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 Hamburg
  • Hamburg

    Hamburg Service vor Ort – City Einwohnerangelegenheiten

    Großer Burstah 6, 20457 Hamburg

    Book an appointment and bring a printed biometric photo, then allow about three months for delivery.

    Bring valid ID, an electronic residence permit or a passport with registration confirmation, your current licence, and a printed biometric photo 35 × 45 mm no older than one year. No photo can be taken at this service appointment. If also extending old lorry categories, clarify medical reports beforehand; those are separate from an ordinary card renewal.

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