Convert a Foreign Driving Licence in Berlin: A Practical Newcomer Guide

Moving to Berlin with a foreign driving licence can create two different questions:

May you currently drive in Germany with that licence?
Must you exchange or convert it into a German driving licence?

The answer depends mainly on where the licence was issued, whether it is still valid, when you established your normal residence in Germany, and whether the issuing country appears in Germany’s Anlage 11 list.

This guide explains the main routes for EU and non-EU licences, the six-month rule, documents commonly requested in Berlin, possible theory and practical tests, and how to avoid delays.

Important scope: This article provides general administrative information, not legal advice. SettlyGo can help you organize visible requirements, prepare questions, make ordinary German phone calls and communicate with a Bürgeramt, driving school or authority. SettlyGo does not determine whether you are legally permitted to drive, provide driving instruction, certify translations, complete examinations, file as your official representative, access authority accounts or credentials, or guarantee a conversion, appointment, processing time or licence outcome.

The direct answer

If your licence was issued by an EU or EEA country, a valid national licence is generally recognized in Germany until it expires, subject to the German rules for particular vehicle classes and individual restrictions.

If your licence was issued outside the EU or EEA, Berlin states that it is generally recognized for six months after you establish your normal residence in Germany. After that period, you normally need a German driving licence to continue driving.

For a non-EU licence, the conversion route depends on the issuing country:

Anlage 11 country or region: Germany has special conversion rules. Depending on the exact country, region and licence class, no test, only a theory test, only a practical test, or both tests may be required.
Other non-EU country: Theory and practical tests are generally required for the classes you want to convert.

The authoritative starting points are Berlin’s non-EU conversion service, its EU/EEA conversion service, and the federal Anlage 11 list.

Step 1: Identify which category your licence belongs to

Do not start by assuming that every foreign licence follows the same process.

EU or EEA licence

This category includes licences issued by EU member states and the EEA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Berlin explains that a valid national EU or EEA licence is generally recognized in Germany until its stated expiry date. You must still follow any restrictions recorded on the licence, and separate validity rules can affect truck and bus classes.

You may still choose or need to convert it when:

The licence is approaching expiry
It has already expired and you need a German replacement
It was lost or stolen while you live in Germany
You need to extend truck or bus categories
You prefer to hold a German card licence

An ordinary EU or EEA car licence does not automatically become invalid after six months merely because you registered in Germany.

Non-EU or non-EEA licence

This includes licences from countries outside the EU and EEA.

Berlin distinguishes between:

Countries, regions or licence classes included in Anlage 11
All other third countries

The difference is important because it controls which tests and supporting documents may be required.

Some countries have different rules for different licence classes. Some federal systems, such as the United States, can have different treatment by state. Check the exact issuing authority and class rather than relying only on the country name.

Step 2: Calculate the six-month driving period carefully

For a valid non-EU or non-EEA licence, the six-month period generally begins when you establish your normal residence in Germany.

Berlin’s official recognition guidance says that after registering your normal residence, you may generally continue driving for six months. After that, the foreign licence is no longer recognized for driving in Germany and you need a German licence.

The legal basis is section 29 of the German Driving Licence Regulation. It also provides a narrow extension possibility when a person can show that their normal residence in Germany will not last longer than twelve months.

Important practical points:

Do not calculate the deadline from your first drive in Germany.
Do not assume that submitting a conversion application extends your right to drive.
Do not assume that a booked theory or practical test permits driving after the recognition period ends.
Keep evidence of the date on which you established residence.
Stop driving when you are no longer legally entitled to use the foreign licence in Germany.

A late application is not necessarily impossible. Berlin states that there is no general deadline for submitting the conversion application, but the foreign licence must normally still be valid and available in the original when you apply.

The main risk of waiting is therefore not losing the application route immediately. It is losing the right to drive while the conversion remains unfinished.

Step 3: Confirm that the foreign licence is eligible

Berlin’s recognition guidance lists several basic conditions for non-EU licences.

You need the original licence

A photograph, scan or photocopy is normally not enough. You generally need the original national licence document.

An international driving permit does not replace the national licence and is not itself converted into a German licence.

The licence must be valid

The foreign licence should still be valid when you submit the application. Check the expiry date early, especially if obtaining a replacement from the issuing country may take time.

