Info Center / Driver's License

Driver's License Information

• For U.S. citizens
  
• Latest Developments
• How you can help to facilitate a reciprocity agreement between your US state and Germany
• AmCham Position Papers



• Information for German citizens in the United States can be found at "Location: U.S.A" --> "Driver's License" or here.

For U.S. citizens

1. Is my US driver's license valid in Germany?

2. I plan on residing in Germany for longer than six months but less than one year. Is there an exception, so that I can continue to drive with my US driver's licence?

3. I plan on residing in Germany for longer than one year. Is there an exception, so that I can continue to drive with my US driver's license?

4. What is the first step in acquiring a German driver's license?

5. Which US states have agreements with the German government? From which tests am I exempted?

6. My US state has a full or partial reciprocity agreement with Germany. What do I do now?

7. My US state does not have a reciprocity agreement with Germany. What do I do now?

8. Do I have to go to a German driving school?

9. What actions are being taken to establish further reciprocity agreements between individual U.S. States and the German government?

10. How can I keep informed of any changes regarding further reciprocity agreements and other developments regarding drivers licenses?

11. How can I help to facilitate a reciprocity agreement between my US state and Germany?

12. Where can I get more information?

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Answers to Questions for U.S. citizens

1. If you are in Germany for less than six months (e.g., a tourist), you do not need to register to legally drive in Germany. However, if you live in Germany as a registered resident, you are required to obtain the German driver's license within a six-month period beginning with the date of your residency registration in order to legally drive in Germany.
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2. Yes. US drivers license holders planning to stay in Germany for less than one year can avoid obtaining the German driver's license and continue driving using their US license. To do this you must go to your local driver's registration office (Führerscheinstelle) prior to expiration of the six-month period after registration and notify that office that you want to continue to drive with your US license until departure. You must take an official translation of your US driver's license with you to the Führerscheinstelle as well as proof that you are leaving Germany before a year has passed. Proof of your intention to leave Germany can take the form of a return ticket to the US, a work contract with an expiration date before a year, etc. In avoiding possible problems regarding the "official status" of a translation, it is easier to simply use the German ADAC's translation service (for a small fee).
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3. No. If you register to live in Germany and want to legally drive six months after registration, you must apply for a Germany driver's license.
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4. The German government, in conjunction with the German Länder, has concluded reciprocity agreements with a number of US states. For U.S. license holders from certain states, the practical (behind-the-wheel) or both – the practical as well as the theoretical (written)— tests for obtaining a German driver’s license can, as a result of these agreements, be exempted. The US states who have concluded full or partial reciprocity agreements are listed below.
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5. Depending upon which state your driver's license is from, you may be exempt from either the practical test or both – the practical and written – tests when you apply for a German driver’s license. Below is a list of states which have concluded agreements with the German government. See the list to determine if you are exempt from the practical test, written test, or both tests.

US State	Practical	Written
Alabama	exempt	exempt
Arizona	exempt	exempt
Arkansas	exempt	exempt
Colorado	exempt	exempt
Connecticut	exempt
Delaware	exempt	exempt
Florida	exempt
Idaho	exempt	exempt
Illinois	exempt	exempt
Indiana	exempt
Iowa	exempt	exempt
Kansas	exempt	exempt
Kentucky	exempt	exempt
Louisiana	exempt	exempt
Massachusetts	exempt	exempt
Michigan	exempt	exempt
Minnesota	exempt
Mississippi	exempt
Missouri	exempt
Nebraska	exempt
New Mexico	exempt	exempt
North Carolina	exempt
Ohio	exempt	exempt
Oklahoma	exempt	exempt
Oregon	exempt
Pennsylvania	exempt	exempt
Puerto Rico	exempt	exempt
South Carolina	exempt	exempt
South Dakota	exempt	exempt
Tennessee	exempt
Utah	exempt	exempt
Virginia	exempt	exempt
Washington D.C.	exempt
Washington State	exempt	exempt
West Virginia	exempt	exempt
Wisconsin	exempt	exempt
Wyoming	exempt	exempt

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6. It is suggested that all applicants for a German driver's licence first submit an application directly to the driver's license office (Führerscheinstelle) of their local municipality (Stadtverwaltung). A few weeks after an application has been submitted, a notification will be sent detailing to the applicant the next steps in obtaining the driver's license. Because these local offices are often not aware which US states have agreements with Germany, the application can take some time to process.

