Offices that exchange foreign driving licences in Germany

Some ask for copies by email before they give you an appointment

Exchanges are handled by the local driving licence authority, often called the Führerscheinstelle or Fahrerlaubnisbehörde, which in many places sits within the city or district administration. Some offices begin with copies of your licence sent by email, others assess it at the counter, and many ask for a German translation.

1 office in Bielefeld
  • Bielefeld

    Stadt Bielefeld – Fahrerlaubnisbehörde

    Ravensberger Park 5, 33607 Bielefeld

    Book an appointment and expect the exchange to take about four to six weeks.

    Bring your original passport or identity card, original foreign licence and a paper biometric photograph taken within six months. Non-EU/EEA cases may also require the application form, first-aid certificate, sight test and an approved translation; the city may waive translation for some card formats or English licences. Lorry/bus categories require additional medical evidence. The foreign licence must be surrendered before the German licence is issued.

Related services

Other everyday services in Germany

Other countries

The same task in other countries

Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.

Where to next

Swap a foreign licence for a German one

For newcomers who drive on a licence from another country. See when the exchange is needed and which driving licence office takes it.

Foreign driving licence exchange in Germany