It must not be a learner or provisional document

Learner permits and some temporary documents are not recognized or convertible as full driving licences.

The licence must have been obtained while you genuinely lived outside Germany

Berlin explains that a non-EU licence generally must have been obtained before moving to Germany or during a qualifying period of residence abroad. A licence obtained abroad while your normal residence remained in Germany may not be recognized.

This can become relevant when:

The current card was renewed after you moved to Germany
The card does not show the date of the first licence
You held several versions of the same licence
The authority needs evidence of your earlier residence abroad

Keep older licence copies, renewal records and proof of residence abroad when available.

Step 4: Check Anlage 11 before choosing a driving school or test route

Anlage 11 is the official list of countries and regions with simplified conversion arrangements.

The table records:

The issuing country or region
Which licence classes are covered
Whether a theory test is required
Whether a practical test is required
Footnotes containing special limitations

Do not use an old screenshot or unofficial summary. The list can change, and footnotes matter.

Three common outcomes are possible:

No theory or practical test

Some Anlage 11 licences can be converted without either test, provided all other requirements are met.

One test is required

Some entries remove only the theory test or only the practical test.

Both tests are required

For countries outside Anlage 11, Berlin states that theory and practical tests are generally required for the classes being converted.

Even when tests are required, a conversion is not always identical to obtaining a first German licence from zero. The authority and driving school can explain which training obligations apply to your exact route. Do not assume that a fixed minimum number of ordinary lessons is automatically required, but plan realistically for preparation and assessment before attempting the practical test.

Step 5: Prepare the Berlin application documents

The exact checklist depends on the licence category, vehicle class and issuing country. Berlin’s current non-EU service page includes the following core items.

Identity document

Bring a valid passport or German identity document.

Residence permit when applicable

Non-EU or non-EEA citizens may be asked for their residence title.

Biometric photograph

Berlin currently asks for a recent biometric paper photograph for this service. Some Bürgeramt photo terminals do not provide a paper print suitable for driving-licence applications, so check the selected location’s current instructions.

Original valid foreign licence

Bring the original. An international permit alone is insufficient.

Translation when required

Berlin states that a translation is required when the licence is not issued in German or English. In doubtful cases, the driving-licence authority decides whether a translation must be provided.

A normal informal translation is not necessarily sufficient. Check which translation providers the authority accepts before paying for the service.

SettlyGo does not provide certified or sworn translations, but a helper can support an ordinary phone call to ask the authority which format it expects.

Driving school and test organization details

For third-country routes requiring tests—and some Anlage 11 cases—you may need to name the driving school and testing organization in the application.

Choose carefully. Berlin notes that changing the testing organization after the test authorization has been issued may not be possible.

First-aid training

Berlin lists proof of first-aid training for third-country conversions.

Eyesight test

For ordinary car and motorcycle classes from third countries, an eyesight test is generally required. Anlage 11 cases may follow different rules, including specific footnotes.

Additional medical evidence for truck or bus classes

Truck and bus categories can require general medical, ophthalmological and performance assessments. These classes also have separate validity and professional-driver rules.

This guide focuses mainly on ordinary car and motorcycle licences. Confirm commercial or heavy-vehicle requirements directly with the authority.

Step 6: Submit the application in Berlin

Berlin requires your main residence to be in Berlin for the standard service. A secondary residence is normally accepted only in justified exceptional situations and with involvement from the authority responsible for the main residence.

Personal attendance is generally required.

The service is offered at participating Berlin locations. Availability, accepted payment methods and local photo instructions can differ, so open the details for the location before attending.

At the appointment:

Present your identity and residence documents.
Submit the original foreign licence and required translation.
Provide the photo and supporting certificates.
Name the driving school and testing organization when required.
Pay the administrative fee.
Ask how missing documents can be submitted later.
Ask how you will receive the test authorization or collection notice.

Berlin currently lists an administrative fee of €37.50 for conversion without a test and €45.10 for conversion with a test. These fees do not include translation, eyesight testing, first-aid training, driving-school preparation, examination fees, photographs or medical assessments.

Always confirm current fees on the official service page before your appointment.

Step 7: Complete any required theory or practical tests

When tests are required, the application usually comes before the examinations.

Berlin’s guidance explains that after the authority processes the application, you receive instructions about the required tests. A driving school is needed for the practical examination.

