Converting Your Driver's License

Germany is known for its efficient public transportation system and well-structured road network, however having a driving license can still be advantageous. If you're a foreigner residing in Germany, depending on the country that issued your driving license, you will need to take some steps to be able to drive in Germany. Check the 3 main categories of countries below to find out what you exactly need to do.

The responsible office for converting foreign driving licences in Saarland is the Ordnungsamt;

Landeshauptstadt Saarbrücken

Ordnungsamt
Großherzog-Friedrich-Straße 111
66121 Saarbrücken

Phone: +49 681 905-0
Fax: +49 681 905-3576
ordnungsamt@saarbruecken.de
www.saarbruecken.de

To start the process, you will need an appointment with the Ordnungsamt. We recommend gathering all the required documents before booking your appointment. If you need to contact the Ordnungsamt, we recommend contacting them by email first. If you do not receive a reply, try calling them by phone. If necessary, you can also visit the office in person. Feel free to contact us if you need further assistance, for example with communication.

Necessary Documents

• Valid identity card or passport. A residence permit alone is not sufficient.
• Biometric photo (4.5 × 3.5 cm)
• Valid EU/EEA driving licence

Important

Valid driving licences issued by an EU or EEA country are generally recognized in Germany and usually do not need to be converted immediately. However, special rules may apply depending on the licence category, validity period, or individual circumstances.

If you want or need to exchange your EU/EEA driving licence for a German one, contact the responsible Ordnungsamt to confirm the documents, fees, and requirements that apply to your case.

Necessary Documents

• Valid identity card or passport. A residence permit alone is not sufficient.
• Biometric photo (4.5 × 3.5 cm)
• Certificate of first entry into Germany (Bescheinigung über die Ersteinreise), available from the Zentrale Ausländerbehörde: zab@lava.saarland.de. (The registration certificate from the Bürgeramt is not sufficient.)
• Certified German translation of your national driving licence, prepared by a translator authorized by a German court or an automobile club.
• Valid national driving licence. The driving licence must have been issued before entering Germany. An International Driving Permit alone is not sufficient.

Important

• If you establish your normal residence in Germany, you may generally drive with your valid non-EU/EEA driving licence for six months.
• According to the information provided by the City of Saarbrücken for this conversion procedure, the German driving licence is issued after at least 185 days have passed since entry into Germany.
• The foreign driving licence is retained when the application is submitted.
• The administrative fee indicated by the City of Saarbrücken is €37.50.

Necessary Documents

• Valid identity card or passport. A residence permit alone is not sufficient.
• Biometric photo (4.5 × 3.5 cm)
• Proof of an eye test
• Certificate of attendance for a first aid course
• Certificate of first entry into Germany (Bescheinigung über die Ersteinreise), available from the Zentrale Ausländerbehörde: zab@lava.saarland.de. (The registration certificate from the Bürgeramt is not sufficient.)
• Certified German translation of your national driving licence, prepared by a translator authorized by a German court or an automobile club.
• Valid original foreign driving licence. The driving licence must have been issued before entering Germany. An International Driving Permit alone is not sufficient.

Important

• If you establish your normal residence in Germany, you may generally drive with your valid non-EU/EEA driving licence for six months.
• According to the information provided by the City of Saarbrücken for this conversion procedure, the German driving licence is issued after at least 185 days have passed since entry into Germany.
• The foreign driving licence is retained when the application is submitted.
• A theory test and practical driving test are generally required for the conversion of licences from countries not covered by the applicable exemption rules.
• Additional costs for examinations and other required services apply.

This is an official document issued by the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Authority) that certifies the exact date of your first entry into Germany. You should contact the Immigration Office (contact information below), specifically asking for this document.

Issuing Authority:
Zentrale Ausländerbehörde
Dillinger Straße 67
66822 Lebach
Germany

Email: zab@lava.saarland.de
Website: https://www.saarland.de/lava/DE/home/Abteilungen/Abteilung2.html