Germany is known for its efficient public transportation system and well-structured road network, however having a driving license can still be advantageous. If you're a foreigner residing in Germany, depending on the country that issued your driving license, you will need to take some steps to be able to drive in Germany. Check the 3 main categories of countries below to find out what you exactly need to do.
The responsible office for driving licences in Saarland is the Ordnungsamt;
Landeshauptstadt Saarbrücken
Ordnungsamt
Großherzog-Friedrich-Straße 111
66121 Saarbrücken
Phone: +49 681 905-0
Fax: +49 681 905-3576
ordnungsamt@saarbruecken.de
www.saarbruecken.de
Driving license from the EU (European Union) or EEA states (European Economic Area)
Necessary Documents
- Identity card or passport. The residence permit is not sufficient.
- Photo (4.5 × 3.5 cm; biometric)
Hints
- The German driving license will only be issued after at least 185 days have elapsed since entry into the Federal Republic of Germany.
- The foreign driving license will be retained on the day of application.
- The administrative fee is €37.50.
Driving licenses from countries according to Annex 11 to § 31 of the Driving License Ordinance
Necessary Documents
- Identity card or passport. The residence permit is not sufficient.
- Photo (4.5 × 3.5 cm; biometric)
- Certificate of first entry to Germany (Bescheinigung über die Erstereinreise), available from; Zentrale Ausländerbehörde zab@lava.saarland.de (The registration certificate from the Bürgeramt is not sufficient.)
- Certified translation of the national driving license into German (by a translator authorized by a German court or an automobile club).
- Valid national driving license. The driving license must have been issued before entering Germany. An international driving license is not sufficient.
Hints
- Driving with a foreign license is only permitted for six months from the date of entry into Germany.
- The German license will only be issued after at least 185 days have passed since entry.
- The foreign license will be retained on the day of application.
- The administrative fee is €37.50.
Note: States of the USA, Australia, and Canada are listed separately
.
Driving licenses from a third country (other than those above)
Necessary Documents
- Identity card or passport. The residence permit is not sufficient.
- Photo (4.5 × 3.5 cm; biometric)
- Proof of an eye test (from optician or ophthalmologist)
- Certificate of attendance for a first aid course
- Certificate of first entry to Germany (Bescheinigung über die Erstereinreise), available from: Zentrale Ausländerbehörde zab@lava.saarland.de (The registration certificate from the Bürgeramt is not sufficient.)
- Certified translation of the national driving license into German (by a translator admitted by a German court or automobile club)
- Original foreign driver's license The driving license must have been issued before entering Germany. An international driving license is not sufficient.
Hints
- Driving with a foreign license is only permitted for six months after entering Germany.
- A German license is only issued after 185 days have elapsed since entry.
- The foreign license will be retained on the day of application.
- The administrative fee is €45.10.
- A theoretical and practical driving test must be passed before the license is issued. Additional costs apply.
Certificate of First Entry to Germany (Bescheinigung über die Ersteinreise)
This is an official document issued by the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Authority) that certifies the exact date of your first entry into Germany.
Issuing Authority:
Zentrale Ausländerbehörde
Dillinger Straße 67
66822 Lebach
Germany
Email: zab@lava.saarland.de
Website: https://www.saarland.de/lava/DE/home/Abteilungen/Abteilung2.html