In Germany, driving licenses issued between 1999 and 2001 will become invalid in January 2026, and drivers will need to exchange them to comply with the new European safety standards.

Starting in January 2026, driving licenses issued between 1999 and 2001 will lose their validity, forcing millions of drivers in Germany to request their replacement. This measure is imposed by a new European anti-counterfeiting standard that came into effect in 2013, which requires the updating of older licenses to comply with modern security design.

The procedure for changing is simple, requiring an identity document, a biometric photo, and the old license, but there may be additional requirements depending on the locality. The standard cost for the change is approximately 25 euros, but it can increase depending on additional services.

Authorities expect a constant flow of requests, and processing times can vary, reaching up to 12 weeks in some areas. Those who do not change their license on time risk a fine of approximately 10 euros, which can cause inconvenience. The change of licenses will not conclude in 2026 but will continue until 2033 for all licenses issued until January 2013.