Applicants who wish to avoid making multiple trips to the Führerscheinstelle are best advised to take all of the documents with them (even if applicants are not always asked to have all of the documents listed below).

Documents to be taken to the local driver's registration office (Führerscheinstelle) usually include:

• an official identification document (passport);
  
• residency registration certificate (Meldebestätigung /Aufenthaltsgenehmigung) from registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt);
• original and copy of foreign driver's license;
• certified translation of driver's license (i.e. from ADAC driver's association for a small fee; the US Embassy also provides a list of certified translators);
• a statement by the applicant that the license is still valid (not always required);
  
• one passport photo (35mm x 45mm);
• if only partial reciprocity agreement exists: form “Fahrschulantrag ‘Umschreibung’” (proof of registration at driving school; required in some German states only).

A fee must additionally be rendered and must usually be paid with cash.
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7. If you come from a state for which there exists no reciprocity agreement, you MUST take both the practical and theoretical tests. There are only five exceptions: if you live in the states of Hamburg, Hesse, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein or Saarland, you are exempt from both tests (see below under ‘Latest Developments’).

Documents to be taken to the local driver’s registration office (Führerscheinstelle) usually include:

• those mentioned in the previous question including form “Umschreibung”;
  

plus in addition:

• documentation of a recent eye test (which can be obtained by almost any optician);
  
• proof of completion of a first-aid course (“Sofortmaßnahmen am Unfallort”), e.g. from the local Red Cross chapter (Rotes Kreuz).

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8. If you are required to take either the written or both, the written and practical test, you will eventually have to go to a driving school (Fahrschule). Often, applicants are even asked at the Führerscheinstelle to suggest with which driving school they plan on going to. In Germany, only a driving school can grant an applicant admission to take the final driver's license tests. This is different than in the United States, and there are no exceptions AmCham Germany is aware of. For this reason, it is helpful to contact a driving school (Fahrschule) in advance of going to the Führerscheinstelle. Driving schools often recommend that applicants take a number of driving lessons before the official test in order to become acquainted with German driving rules. Total costs (without lessons) may average as much as € 500. This varies from school to school, and it is best to shop around.
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9. AmCham Germany has entered a new phase in its campaign for additional US driver's licence agreements. First, we are encouraging US states without an agreement to take this step. Second, we are seeking the German government's assistance in finding a temporary solution, until all US states have established reciprocity agreements. The fact that a great number of American personnel working in Germany must obtain a German license after being allowed to drive in Germany for up to one year seriously harms Germany's attractiveness as a great place to work and invest in the United States. Not only would a temporary solution and, eventually, the conclusion of further reciprocity agreements improve Germany's reputation but these steps would assist German and American companies, operating in Germany, to recruit American personnel that they need (researchers, computer programmers, etc).
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10. We continually update our information. To find out about the latest developments, please refer back to this homepage.
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11. In order that all other US states sign agreements with Germany, we need your assistance in contacting them. Below you will find the contact information for the US states, which have not yet signed agreements with the Federal Republic of Germany. For those interested in helping, we simply ask that you send a letter (or email) to the respective contact person which describes your personal experience and the necessity for an agreement.

Alaska

The Honorable
Governor Frank H. Murkowski
Governor's Mailroom
P.O. Box 110001
Juneau, AK 99811-0001
USA

For email: http://gov.state.ak.us/govmail.php

California

The Honorable
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
USA

OR

Joan M. Borucki, Director
Office of the Director
Department of Motor Vehicles
2415 1st Avenue Mail Station F101
Sacramento, CA 95818
USA

For email: http://www.govmail.ca.gov

Georgia

The Honorable
Governor Sonny Perdue
Office of the Governor
Georgia State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334
USA

For email: http://gov.state.ga.us/contact_dom.shtml

Hawai`i

The Honorable
Governor Linda Lingle
Executive Chambers
State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813
USA