Practical preparation may include:

Learning German traffic priorities and road signs
Understanding cyclist, pedestrian and tram interactions
Practising environmental-zone and urban driving rules
Reviewing motorway and rural-road rules
Learning the examination procedure and safety checks
Taking driving lessons until the instructor considers you ready

Ask the driving school which theory languages are currently available and which official learning system it uses.

Passing a test does not retroactively extend an expired six-month recognition period. Wait until the German licence is issued or the authority confirms your driving entitlement before driving again.

What happens to your foreign licence?

Berlin states that when the German licence is issued, the foreign licence is generally taken by the authority and either returned to the issuing country or retained.

This can surprise applicants who expected to keep both physical cards.

Before completing the conversion, consider whether you need:

A scan for your personal records
The licence number for insurance or rental records
Confirmation of the classes and original issue date
Information about using the German licence in the issuing country

Do not conceal or falsely report the original as lost in order to keep both documents.

EU and EEA licences: when conversion is optional or necessary

A valid EU or EEA licence is usually simpler.

For an ordinary valid car licence, conversion is often optional. You may continue using it until expiry, unless a specific exception applies.

Conversion becomes relevant when:

The card expires
You need a replacement after loss or theft
A German authority must extend a category
German validity rules affect truck or bus classes
You voluntarily prefer a German licence

Berlin’s EU/EEA service page lists a €37.50 administrative fee and generally requires a Berlin main residence, personal attendance, identity documents, a biometric paper photograph and the EU licence or detailed replacement information.

If your EU licence was originally created by exchanging a third-country licence, additional recognition questions can arise. Do not assume the EU card always eliminates the original-country issue.

Common mistakes that delay conversion

Waiting until the six-month period has nearly ended

The application and any tests may take time. Begin researching early.

Assuming an application allows continued driving

Submitting documents does not automatically extend the recognition period.

Using the wrong service

Berlin has separate service pages for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA licences.

Checking only the country, not the exact Anlage 11 entry

Region, licence class and footnotes can change the test requirement.

Bringing only an international permit

The valid original national licence is normally required.

Letting the foreign licence expire before applying

Renewal from abroad may be difficult, and Berlin generally expects the licence to remain valid at application time.

Using an unaccepted translation

Ask which organizations and formats the authority accepts.

Choosing a testing organization casually

Changing it after authorization may not be possible.

Assuming the administrative fee is the total cost

Driving school, tests, translation, first aid, eyesight checks and medical evidence are separate expenses.

Driving after recognition has ended

Do not drive based on an appointment confirmation, pending application or test booking alone.

A practical checklist

Before booking or attending the appointment, confirm:

I know whether my licence is EU/EEA, Anlage 11 or another third-country licence.
I checked the exact issuing country, region, class and Anlage 11 footnotes.
I calculated when my non-EU driving recognition period ends.
My original foreign licence is available and valid.
I have evidence of the original licence date or residence abroad if needed.
I selected the correct Berlin service.
I have a passport or identity document.
I have my residence title when required.
I have a suitable biometric paper photograph.
I confirmed whether an accepted translation is required.
I completed first-aid training and an eyesight test when required.
I selected a driving school and testing organization if tests apply.
I checked the current location instructions and payment methods.
I understand that application submission does not guarantee continued driving rights.

How SettlyGo can support you

SettlyGo provides practical, non-legal support for everyday administrative communication.

A local helper can assist with tasks such as:

Organizing your document checklist
Helping you identify the correct official service page
Preparing questions for the Bürgeramt or driving-licence authority
Supporting an ordinary German phone call to a driving school or authority
Helping compare information received from different offices
Accompanying you to an appointment for practical communication support

SettlyGo does not decide whether your licence is legally valid, interpret Anlage 11 as legal advice, provide driving lessons, take tests for you, certify translations, access authority accounts, impersonate you, submit false information, or guarantee acceptance or issuance.

Final takeaway

The most important first step is classification.

A valid EU or EEA licence is generally recognized differently from a non-EU licence. For non-EU licences, the six-month recognition period and Anlage 11 determine the practical route.

Check the official list, keep the original licence valid, start before your driving permission ends, and prepare for translation, first aid, eyesight testing or examinations when your route requires them.

For practical help organizing the checklist or preparing a German phone call to an authority or driving school, book SettlyGo support.