Driving in Germany: Converting Your Licence and Registering a Car

If you're moving to Germany from a non-EU country, it's worth thinking about your driving licence early — the rules differ a lot depending on where you're from.

EU/EEA licences

Driving licences from the EU or EEA remain valid indefinitely in Germany, with no conversion needed.

Licences from other countries

A foreign licence generally lets you drive for six months after establishing residence in Germany (often together with an International Driving Permit). After that:

• If your home country has a licence-conversion agreement (Umschreibungsabkommen) with Germany, you can officially convert your licence into a German one without a new test.
• If no such agreement exists, you generally have to take the German driving test (both theory and practical), usually after some driving-school lessons.

For Iran specifically, Germany has generally not had a licence-conversion agreement — so most people moving from Iran need to take the full German driving test once the six-month window ends. Since these agreements and lists are occasionally updated, it's worth confirming the current status with your local licensing office (Führerscheinstelle).

Registering a car in Germany

To register a vehicle at your local registration office (Zulassungsstelle), you'll typically need:

• Your Meldebescheinigung
• A valid ID card or passport
• The vehicle's registration documents (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II)
• An electronic insurance confirmation number (eVB-Nummer) from a car insurer
• Proof of a valid roadworthiness inspection (TÜV/HU), which is required every two years

Many city centres also have low-emission zones that require an environmental sticker (Umweltplakette) on your windscreen.