EU Phasing Out Paper Driver's Licenses: Here's What You Need to Know
The European Union is phasing out old-style paper driver's licenses. Holders must exchange them for credit card format licenses. The process is staggered to prevent backlogs. Here's what you need to know.
The exchange requires a copy of your ID card or passport, a biometric passport photo, and your current driver's license. The conversion costs up to €30.30, including direct shipping by registered mail. You don't need to appear in person at the driver's license office. The exchange is without examination or medical tests, but certificates may be required for truck and bus licenses.
Paper licenses issued before December 31, 1998 must be exchanged. This includes licenses issued in the city of Aschaffenburg or elsewhere in Germany. If your license wasn't issued in Aschaffenburg, you'll need a card file copy of the original issuing authority. The exchange is mandatory for all licenses issued before January 19, 2013, with a new validity of 15 years.
Holders born in 1971 or earlier must exchange their licenses by January 19, 2025. After this date, these licenses will be invalid in Germany and abroad.
If you hold an old-style paper driver's license, ensure you exchange it by the given deadlines. The process is straightforward and doesn't require a visit to the driver's license office. Failure to exchange your license may result in its invalidity and potential legal issues while driving.
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