Driving licence exchange table
The exchange of old driving licences for the new EU card driving licence is mandatory for millions of motorists in Germany. The statutory deadlines depend on the year of birth or the year of issue of the previous driving licence. Anyone who misses the deadline risks a warning fine. In this guide you will find the complete driving licence exchange table with all deadlines, a checklist of the required documents and practical information on costs and procedure.
While you are taking care of your driving licence, it is also worth taking a look at your vehicle's electronics. Electronicx GmbH from Cleebronn specialises in TPMS sensors, car batteries and vehicle electronics. This ensures that your vehicle is technically sound on the road after exchanging documents.
Why exchanging the driving licence is important
Since 19 January 2013, only uniform card driving licences with a validity of 15 years have been issued throughout the EU. Old paper driving licences (grey or pink) and the first card driving licences (issued between 1999 and 2013) must be gradually exchanged for the new EU driving licence. The background is EU Directive 2006/126/EC, which requires uniform, forgery-proof documents.
The exchange is not just a formality: it serves road safety and the Europe-wide readability of driving licence data. Anyone who drives without a valid driving licence commits an administrative offence. It is therefore important to know the deadline that applies to you in the driving licence exchange table.
Who has to exchange their driving licence?
In principle, two groups must exchange their driving licence:
- Holders of a paper driving licence – issued before 19 January 1999 (grey or pink cardboard). The deadline depends on the year of birth of the driving licence holder.
- Holders of a card driving licence – issued between 1 January 1999 and 18 January 2013. The deadline depends on the year of issue.
Driving licences issued from 19 January 2013 are already in the new EU format and only need to be exchanged after 15 years – the exchange then takes place not according to year of birth, but after the printed validity expires.
Driving licence exchange table – all deadlines at a glance
The following table shows the binding exchange deadlines for paper and old card driving licences. The information corresponds to the status of the statutory regulations (as of January 2025). Please also check the deadline applicable to you with your local driving licence authority, as deviations are possible in individual cases.
Table 1: Exchange deadlines for paper driving licences (issued before 19.01.1999)
| Year of birth of the holder | Exchange deadline until |
|---|---|
| before 1953 | 19.01.2033 |
| 1953 – 1958 | 19.01.2022 |
| 1959 – 1964 | 19.01.2023 |
| 1965 – 1970 | 19.01.2024 |
| 1971 or later | 19.01.2025 |
Table 2: Exchange deadlines for card driving licences (issued 1999 – 18.01.2013)
| Year of issue | Exchange deadline until |
|---|---|
| 1999 – 2001 | 19.01.2026 |
| 2002 – 2004 | 19.01.2027 |
| 2005 – 2007 | 19.01.2028 |
| 2008 | 19.01.2029 |
| 2009 | 19.01.2030 |
| 2010 | 19.01.2031 |
| 2011 | 19.01.2032 |
| 2012 – 18.01.2013 | 19.01.2033 |
The driving licence exchange table makes it clear: many deadlines for paper driving licences have already expired. Anyone who still holds an old paper driving licence and belongs to a year group from 1953 onwards should act immediately to avoid a warning fine. For card driving licences, the deadlines start in stages from 2026.
Documents for exchanging the driving licence – checklist
For the exchange you usually need the following documents. The exact requirements can vary slightly depending on the municipality, so it is advisable to take a quick look at your driving licence authority's website.
- Valid identity card or passport
- Current driving licence (paper or card)
- A biometric passport photo (35 mm × 45 mm, not older than 6 months)
- If place of residence and driving licence authority differ: current registration certificate
- If applicable, proof of acquisition of the driving licence (in case of loss or illegibility of the old driving licence)
Tip: Before the appointment, check whether your card index copy is available at the issuing authority. If the exchange is made via another authority, a so-called card index copy may be required. This costs additional fees.
Procedure and costs of exchanging the driving licence
The exchange usually takes place in four steps:
- Make an appointment: Many driving licence authorities use online appointment scheduling. A spontaneous visit is often not possible.
- Present documents: Bring all the documents mentioned above. The biometric passport photo is mandatory.
- Fill out the application: On site you sign the exchange application. Processing usually takes 2 to 6 weeks.
- Collect the new driving licence or have it sent: Some authorities send the new card driving licence by post, others require personal collection.
There are also costs for the biometric passport photo. If the application is made early without an expired deadline, no surcharges apply.
Vehicle electronics in view: TPMS sensors and car batteries
While you are exchanging your driving licence, you should also check the safety-relevant electronics of your vehicle. Since November 2014, tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) have been mandatory for all newly registered cars in the EU. A faulty sensor can lead to increased fuel consumption, premature tyre wear and, in the worst case, a blowout.
