • Even experienced drivers benefit from a few practice lessons

  • Examiners expect calm, rule-based driving

  • Speed limits must be followed exactly

  • “Right before left” and traffic signs are taken very seriously

Many people fail because they drive 60 or 30 on a 50 road.

Small mistakes count. So be careful!

How long does the licence conversion take in Germany?

Realistic timeline in Germany:

  • Application processing: 4–12 weeks

  • Test preparation: 2–6 weeks

  • Total time: 2–4 months, sometimes longer in Berlin

My process took around 6 months, mainly because I also took driving lessons.

Common mistakes to avoid when converting your licence:

  • Assuming lessons are optional and skipping preparation

  • Using unofficial translations

  • Not checking country-specific rules

  • Letting your foreign licence expire before applying

These mistakes cost time, money, and nerves.

Practical tips for Berlin:

If you live in Berlin, expect extra challenges:

  • Appointments are limited- book early!

  • Check the portal daily for cancellations

  • Be flexible with Bürgeramt locations

  • Choose your driving school carefully

  • If possible, take exams with DEKRA instead of TÜV

If you already have a driving licence, recognising it in Germany is always worth it.

It saves money, time, and stress, as long as you understand the rules and prepare properly.

Now that you know how driving licence recognition in Germany works, go ahead and do it.

Drive safely. And thank me later 🚗

GermanisedGulnur
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