For email: http://www.hawaii.gov/gov/gov/email

Maine

The Honorable
Governor John Elias Baldacci
Office of the Governor
1 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0001
USA

For email: governor@maine.gov

Maryland

The Honorable
Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
State House
Annapolis, MD 21401-1925
USA

For email: http://www.gov.state.md.us/mail/

Montana

The Honorable
Governor Brian Schweitzer
Office of the Governor
State Capitol
P.O. Box 200801
Helena, MT 59620-0801
USA

For email: http://governor.mt.gov/contact/comments.asp

Nevada

The Honorable
Governor Kenny C. Guinn
Capitol Building
Carson City, NV 89701
USA

For email: http://gov.state.nv.us/mailgov.htm

New Hampshire

The Honorable
Governor John Lynch
Office of the Governor
State House
25 Capitol Street
Concord, NH 03301
USA

For email: http://www.egov.nh.gov/governor/goveforms/comments.asp

New Jersey

The Honorable
Acting Governor Richard J. Codey
Office of the Acting Governor
P. O. Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
USA

For email: http://www.state.nj.us/governor/govmail.html

New York

The Honorable
Governor George E. Pataki
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
USA

For email: http://161.11.3.75/govemail

North Dakota

The Honorable
Governor John Hoeven
Governor's Office
Dept. 101
600 E. Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58505-0001
USA

For email: governor@state.nd.us

Rhode Island

The Honorable
Governor Donald L. Carcieri
Office of the Governor
State House, Room 115
Providence, RI 02903
USA

For email: http://www.governor.state.ri.us/contact

Texas

The Honorable
Governor Rick Perry
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428
USA

For email: http://www.governor.state.tx.us/contact/

Vermont

The Honorable
Governor Jim Douglas
109 State Street, Pavilion
Montpelier, VT 05609-0101
USA

For email: http://www.vermont.gov/governor/contact.html

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12. Provided below are contact addresses for further information regarding German drivers licenses as well as recognition of a US drivers license.

Federal Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee
Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau- und Stadtentwicklung
(Federal Ministry to Transport, Building, and Urban Affairs)
Invalidenstrasse 44
10115 Berlin
Tel.: (030) 20 08-0
Email: buergerinfo@bmvbs.bund.de

Baden-Württemberg:
Innenministerium Baden-Württemberg
Dorotheenstrasse 6
70173 Stuttgart
Tel.: (0711) 2 31-4
Email: innenminister@im.bwl.de

Bayern:
Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Verkehr und Technologie
80525 München
Tel.: (089) 21 62-0
Email: poststelle@stmwivt.bayern.de

Berlin:
Senatsverwaltung für Stadtentwicklung
Württembergische Strasse 6
10707 Berlin
Tel.: (030) 90 12-0
Email: oeffentlichkeitsarbeit@senstadt.verwalt-berlin.de

Brandenburg:
Ministerium für Infrastruktur und Raumordnung (MIR)
Referat Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Öffentlichkeitsarbeit und Datenmanagement
Henning-von-Tresckow-Strasse 2-8
14467 Potsdam
Tel.: (0331) 8 66-80 90
Email: oeffentlichkeitsarbeit@mir.brandenburg.de

Bremen:
Der Senator für Bau, Umwelt und Verkehr
Ansgaritorstrasse 2
28195 Bremen
Tel.: (0421) 3 61-24 07
Email: j.eckhoff@bau.bremen.de

Hamburg:
Behörde für Stadtentwicklung und Umwelt
Postfach 30 05 80
20302 Hamburg
Tel.: (040) 4 28 40-0
Email: info@bsu.hamburg.de

Hessen:
Hessisches Ministerium für
Wirtschaft, Verkehr und Landesentwicklung
Postfach 31 29
65021 Wiesbaden
Tel.: (0611) 8 15-0
Email: poststelle@hmwvl.hessen.de

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern:
Wirtschaftsministerium Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
19048 Schwerin
Tel.: (0385) 5 88-50 07
Email: poststelle@wm.mv-regierung.de

Niedersachsen:
Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Verkehr
Friedrichswall 1
30159 Hannover
Tel.: (0511) 1 20-0
Email: info@mw.niedersachsen.de

