EU citizens are not required to have their driving licences recognised or converted. In the majority of cases, driving licences acquired abroad by citizens from non-EU countries become invalid when living in Germany for longer than six months. Citizens from non-EU countries should therefore ensure that their licences are converted before this deadline – six months after registering in Germany – elapses.

For citizens from non-EU states, this means that they are required to pass a theoretical and practical exam. Exceptions apply for certain US states and other countries with which Germany has concluded corresponding agreements.

Please ensure that you clarify the applicable provisions with your driving licence issuing office at your place of residence in Germany in good time.