Plastic Driving Licences Issued Between 1999 and 2001 to Become Invalid - Fines for Missed Deadlines

The first generation of plastic driving licences issued between 1999 and 2001 in Germany will lose their validity starting Monday, as part of a nationwide effort to update driver identification to newer, more secure formats. Holders of these licences who fail to meet the conversion deadline may face administrative fines.

This transition is part of a phased replacement program that requires all drivers to exchange older licences for new, tamper-resistant card versions. The process is determined by the year in which the original licence was issued, with the current deadline applying to documents from 1999 to 2001. Local administrative offices, particularly in regions such as Rhineland-Palatinate, have experienced a surge in applications, resulting in extended processing times for those seeking new documents.

Administrative Bottlenecks and Delays

Municipal authorities report that many drivers became aware of the deadline too late, leading to a significant increase in last-minute applications. For example, the driver licensing office in Koblenz noted a tenfold rise in requests since December. In the Mainz-Bingen district, the standard waiting period for the new card is four to six weeks, while the Mayen-Koblenz region reports waiting times of up to eight weeks. The delays are attributed not only to the volume of applications but also to the high workload at the national printing office responsible for producing and distributing the new licences.

Limited Online Application Options

While it is possible to book appointments online for submitting an application in some cities, the actual application must generally be completed in person, as the original driving licence must be surrendered for invalidation. Only a few areas, including select cities such as Hannover, Koblenz, Munich, and the Bitburg-Prüm district, offer online application services. Municipalities continue to caution applicants about possible delays due to high demand.

Applicants are required to present their old driving licence, a valid identification document (such as a passport or national ID card), a recent biometric photograph, and, if necessary, supporting documents for any name changes. The process does not require a new driving test or medical examination. The standard fee for the new card is between 30 and 40 euros.

EU-Wide Standardisation by 2033

The exchange initiative aims for all driving licences issued before 2013 to be gradually replaced across the European Union by 2033. The objective is to ensure that all EU member states use a uniform and secure licence format. The next group affected will be those holding licences issued between 2002 and 2004. The updated licence must be renewed every 15 years for passenger vehicles and motorcycles, and every 5 years for buses and trucks, primarily to keep the identification photo current. Licences issued since January 2013 already include an expiration date requiring renewal.

Penalties and International Implications

Motorists who miss the exchange deadline face an administrative fine of ten euros. Importantly, while the physical licence becomes invalid, the individual's driving privileges remain intact, meaning that driving is not considered unlicensed. However, travellers may encounter difficulties abroad, especially when renting vehicles, if they are unable to present a valid, updated licence. Some rental agencies may refuse service to holders of outdated documents.

In the future, from 2027 onwards, a digital wallet option is planned, enabling storage of driving licences and other identification documents directly on smartphones. Until then, the transition to the new plastic card format remains mandatory for all drivers with pre-2013 licences.