Are Ukrainian Driving Licences Valid in Germany and When Do They Need to Be Exchanged?

You do not always need to exchange your Ukrainian driving licence immediately after moving to Germany. First, find out which rules apply to the recognition of your licence and how long you can use it. If your job in Germany involves driving a car, check this before your first shift. You may also need additional documents for professional transport.

Are Ukrainian Driving Licences Valid in Germany?

To find out whether your Ukrainian driving licence is valid in Germany in your situation, check two things: whether the licence itself is valid and which rule Germany applies to recognise it. The expiry date on the card and the period during which you can drive with it in Germany do not always coincide.

If you have temporary protection, your valid Ukrainian driving licence is recognised for as long as that protection remains in force. Under this rule, you do not need to obtain a separate international driving permit or get a certified translation to drive. You also do not need to exchange your licence simply because six months have passed since you moved.

Can you drive in Germany with a Ukrainian licence without temporary protection? Yes, if your licence is valid and you are covered by the general rules for recognising foreign licences. If your normal residence remains abroad, the six-month period does not start simply because you crossed the border. If you establish your normal residence in Germany, the general rule is that you can use your Ukrainian licence for six months from that point. If you are not covered by temporary protection, check separately whether you need a translation of your licence.

If your licence has expired, you have lost it or all you have left is a photo of it, do not assume that this is enough to drive. Contact your local driving licence authority and ask how to prove your right to drive in your situation.

When Do You Need to Exchange Your Ukrainian Driving Licence for a German One?

You need to exchange your licence if you plan to keep driving but the period during which your Ukrainian licence is recognised is coming to an end. It is best to find out how long your Ukrainian driving licence is valid in Germany before submitting your documents, rather than waiting until you have already booked an appointment.

It is particularly important to check the deadline if you are switching from temporary protection to a residence permit for work or study, or to another basis for staying in Germany. Do not assume you will automatically get another six months from the date your residence permit is issued. Tell the authority when you settled in Germany and when your status is changing. Ask it to confirm the date until which you can drive with your Ukrainian licence. Submitting an exchange application does not in itself extend that period.

If you are interested in working as a driver in Germany, check the requirements for the journeys you will make. For example, for freight or passenger transport subject to professional qualification requirements, a category C or D licence alone is not enough. You may need separate proof of qualification, such as a driver qualification card showing Code 95. Recognition of your licence, your professional qualifications and your right to work are checked separately.

How to Exchange a Ukrainian Driving Licence in Germany

In August 2026, Ukraine was added to Annex 11 of the German driving licence regulations, Anlage 11 FeV. For certain categories, including B, this means you can exchange a Ukrainian licence for a German one without taking a theory or practical test. For the lorry and bus categories on the list, you also need to prove that you are medically fit to drive and meet the eyesight requirements. If you hold category C or D but not B, check the procedure separately: in this case, you need to pass tests to obtain German category B.

1. Find the authority responsible for your place of residence. Look for Fahrerlaubnisbehörde or Führerscheinstelle and the Umschreibung service. Check where to submit your application: in some cities, the Bürgeramt also accepts documents.
2. Prepare the documents on the local checklist. You usually need proof of identity, your original valid Ukrainian driving licence and a biometric photo. Check whether you also need proof of address or residence status. If the authority asks for a translation, find out whose translations it accepts before ordering one.
3. Check how your licence will be verified and how you will receive the new one. As part of the exchange, the German authority may check the details on your Ukrainian licence. If it needs another document, ask for its exact name. Also ask about the fee, processing time and whether you can drive while your application is being reviewed.

Replacing a Ukrainian driving licence in Germany is not necessarily the same as exchanging it for a German licence. If you need a new Ukrainian licence, for example to replace one you have lost, check the procedure with the relevant Ukrainian service. If you want to obtain a German licence on the basis of your Ukrainian one, contact the German authority. Your Ukrainian licence is taken away as part of that exchange.

Start by checking your residence status, your licence’s expiry date and the category you need. This will help you determine whether you can drive now, whether it is time to apply for an exchange and which documents you need in your situation.