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.
Hamburg
Süderstraße 140–142, 20537 Hamburg
A valid EU or EEA licence normally stays valid after you move, so check whether you need to exchange it at all.
Bring ID/address evidence, original licence, a 35×45 mm biometric photo no older than one year, residence evidence and confirmation. Check extra requirements for expired licences and C/D renewals. Applications are accepted in German: bring an interpreter if needed. Administrative fee: €37.50–€74.40.
Related services
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.
For freelancers, sole traders and new business owners. See how tax registration works, what the Steuernummer is for and which tax office can help.
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.
For students, workers and family members from outside the EU. See which office handles your stay and how applications start.
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.
For anyone who has to show where they live. See what the certificate covers and which office in your city issues it.
Other countries
Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.
Most offices in Tilburg, The Hague, and 's-Hertogenbosch
Most offices in Warsaw, Wrocław, and Gdańsk
Most offices in Liège, Tournai, and Brussels
Most offices in A Coruña, Alicante, and Almería
Most offices in Akranes, Akureyri, and Borgarnes
Where to next
For newcomers who drive on a licence from another country. See when the exchange is needed and which driving licence office takes it.
Jump straight to another part of the manual.