Nordrhein-Westfalen:
Ministerium für Bauen und Verkehr des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen
40190 Düsseldorf
Tel.: (0211) 8 37-02
Email: poststelle@mbv.nrw.de

Rheinland-Pfalz:
Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Verkehr, Landwirtschaft und Weinbau
Postfach 32 69
55022 Mainz
Tel.: (06131) 16-0
Email: poststelle@mwvlw.rlp.de

Saarland:
Ministerium für Wirtschaft
Am Stadtgraben 6-8
66111 Saarbrücken
Tel.: (0681) 5 01-00
Email: h.georgi@wirtschaft.saarland.de

Sachsen:
Sächsisches Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft und Arbeit
Wilhelm-Buck-Strasse 2
01097 Dresden
Tel.: (0351) 5 64-80 64
Email: presse@smwa.sachsen.de

Sachsen-Anhalt:
Ministerium für Bau und Verkehr des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt
Turmschanzenstrasse 30
39114 Magdeburg
Tel.: (0391) 5 67-01
Email: presse@mbv.lsa-net.de

Schleswig-Holstein:
Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Verkehr
Postfach 71 28
24171 Kiel
Tel.: (0431) 9 88-44 00
Email: pressestelle@wimi.landsh.de

Thüringen:
Thüringer Ministerium für Bau und Verkehr
Werner-Seelenbinder-Strasse 8
99096 Erfurt
Tel.: (0361) 37-90 0
Email: presse@tmbv.thueringen.de

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Latest Developments

Simplified Procedures for the Conversion of US-Driver’s Licenses in five German states

The five German states of Hamburg, Hesse, Saarland, Saxony-Anhalt and Schleswig-Holstein have departed from the principle of reciprocity and have introduced new regulations, permitting an unbureaucratic conversion of US driver’s licenses. American citizens, regardless of which US state they are from, can now apply for the automatic conversion of their US driver’s license into a German driver’s license if they meet certain conditions. Applicants are exempt from having to take any theoretical test and practical exam. A deadline of three years beginning with the establishment of residence in Germany applies for the conversion.

Hamburg

Entry into force: February 2003

Requirements: Applicants must

• live and work in the state of Hamburg for a limited period (not defined);
• have held their license for at least five years;
• not have a negative driving record.

Hesse

Entry into force: June 13, 2005

Requirements: Applicants must

• live in the state of Hesse;
• work at an American company or have their own business in Hesse;
• have held their license for at least five years;
• not be registered with points at the Verkehrszentralregister in Flensburg for having seriously violated any traffic rule (such as having passed a red light);
• not have caused any accident in Germany.

Saxony-Anhalt

Entry into force: September 8, 2005

Requirements: Applicants must

• live in the state of Saxony-Anhalt;
• work or have their own business in Saxony-Anhalt;
• have held their license for at least five years;
• not be registered with points at the Verkehrszentralregister in Flensburg for having seriously violated any traffic rule (such as having passed a red light);
• not have caused any accident in Germany.

The new regulation in Saxony-Anhalt equally applies to spouses and partners living in the same household, even if they do not work in Saxony-Anhalt, as long as they meet the remaining conditions.

Schleswig-Holstein

Entry into force: January 16, 2006

Requirements: Applicants must

• live in the state of Schleswig-Holstein;
• work at an American company or have their own business in Schleswig-Holstein;
• have held their license for at least five years;
• not have previously failed any practical driving exam in Germany;
• not be registered with points at the Verkehrszentralregister in Flensburg for having seriously violated any traffic rule (such as having passed a red light);
• not have caused any accident in Germany.

Saarland

Entry into force: April, 2006

Requirements: Applicants must

• live in Saarland;
• have held their license for at least five years;
• work at a company with headquarter or subsidiary in Saarland;
• not have caused any accident in Germany for at least six months;
• not be registered with more than seven points at the Verkehrszentralregister in Flensburg;
• have comparable traffic conditions in their home state.

In all other German states, US driver’s licenses can only be converted into a German driver’s license without a practical and/or theoretical exam if a reciprocity agreement between Germany and the issuing US state exists (see above).

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AmCham Position Papers

Anerkennung von US-Führerscheinen: Deutsche Praxis im europäischen Vergleich

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