Apply for a replacement driver's license

If you have lost your driving license (theft, illegibility or loss), you can be issued with a replacement driving license on request, provided you do not give up your driving license.

If your name has changed, you do not have to have a new driver's license issued. However, it may be useful to be in possession of an EU driving license with up-to-date information, especially when driving abroad. If you wish to change the name on your driving license, a new card driving license will be issued to you on request.

• You can apply for a change of name on your driving license in writing or in electronic form at the driving license authority in your place of residence.
• The loss of a driver's license must be reported immediately.

To the driver's license office of your district or city.

You must be the holder of a valid driver's license.

In case of name change:

• Official proof of place and date of birth (e.g. identity card or passport),
• Certificate of registration, if applicable,
• previous driving license (it is the responsibility of the driving license authority to ensure that the applicant is in possession of the driving license by obtaining information from the registers).
• a biometric photograph in accordance with the passport regulations,
• in the event of a change of name due to marriage: additionally a certified copy of the marriage certificate, provided the name has not yet been changed in the identity card or passport,
• for name changes due to divorce: additional name change certificate from the registry office, if the name has not yet been changed in the identity card or passport.
• You can find out more details from the relevant office

In case of theft, loss, illegibility:

• Current photograph (size 45x35mm, portrait format, front view). Information and examples can be found in the photo sample table (Bundesdruckerei).
• If necessary, submission of an affidavit in lieu of an oath regarding the whereabouts of the driver's license
• Official proof of place and date of birth (e.g. identity card or passport)
• Current registration certificate, if applicable
• If applicable, theft report from the police

A fee is charged for the issue or exchange of a driving license. Information on the amount of fees and costs can be obtained from the competent driving license authority, which determines these in accordance with the German Road Traffic Fee Regulations (GebOSt). The amount of the fees depends on the administrative costs. The costs for sending the driving license, its express delivery or other expenses are not included in the fees, but must also be borne by the applicant.

There are no deadlines to be observed.

The time taken to process an application for a driving license depends on the circumstances of each individual case. The new card driver's license is produced centrally by Bundesdruckerei GmbH in Berlin. To receive the new driving license, you can request that the card driving license be sent to you. Bundesdruckerei GmbH will send it to you directly.

Alternatively, you can collect the card driving license in person or - on presentation of a power of attorney - have it collected from the driving license authority by a representative.

It is also possible to apply for a driving license by express delivery. The new driving license will then be ready at the driving license authority within a few days.

It is not mandatory to have a new driving license issued if you change your name. Nevertheless, it is recommended to have a new driving license issued in such a case.

Anyone who does not immediately report the loss of a driving license and apply for a replacement document is committing an administrative offence.

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Thuringian Ministry for Infrastructure and Agriculture

16.02.2022

The local authority in which you have your home, or your main home if you have several homes, is responsible.

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