Apply for a Driver Qualification Certificate
Service description
The Driver Qualification Certificate (FQN) serves as proof of your existing professional driver qualification and, as of May 23, 2021, replaces the “95” code on your driver’s license. However, if the code “95” is already entered on your driver’s license, it remains valid until the license’s expiration date. Only after that date will you need to obtain the Driver Qualification Certificate. The FQN is a card similar in shape and size to a driver’s license and is produced by the Federal Printing Office.
The issuance, extension, or renewal of the Driver Qualification Certificate is granted exclusively as part of an application for the initial issuance, extension, renewal, or reissuance of a Class C or Class D driver’s license.
Prospective and experienced professional drivers who hold a Class C or Class D driver’s license must provide proof of their professional driver qualification. This generally requires an initial qualification, followed by continuing education every 5 years. The verified professional driver qualification is issued in card form as an FQN.
Special information for the Fulda districtFor drivers who transport goods or passengers for commercial purposes on public roads using motor vehicles that require a Class C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, or DE is required, the Professional Driver Qualification Act applies.
For more information on this topic, please refer to the "Guidelines on the Law Governing Professional Driver Qualifications," which are available from the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility.
Procedure
Please apply for the Driver Qualification Certificate (FQN) at the driver's license office with jurisdiction over you (usually the one in your place of residence).
Competent Authority
The driver's license authority is responsible for this matter.
Prerequisites
- Your primary residence is in the Federal Republic of Germany
- You are a professional driver or are training to become a professional driver
- You hold a driver's license in one of the following classes: C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, or DE
- You have a basic qualification or have completed continuing education
- The issuance, extension, or renewal of the Driver Qualification Certificate is granted exclusively as part of an application for the initial issuance, extension, renewal, or reissuance of a Class C or Class D driver’s license.
What documents are required?
Special information for the Fulda district- 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
- Driver's license
- a recent biometric photo (taken within the last 6 months)
- The basic qualification, accelerated basic qualification, or continuing education must be entered in the Federal Motor Transport Authority’s registry. Please note that continuing education certificates are valid for only 5 years.
What fees apply?
The fee is determined in accordance with the Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt).
What deadlines do I have to observe?
You should contact the driver's license office responsible for you well in advance of the expiration of key number 95 on your driver's license.
Processing time
The processing time depends on the workload of the respective driver's license agency.
Legal basis
Legal remedy
- Appeal (For more information on how to file an appeal, please refer to the notice regarding your application)
- Lawsuit in Administrative Court
What else should I know?
Applications / Forms