Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If your driver's license was issued in Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa or New Zealand, then you have full reciprocity with Germany and are able to drive in Germany without any test.
The procedure for exchanging licenses is similar to all states that are federal (Lander). You'll need a formal letter explaining why you are exchanging your license and passport photos. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein gives the right to drive in Germany. It is a highly regarded document that demonstrates not only the ability of driving but also freedom, independence and accountability. It can be an arduous process, but it is essential for anyone wanting to work and live in Germany.
The specific rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type of license and person applying for it. The applicant must possess an official driving license from their country of origin or another country that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity usually means that you do not have to take the written or practical driving test when you change your license.
It is also important to remember that a Fuhrerschein is not able to be used by people who have committed serious traffic violations or committed criminal offences. In these cases, your driving license will be confiscated and you won't be able to obtain it back until a particular period of time has passed (called the Sperrfrist).
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a range of stipulations that ensure their safety and that of other road users. They include a minimum insurance coverage, the requirement to wear a seat belt at all times, and the prohibition of using electronic devices while driving. Fuhrerschein holders must also maintain a high standard of driving, and never drink and operate a vehicle.
If you're a resident of an EU country or EEA and are planning to move to Germany it is crucial to be aware that your driving licence from your home country may be used in Germany for up to six months. After six months, you'll have to get a German driving license to continue driving. If you don't, you could be penalized with fines and other consequences.
To avoid any issues, it's best to apply for a Fuhrerschein as quickly as you can. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside. You'll need to present proof of your identity, a photocopy of your current license and other documents to complete the procedure.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process of getting a Fuhrerschein is different in each federal state (Land), as laws are set on an international level, but states have the tendency to interpret them in different ways. To learn more about how things work it is best to contact your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) which is usually within the local office of your citizens.
You must ensure that your original license is valid and was issued in a nation that is part of the EU/EEA, or a country that has a special reciprocal arrangement with Germany. Additionally, you must have lived in the country that issued your license for a minimum of 185 days.
The documents you submit will be reviewed by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine whether you are eligible. Then you will take an Sehtest which is a basic vision test which verifies that your eyesight is in line with the minimum requirements for safe driving. You can also use corrective glasses to pass the test, if required.
After passing the Sehtest You will then receive a Bescheinigung from the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application has been accepted. This document is crucial since you'll require it to pick up your new German license. Within a couple of weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid that includes an acknowledgment and an invoice for your license fee of around EUR35. After you have paid the fee, you can pick-up your new German license.
The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein isn't an easy task and is likely to take some time to complete. We can help make the process as simple as possible for you by providing a step-bystep guide and help you gather the necessary documentation. Additionally, we can assist with the German driving tests if required. Please contact us for more information on our services. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're planning to move to Germany and are planning to drive here in the future, you'll need to exchange your license in exchange for the Fuhrerschein. It's more complex than just swapping your international license for the German driver's license, since you'll need to take both the theory and driving tests here (or at the very least attempt). It is still possible.
The process to upgrade your Fuhrerschein into a full driving license starts by enrolling in an "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will guide you through your theoretical and practical classes and assist you with the paperwork. You'll also need to get your vehicle insured and it's a great idea to take some extra driving lessons for practice.
Once you have completed all these steps, you will be sent a letter to confirm that your application was approved. This document is known as Bescheinigung, and you should keep this until you receive your new license in the mail.
You can complete the last step in the process by visiting the office of your local driver's license after you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll also have to present your Fuhrerschein as well as any other relevant documents.
You will receive your new driving permit within four weeks after having submitted your application. When you receive your new driving licence, you can legally drive in Germany.

You can pay a small fee to have your licence produced at the Burgeramt If you don't want to wait. This will save you time however it's not cheap, and the quality of the licence will be different.
You can technically get away by driving with your international license in Germany until January 2022. After führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland , you'll face problems if you're stopped by a cop. You'll also need to pay more for insurance on your car. If you're planning to stay in Germany for longer than six months, you should get your German driving license as soon as possible. And the most effective way to do this is to follow this comprehensive step-by-step instruction.
How do I change my driving license from the EU/EEA to an German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driver's license from a country within the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) you are able to continue to use it for up to six months after your move to Germany. If you plan on staying longer than that or when your driving license has expired, however, you will have to exchange it to the German licence. This is legally required and the only way to renew your license beyond its original expiry date. If you have a certificate attesting to your health or vision, an exception may be granted. For more information, call your local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences issued by countries which have reciprocal agreements, such as Australia and Canada, or the USA, may be transferred to Germany without a theory test or practical test. The process is more difficult for drivers from countries which do not have this arrangement, however even in these instances, it is possible to pass the necessary steps without going through a full driving training and testing.
The first step to convert your driver's license from another country into a Fuhrerschein is to fill out an application form and the required documents to your local driving licence office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The process for converting a licence can differ by federal state. It is therefore advised to call ahead or go to the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more details about the specific requirements in your area.
You must provide evidence of your identity along with a photograph and a valid driving licence along with a completed certificate attesting to your health and eyesight. You will also need to pay the applicable fees. It is recommended to apply for the transfer as soon as possible, and at least well before your foreign driving license expires to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein before that time. It is advised to keep your old driving license until you get your new one. This can be used to identify you for purposes.