By 2033, around 43 million old driving licenses in Germany will have to be exchanged for forgery-proof ones. What is the reason?
Berlin – In view of the stress caused by the corona pandemic, the first deadline for the mandatory exchange of driving licenses is to be extended. The Federal Council decided on Friday.
Specifically, for drivers born between 1953 and 1958 with old paper driving licenses that were issued by December 31, 1998, the deadline for the exchange will be extended by six months – from January 19 to July 19, 2022. A There should not be any postponement of the other exchange periods.
The conference of interior ministers had already decided on the longer period in mid-January. From a technical point of view, this has now been included in an ordinance of the Federal Ministry of Transport on further changes in traffic law.
Consistent and tamper-proof
By 2033, around 43 million driving licenses will have to be exchanged in Germany. Reason are EU requirements. In the future, driving licenses should be forgery-proof and uniform throughout the EU. In addition, all driver’s licenses should be recorded in a database to prevent misuse.
The next deadline after the now extended one for those born between 1953 and 1958 is January 19, 2023 – by then, drivers born between 1959 and 1964 must exchange their driving licenses. The deadline is January 19, 2033. This applies to drivers born before 1953 – as well as to driving licenses issued from 2012 to January 18, 2013. Driving licenses issued after this date already comply with the new EU requirements.
According to the Federal Ministry of Transport, the old driver’s license will become invalid after the respective deadlines have expired. In addition, there is a warning fine of ten euros. However, the driving license itself remains unchanged. A new driver’s license test is therefore not necessary. dpa
