Converting a non-EU licence

The Umschreibung has a fixed shopping list and a fixed order, and neither is obvious from the letter the authority sends you. Requirements vary by issuing country and by Bundesland — treat this as the shape of the process, and your own approval letter as the authority on dates and specifics.

Watch these two deadlinesA non-EU licence is only valid to drive in Germany for a limited period after you establish residence — commonly cited as six months, sometimes extendable — and once that period ends you may not drive until the German licence is issued. The window to apply for conversion under the simplified non-EU route is also time-limited relative to when you took up residence; leave it too long and you can lose access to that route entirely. Both figures vary by circumstance and by Bundesland — treat this as a warning to check early, and your own approval letter and Ausländerbehörde/Führerscheinstelle as the authority on your actual dates.

1
Biometric photo€10–15
One passport-standard photo for the application.
2
Translation of your foreign licence€40–80
By a court-sworn translator, or through ADAC or AvD, or the issuing state's consular authority. Not required for EU/EEA licences. Being written in English does not automatically exempt you — the exemptions depend on the issuing country, and some authorities are more permissive than others, so confirm with yours before skipping this.
3
Sehtest (eye test)about €7
From an optician. Must be no more than two years old when you apply. Required for classes A and B.
4
Erste-Hilfe course (first aid)€40–70
A single day. Book early — popular dates fill up weeks ahead.
5
File the applicationadministrative fee
At your local licensing authority, presenting the original foreign licence.
6
Take the approval letter to a Fahrschulevaries
You cannot book an exam yourself; a driving school registers you. If your licence is non-EU you are normally exempt from the 14 mandatory theory lessons, so this is largely an administrative step.
7
Pass the theory exam€22–25
Watch the deadline on your approval letter. If theory is not passed by that date the application lapses and the fee is lost.
8
Pass the practical examvaries
Within 12 months of passing theory.
9
Collect the German licence—
Book a collection appointment and surrender the original foreign licence.

The step most likely to catch you out is passing the theory exam. Booking a slot goes through your driving school and can take one to three weeks, so a deadline that looks comfortable stops being comfortable well before it arrives.