The new credit card format is standardized across the EU. (Photo: © Bartolomiej Pietrzyk/123RF.com)
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January 2026
After paper driving licences were initially phased out, the exchange period is now underway for all credit card driving licences issued between 1999 and 2001: the deadline is January 19, 2026.
Many drivers are still using the old driving licence. However, these documents are gradually losing their validity – depending on the year of birth. Until the 19 January 2026 All old driving licenses issued between [dates] must currently be exchanged. 1999 and 2001 Documents issued later will be replaced in subsequent years. The new driver's license is then... Valid for 15 years.
Exception: Who visites before 1953 Anyone born in [year] only needs to get their driver's license – regardless of whether it's a paper or credit card license and regardless of the year it was issued – by January 19th. 2033 exchange.
A new examination or eye test does not have to be completed, because the Driving license does not expire, only the validity of the previous document. The driving license authority at your place of residence is responsible for the exchange. identity card or Passport, a biometric passport photo and the current driving license. The required Information The original issuing authority will be available internally through the official channels, so drivers don't have to worry about it themselves. Those who wish can keep their old driver's license as a souvenir once it has been invalidated.
A voluntary earlier exchange before the respective deadline at any time possible and recommended, because the closer the end of the annual exchange period gets, the greater the rush at the issuing authorities on site.
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Anyone who continues to drive with their old car or motorcycle license after the expiry of the exchange period risks Fine on ten euros in Deutschland.
According to the specifications of the European Union must be submitted by 19 January 2033 alle Driving licenses are exchanged, which near In 19. January 2013 The aim is to standardize the currently 110 different driving license documents within the European Union and increase security against forgery.
Owner's year of birth | Latest exchange date |
| before 1953 | 19.1.2033 |
| 1953 - 1958 | 19.1.2022 |
| 1959 - 1964 | 19.1.2023 |
| 1965 - 1970 | 19.1.2024 |
| 1971 or later | 19.1.2025 |
Year of exhibition | Latest exchange date |
| 1999 - 2001 | 19.1.2026 |
| 2002 - 2004 | 19.1.2027 |
| 2005 - 2007 | 19.1.2028 |
| 2008 | 19.01.2029 |
| 2009 | 19.1.2030 |
| 2010 | 19.1.2031 |
| 2011 | 19.01.2032 |
| 2012 - 18.1.2013 | 19.01.2033 |
Exchange and re-registration are standardized and usually without further examination. The regulations in force since 1999 EU driving license classes (A: two-wheelers, B: passenger cars, C: commercial vehicles, D: passenger transport) are entered in the new document in place of the old classes (1, 2, 3) to the corresponding extent.
The description old driving licenses Class 3 only the classes are registered "automatically" B, BE, C1 and C1E and the respective authorizations for motorcycles and agricultural tractors. This means that in addition to classic passenger cars, the C1 and C1E entries also Commercial vehicles up to 7,5 tonnes permissible total weight (GVW) and certain vehicle combinations up to 12 tons zGG will continue to be maintained.
However, class 3 went over and beyond: This also includes the steering of certain vehicle combinations up to a total of 18,5 tons If this usage option is between 12 and 18,5 tons GVW receive If the item is to remain, this must be stated when exchanging specially requested According to information from the Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH) This is not always specifically pointed out by the relevant authorities. later ones Subsequent application is not The new driving licence document will then contain the key number "CE 79" – a restricted driving licence of category CE – is registered. If the 50th year of life is an Health examination necessary, which must be repeated every 5 years.
This option is also and especially for those On Site Team of importance, which their old class 3 exchange before the deadline and who still have a longer period of active working time ahead of them, the ZDH emphasizes. to keep "CE 79", is a paraphrase required by the age of 50. Further information on this Special arrangement can be found > here on the BMVI website.
The exchange requirement also applies to the other old driving license classes. Skilled trades Of particular relevance is the Class 2 (old truck driving license)Class 2 is held in B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, L, T rewritten. Small Deviations Depending on the year of birth, special regulations apply with regard to A-driver's licenses for two-wheelers and when acquiring them in the territory of the former GDR.
For Class 2, it is already the case that it is suitable for the use that the new classes C and CE (over 12 tonnes) concerns, until the completion of the 50 years of age Anyone who wants to retain the authorization must Application to exchange his old driving licence or to apply for Renewal his driving licence for categories C and CE – with medical examinations. These categories are then only Valid for 5 years and must be renewed after expiry with a health check and eye examination.
Sources: Federal Council, ZDH, ADAC
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