Since 18 August 2026, Ukraine has been listed in Annex 11 of Germany’s driving licence regulation (FeV). In practice that means people who live in Germany permanently can usually swap a Ukrainian licence for a German one without taking a theory or practical test. The regulation of 12 August was published in the Federal Law Gazette on 17 August.
There is no rush, though. While temporary protection lasts – the EU has extended it to 4 March 2028 – a valid Ukrainian licence stays recognised in Germany, with no certified translation or international permit. The city of Erlangen says outright that holders do not have to convert “immediately”.
The rule is not limited to people with §24 status; work-permit holders, Blue Card holders and permanent residents can apply too. The requirement is an ordinary residence in Germany, generally at least 185 days a year. Covered classes are A, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE; Ukrainian A1 maps to German AM. For truck and bus classes you need a medical report no older than a year and proof of eyesight no older than two years. If a C or D was issued without B, you must first earn a German B with exams. Authorities can still order a test where there are concrete doubts, though lawyer Hartmann notes this is not the usual case.
According to the city of Wiesbaden, you need valid ID, your electronic residence permit, a biometric photo, the original licence with a translation by a recognised automobile club, and a registration certificate showing your first entry date. The licence must have been issued before you entered Germany. Translation rules differ between offices, so check with your local licensing office first. The Ukrainian original is normally surrendered.
The federal government’s calculations assume a €37.50 administrative fee, plus photos, translation and any medical checks. Waiting times vary: Wiesbaden requires an online appointment and says some cases are still being clarified with higher authorities; Erlangen takes walk-ins but warns of long queues. The licensing office of the Munich district moved to Messecampus Riem on 2 November and takes cashless payment only.
Our assessment: if you expect to stay beyond March 2028, do not leave the swap to the last minute. Once protection ends the special rule falls away and the six-month limit for non-EU licences applies, and offices are likely to be crowded before the deadline. There is no transitional rule for applications filed before 18 August, but applicants can ask to have their case continued under the new rules.
Sources: Stadt Wiesbaden, Stadt Erlangen, Landkreis München, ADAC
