EU/EEA driver’s licenses of harmonized classes (classes AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, and DE) generally do not require conversion.

A conversion becomes necessary when, after taking up residence in Germany, the validity of the driver’s license or the term of the driving authorization—or of individual driving authorization classes—is due for renewal.

Please note:
For driving license classes that are valid for a limited period in Germany (classes C and D, as well as corresponding subclasses and trailer classes), the German validity period applies even if the foreign driver’s license lists no validity period or a longer one.

Holders of EU/EEA driver’s licenses for non-harmonized classes may drive motor vehicles in Germany within the scope of their authorization after taking up residence in Germany, as long as the foreign driver’s license is valid, but for no longer than 6 months. If you wish to continue driving a motor vehicle in Germany after that period, you will need to obtain a German driver’s license based on your foreign license (known as “conversion”). See also: Converting a Foreign Driver’s License (non-EU/EEA).

Detailed information on the recognition of foreign driver’s licenses in Germany is provided by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) on its website under “Validity of Foreign Driver’s Licenses in the Federal Republic of Germany.”

There you will also find an “Information Sheet for Holders of Foreign Driver’s Licenses from EU and EEA Countries on Driver’s License Regulations in the Federal Republic of Germany.”