Offices for swapping and replacing driving licences

Online, by appointment or both: it depends on your city

Many cities take licence swaps at a citizens’ office, while others use a separate driving licence authority. Whether you can apply online with a digital ID, and whether the new card must be collected in person, depends on the city. The right counter may also depend on your situation, such as an old paper licence or a lorry or bus category.

1 office in Dresden
  • Dresden

    Fahrerlaubnisbehörde Dresden

    Hauboldstraße 7, 01239 Dresden

    Apply by post with the city’s printed form and your photo, or book an appointment to come in person.

    For postal applications include copies of both sides of your ID/passport and existing licence, plus a current biometric photograph measuring 35 × 45 mm. For a personal application bring the original identity document and licence with the photograph. Do not send cash or your original licence with the ordinary postal application. The city quotes €26.50 and sends a fee notice; pay using its instructions. Processing can take up to 12 weeks, with no separate receipt confirmation. Wait for the collection notification and bring the old licence so it can be withdrawn or invalidated. Collection instructions take precedence over application appointment rules.

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

Renew or replace your German licence

For drivers who already hold a German licence. See which situation applies to you and where to ask for the new card.

Renew a German driving licence