Electronicx GmbH offers a wide range of TPMS sensors for almost all vehicle models. Modern sensors transmit in the 433 MHz band (EU) and have a typical battery life of 5 to 10 years. When switching to winter or summer wheels, the condition of the sensors is crucial. With a suitable TPMS sensor you ensure that tyre pressure monitoring works reliably.
Technical data of modern TPMS sensors
- Transmission frequency: 433 MHz (EU) / 315 MHz (US models)
- Battery life: 5 to 10 years
- Pressure measuring range: typically 0–6 bar
- Operating temperature: −40 °C to +125 °C
A faulty sensor often makes itself noticeable through a permanently lit tyre pressure warning light. Then only replacement helps. At Electronicx you get sensors for installation and programming – with free DHL shipping within Germany.
Car battery technologies compared – AGM, EFB, gel, LiFePO4
The starter battery is also a central element of the vehicle electronics. Especially after longer periods of standing, for example during the cold season, the performance of the battery becomes apparent. Electronicx GmbH stocks all common technologies – from the classic AGM battery through the low-maintenance EFB battery to the cycle-resistant gel and lightweight LiFePO4 battery.
| Technology | Voltage | Capacity (Ah) | Cold cranking current (CCA) | Cycle resistance | Typical charging current | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGM | 12 V | 60 – 105 Ah | 600 – 900 A | 400 – 600 cycles | 10 – 20 A | 150 – 300 € |
| EFB | 12 V | 60 – 80 Ah | 500 – 700 A | 300 – 500 cycles | 5 – 15 A | 100 – 200 € |
| Gel | 12 V | 60 – 120 Ah | 500 – 800 A | 500 – 800 cycles | 10 – 20 A | 180 – 350 € |
| LiFePO4 | 12 V / 24 V | 50 – 300 Ah | 800 – 2000 A | 2000 – 5000 cycles | 20 – 100 A | 300 – 1200 € |
AGM batteries are particularly suitable for vehicles with a start-stop system and high electrical consumption. EFB batteries are the economical choice for smaller vehicles with a simple start-stop function. Gel batteries score with high cycle resistance and leak-proofing. LiFePO4 batteries impress with their low weight and very long service life – ideal for vehicles with many electrical consumers or for use as a supply battery.
Electronicx GmbH delivers quickly and reliably.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the driving licence exchange table
What happens if I miss the exchange deadline?
Anyone driving with an expired driving licence commits an administrative offence. A warning fine may be imposed. The exchange itself remains possible, but should be carried out as soon as possible.
Does the driving licence exchange table also apply to lorry or motorcycle licences?
Yes, the exchange obligation applies to all driving licence classes, including lorry and motorcycle licences. The decisive factor is the holder's year of birth (for paper licences) or the year of issue (for old card licences).
Can I exchange my driving licence earlier?
Yes, an early exchange is possible at any time. You do not have to wait until the deadline expires. This can make sense if you need a new passport photo anyway or if the validity of your old driving licence is not recognised abroad.
What costs will I incur when exchanging my driving licence?
Depending on the municipality, the fee is usually between 25 and 30 euros. In addition, there are the costs for a biometric passport photo (about 10 to 15 euros). If the exchange is made via another authority, additional fees may apply for the card index copy.
Do I have to take a new test to exchange my driving licence?
No, the exchange takes place without a new driving test or medical examination – provided your driving licence has not been withdrawn in the meantime. It is purely a document exchange.
Why should I also think about TPMS sensors when exchanging my driving licence?
Exchanging your driving licence is a good occasion to check the safety-relevant vehicle technology. Faulty TPMS sensors lead to a permanent warning light and can impair road safety. Replacement is usually straightforward and inexpensive.
Which car battery is the right one for my vehicle?
The choice depends on the vehicle type, the presence of a start-stop system and the electrical consumption. AGM batteries are ideal for modern vehicles with start-stop and brake energy recuperation. EFB batteries are sufficient for simpler systems. LiFePO4 batteries offer maximum cycle resistance and low weight.
About Electronicx GmbH – your partner for vehicle electronics
Electronicx GmbH, based in Cleebronn (Baden-Württemberg), specialises in car electronics, car batteries (AGM, EFB, gel, LiFePO4) as well as TPMS sensors. The managing director is Andreas Emschanow. You can reach us by phone on +49 7135 7194106 or by email at [email protected].
Our address: Hindenburgstr. 37A, 74389 Cleebronn, Germany. VAT ID: DE300176428, commercial register HRB 752730 (Amtsgericht Stuttgart). We ship free of charge within Germany via DHL – deliveries abroad are possible but subject to a charge.