Reissuance of a driver's license due to a name change, theft, illegibility, or loss
Service description
If your name has changed, you do not need to have a new driver's license issued. However, especially when driving abroad, it may be a good idea to have an EU card-style driver's license with up-to-date information.
If you wish to change the name on your driver's license, a new card-style driver's license will be issued to you upon request.
If your driver's license has been lost or destroyed (due to theft, illegibility, or loss), you will need a new driver's license unless you choose to give up your driving privileges.
Special information for the Fulda districtIf your driver's license has been lost, stolen, or rendered unusable because it has become illegible, or if your appearance and/or gender has changed, or for any other reason, you will need a new driver's license.
You are not required to apply for a new driver’s license if your name changes due to marriage or other circumstances, provided that the name on your driver’s license can be verified using your identification documents. It is up to you whether you would like to have a new driver’s license issued.
Procedure
- You can apply for a replacement driver's license at the driver's license office in your place of residence.
- The loss of a driver's license must be reported immediately.
Competent Authority
The driver's license authority is responsible for this matter.
Prerequisites
You must hold a valid German driver's license.
What documents are required?
Special information for the Fulda district- A recent biometric photo (taken within the last 6 months)
- A valid ID card, a valid passport with a current certificate of residence (no older than 3 months), or, for foreign documents, a valid passport with a residence permit
- If applicable, a police report of the theft (no more than one year old)
What fees apply?
There is a fee for issuing a card-style driver’s license or exchanging an existing license for one. Information regarding the amount of the fees and costs is available from the competent driver’s license authority, which sets these amounts in accordance with the Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt). The amount of the fees is based on the administrative effort involved. The costs for mailing the card-style driver’s license, express delivery, or other expenses are not included in the fees but must also be borne by the applicants.
What deadlines do I have to observe?
There are no deadlines to meet.
Processing time
The time it takes to process an application for a card-style driver’s license depends on the circumstances of each individual case. The new card-style driver’s license is produced centrally by Bundesdruckerei GmbH in Berlin. To receive your new driver’s license, you can request that it be mailed to you. Bundesdruckerei GmbH will mail it directly to you. Alternatively, you can pick up the completed card-style driver’s license in person at the driver’s license office or have a representative pick it up on your behalf upon presentation of a power of attorney.
It is also possible to apply for a driver's license via express mail. The new driver's license will then be available at the driver's license office in a few days.
Legal basis
Legal remedy
- Appeal (For more information on how to file an appeal, please refer to the relevant notice)
- Lawsuit in Administrative Court
What else should I know?
It is not required to obtain a new driver's license when you change your name. However, in such cases, it is recommended that you obtain a new driver's license.
Anyone who fails to report the loss of a driver's license immediately and apply for a replacement commits an administrative offense.
If a driver's license is lost, the applicant may be required, at the request of the administrative authority, to submit a sworn statement regarding the whereabouts of the driver's license.
Applications / Forms