Q&A

🚗 Checklist: Converting a Foreign Driver's License

Documents needed to convert a foreign driver's license to a German one.

German terms
Führerschein Umschreibung Fahrerlaubnisbehörde Sehtest Erste-Hilfe-Kurs
Progress 0 / 8
Application for license conversion Required
Antrag auf Umschreibung einer ausländischen Fahrerlaubnis
Available at the driver's license office or online. Book an appointment in advance!
Foreign driver's license (original) Required
Ausländischer Führerschein
Bring the original. It will be retained or invalidated. EU licenses are converted directly.
Certified translation of driver's license Required
Beglaubigte Übersetzung
From a certified translator or ADAC office. EU licenses: not required.
Biometric passport photo Required
Biometrisches Passfoto
35x45mm, recent. Photo booth or photographer ~10€.
Eye test (not older than 2 years) Required
Sehtest
At any optician for ~6-7€. Takes just a few minutes.
First aid course (if exam required) Optional
Erste-Hilfe-Kurs / Lebensrettende Sofortmaßnahmen
Only for non-EU licenses requiring an exam. Cost ~30-50€, 1 day.
Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) Required
Meldebescheinigung
Not older than 3 months. Confirms your place of residence.
Fee (~35-45€) Required
Verwaltungsgebühr
Often EC card only. If exam is needed, additional exam fees (~90-120€) apply.

Other checklists

📋
Anmeldung Checklist (Address Registration)
Complete document list for registering your address at the Bürgeramt.
6 items
👶
Kindergeld Application Checklist
259€/month per child (from 2025). Apply at the Familienkasse.
8 items
🛂
Residence Permit Appointment Checklist
Appointment at the immigration office — renewal or issuance of a residence permit.
8 items
🏦
Bank Account Opening Checklist
Documents needed to open a German bank account — branch or online bank.
6 items