Attention, driver's license owner! Exchange period ends soon - act now!

Attention, driver's license owner! Exchange period ends soon - act now!

Parchim, Deutschland - More and more drivers are faced with an important period: Until January 19, 2026, owners of an old EU card driver's license, which was issued between 1999 and 2001, have to trade. Otherwise, your driver's license could lose his validity, even if the driver's license itself is preserved. The driving license authority in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district urgently advises not to wait until the last minute to avoid long waiting times. "A little preliminary can never hurt," emphasizes the authority.

The exchange is mandatory for all residents of Ludwigslust-Parchim or Schwerin. Applications can be submitted to the driver's license office in Schwerin or in any citizens' office in the district. In addition to the old driver's license, interested parties also have to present a valid ID or passport and a biometric photo. The old driver's license is either moved in or devalued and the new one is conveniently sent by the federal printing company by direct shipping. According to Uckermarkurier , all those who are still on the road are now Take care of exchange.

deadlines at a glance

The deadlines for the exchange of old driver's licenses are clearly regulated. The following deadlines must be observed according to the requirements of the third EU driver's license directive:

• Führer certificates from 1999 to 2001 must be exchanged by January 19, 2026.
• for driving licenses from 2002 to 2004, January 19, 2027.
• Younger driver's licenses by 2012 must be renewed by January 19, 2033.

The details can be found on bundes- Government.de . There is no new driving test because the exchange is only an administrative matter.

What can happen?

Anyone who fails to exchange their old driver's license in good time will have possible difficulties in traffic controls from January 20, 2026. The driver's license remains, but the possession of a valid driver's license is expected. To avoid trouble, those affected should keep an eye on the deadline.

Another point is that not least the validity of driver's license from January 19, 2013 is only 15 years before they have to be renewed. This applies to all types of driver's license, including motorcycles. The new driver's licenses are significantly more counterfeiting and correspond to the uniform standards in the EU. Fees of around 25 euros are incurred for the exchange.

drivers should not lean back and wait, but initiate the necessary steps quickly and easily. Find out about what is needed for the exchange and avoid the hustle and bustle shortly before the deadline.