Bonn · Führerschein umschreiben
Checklist last verified 2026-06-11
Exchange your driving licence in Bonn
Many foreign driving licences are only valid for six months after you register in Bonn — after that you must convert to a German licence at the Führerscheinstelle. Whether you also have to sit the theory and/or practical exam depends entirely on the country that issued your licence.
Fee ~€40–70 plus translation/eyesight costs. Processing can take several weeks.
EU/EEA licences stay valid and only need swapping when they expire. A non-EU licence is usually valid for only 6 months after you register here — after that you must convert it (Umschreibung) at the Führerscheinstelle, and whether you also sit the theory and/or practical exam depends entirely on your issuing country. You'll typically need a certified translation (ADAC or a sworn translator) and an eyesight test, so start within the 6-month window.
What you need to bring
- Foreign driving licenceRequired
📋 Bring the original, not a copy
How to get it: Your foreign licence plus, for conversion, often a certified translation (ADAC or sworn translator). German licences are issued by the Führerscheinstelle.
- Certified translation of the licenceRequired
ADAC or a sworn translator; some countries exempt
- Passport or IDRequired
📋 Bring the original, not a copy
How to get it: Issued by your home country. Renew at your country's embassy or consulate in Germany — appointments can take weeks, so check the expiry early.
- Biometric photoRequired
How to get it: Photo booths (often inside Bürgeramt buildings, stations and drugstores) or any photo studio — ask for 'biometrisches Passfoto'. Many offices now also have photo terminals on site.
- MeldebescheinigungRequired
📋 Bring the original, not a copy
How to get it: You receive it at your Anmeldung appointment at the Bürgeramt. Lost it? Request a new copy at the Bürgeramt (small fee, often bookable online).
- Eyesight test certificate (Sehtest)If applicable
Required for some countries — done at opticians
Can you do it online?
Some Führerscheinstellen let you start the application or book online — check your city's page. You'll still attend in person to hand in documents.
Good to know
- EU/EEA licences stay valid and only need swapping when they expire; the six-month clock mainly affects non-EU licences.
- Some countries (and US/Canadian states) have full reciprocity — no exams needed; others require the theory test, the practical, or both. Check your country's status before you start.
- You'll usually need a certified translation (ADAC or a sworn translator) and an eyesight test from an optician — sort these before your appointment.
- Start within the six-month window: drive on an expired-for-Germany foreign licence and you're effectively driving without a licence.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for Führerschein umschreiben in Bonn?
You'll need 5 key documents: Foreign driving licence, Certified translation of the licence, Passport or ID, Biometric photo, Meldebescheinigung. Bonn's international institutions (the UN campus, DHL and Deutsche Telekom) mean many offices are used to English-speaking newcomers, and appointments are usually easier than in nearby Cologne.
Can I do Führerschein umschreiben online in Bonn?
Some Führerscheinstellen let you start the application or book online — check your city's page. You'll still attend in person to hand in documents.
Which office handles Führerschein umschreiben in Bonn?
Exchange your driving licence in Bonn is handled at the local level in North Rhine-Westphalia. The exact office and any forms are linked from the official source on this page, and once you're on the portal, the free TiG Pilot extension explains each field in plain English.
Checklist last verified 2026-06-11. Rules vary by office and change over time — always confirm with the official source linked above.