Converting a foreign driving licence for people with protection status

Can I convert my foreign driving licence?

The answer depends on the country that issued your licence. Countries generally fall into two categories:

1) Countries whose licences can be converted without exams
Examples: the United States, Canada (some provinces), Australia, Japan, Switzerland, and some Gulf countries.
In this case, you are usually exempt from both the theory and practical exams.

2) Countries that require a theory and/or practical exam
Examples: Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Egypt, Lebanon, Afghanistan…
Most often, you must retake the theory test, and sometimes the practical test as well.

General requirements for people with protection status

• A valid residence permit (asylum, subsidiary protection, or humanitarian status)

• A valid national driving licence, or one that expired recently
  (in some cases, a recently expired licence may still be accepted)

• An official translation of the licence by a recognized body (e.g., ADAC or a sworn translator)

• Proof of official address registration (Anmeldung) in Germany

• Submit your application within the first 6 months of official residence if you plan to drive, because after 6 months the foreign licence is generally no longer valid for driving in Germany.

Step-by-step conversion process

1) Go to the Führerscheinstelle (driving licence authority)
In your city, often located within the Bürgeramt or Straßenverkehrsamt.

2) Submit the required documents

• Passport or residence card

• A recent biometric photo

• Anmeldung (registration certificate)

• Original foreign driving licence

• Official licence translation

• First-aid course certificate (Erste-Hilfe-Kurs)

• Eye test (Sehtest)

• If required: proof of enrolment with a driving school (Fahrschule)

3) Determine whether you need exams
If your country is not exempt, you will need to take the theory exam and possibly the practical exam.

Do I need new driving lessons?
Legally, there is usually no fixed minimum number of lessons.
In practice, many driving schools require a minimum amount of training—especially if you must take a practical test.

Typical costs

• Official application fee: around €40–€50

• Driving lessons (if needed): around €500–€1,500

• Theory and practical exams: around €200–€300

• Official licence translation: around €40–€80

Does my nationality or refugee status affect the decision?
No. As long as you have a valid residence permit, you can apply like any other foreign national.
The main exception is when you cannot prove the licence was officially issued or you lack documents—then you may be treated as a first-time applicant.

What if I lost my original licence or cannot prove it?
In that case:

• it usually cannot be converted directly,

• you must apply as if you never had a licence,

• you start from scratch at driving school (theory + practical + full training).

Conclusion
If you have protection status in Germany and hold a foreign driving licence, you can often convert it, but you may need to retake exams—especially if your country is not exempt.
The earlier you begin—particularly within the first 6 months—the smoother the process usually is.

— The website’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and by consulting multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may be unconfirmed. Please treat this as initial guidance and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed and binding information.