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Driving licence - apply for an extension

If you acquire one or more driving licence categories in addition to an existing driving licence, for example a motorbike licence, you must apply for an extension of the driving licence.

The following categories are issued for an unlimited period:

  • A, A1, A2, AM,
  • B, BE,
  • L and
  • T

The driving licence for the following categories is limited to five years:

  • C1, C1E, C, CE,
  • D, D1, DE and D1E

Class C1 and C1E driving licences issued up to 27 December 2016 are valid until the age limit of 50. After that, they will be issued for a limited period of five years upon application.

For some categories, you must prove that you have the "specialnrequirements" such as the ability to concentrate, orientation or resilience. This applies to

  • for obtaining categories D, D1, DE and D1E and
  • if you are over the age limit of 50 for these categorieshage limit of 50 years.

If a category AM, L or T driving licence is extended to another category for the first time, a probationary period is set for the new category.

Please note: Driving licences issued in cheque card format since 19 January 2013 are limited to 15 years. The time limit only applies to the driving licence document. This must be renewed every 15 years. Regular medical examinations or other tests are not associated with the document exchange.

Related forms and processes

Prerequisite

The regulations for the initial issue apply to the extension of a driving licence.

There are exceptions for

  • Extension of category A1 to category A2 and extension of category A2 to category A
    If you have previously held category A1 or category A2 for two years, you only need to take one practical test for the extension to category A2 or category A respectively.
  • Category T
    If you are still in possession of a category 3 driving licence, you can also apply for a category T licence if you wish to extend your licence and convert to a card driving licence. You must prove that you work in agriculture or forestry. You canprove this, for example, with a certificate from theemployers' liability insurance association or a confirmation from youremployer.

Responsible department

The driving licence office in your place of residence

The driving licence office is

  • if you live in an urban district: the city administration
  • if you live in a rural district: the district administration office

Procedure

The application for an extension of the driving licence must be submitted to the driving licence office in your place of residence in writing or, if offered by the competent authority, as an online application. If you apply in writing, you can obtain the application form from the driving licence office. You can also submit the written application including the required evidence and documents there.

For the online application, please use the link on this page. You can upload the required evidence and documents as file attachments as part of the online application.

After passing the test and extending your existing driving licence, you will receive a new card driving licence ("EU driving licence").

For an extra fee, you can order an express licencenorder. This shortens the waiting time for the new driving licence. Please contact your local authority for more information.

Deadlines

You must pass the theoretical test within twelve months of receipt of the test order by the Technical Inspection Centre.

You must pass the practical test within twelve months of passing the theory test.

Otherwise the test order will expire and you will have to submit a new application to extend your driving licence.

Required documents

for driving licence categories A, A1, A2, AM, B, BE, L and T:

for driving licence categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E: additionally

  • Expert opinion on eyesight (not older than two years)
  • medical certificate on physical and mental fitness (not older than one year)

for categories D, DE, D1 and D1E additionally: certificate of good conduct

You must also submit proof of first aid training if

  • You only submitted the previous certificate of instruction in immediate life-saving measures at the scene of an accident when you first acquired the licence or
  • You no longer have a copy of the first aid certificate presented when you first purchased the licence.

Costs

  • Driving licence extension from categories AM, L and T to another category with a probationary period: EUR 45.90
  • Driving licence extension from categories A, B, C, D including trailers and subcategories to another category without a probationary period: EUR 45.10

Additional costs are incurred for obtaining a certificate of good conduct.

Miscellaneous

none

Appeal

Objection, complaint

Legal basis

Fahrerlaubnisverordnung (FeV):

  • § 21 Antrag auf Erteilung einer Fahrerlaubnis

Straßenverkehrsgesetz (StVG):

  • § 2 Fahrerlaubnis und Führerschein

Release note

Machine generated, based on the German release by: Verkehrsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 24.01.2025