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.

About this serviceBrowse offices by city
1 office in Dortmund

  • Dortmund

    Bürgerdienste – Dienstleistungszentrum Innenstadt (EWO, KFZ)

    Südwall 2-4, 44137 Dortmund

    Apply in good time, because a booked appointment does not extend how long you may drive on your foreign licence.

    Book an appointmentOffice website+492315029831

    Bring your valid foreign national licence, passport and photo; the non-EU/EEA checklist specifies a 45 × 35 mm biometric photo and a classified translation by an accepted automobile club or sworn translator. The city also asks for proof of first entry into Germany from the registration or migration authority, depending on the case. For lorry and bus categories, medical and eyesight reports are needed. For B/BE, an eyesight test and at least nine first-aid teaching units may be required; confirm test-free exchange exemptions first.

Related services

Other everyday services in Germany

Help with rent and living costs in Germany

For people who cannot cover rent, food or other basic costs. See whether the Sozialamt or the Jobcenter is your starting point and how to reach them.

135 offices · 39 cities

Tax registration with the Finanzamt in Germany

For freelancers, sole traders and new business owners. See how tax registration works, what the Steuernummer is for and which tax office can help.

108 offices · 37 cities

Report a change of address in Germany

For people who already live in Germany and move to a new home. See how to update your registered address and which office takes it.

104 offices · 39 cities

Residence permit applications in Germany

For students, workers and family members from outside the EU. See which office handles your stay and how applications start.

103 offices · 38 cities

Register your address after arriving in Germany

For anyone moving into a home in Germany from another country. See what the registration involves and which office in your city deals with it.

98 offices · 39 cities

Certificate of your registered address

For anyone who has to show where they live. See what the certificate covers and which office in your city issues it.

95 offices · 39 cities
Browse services

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

Explore more

Jump straight to another part of the manual.