Driving licence: Get a replacement Unfortunately this specification of service has not yet been completely translated.

If your name has changed, you can get a new driver's license. If your driver's license has been stolen, made illegible or destroyed, you must have a new driver's license issued.

  • If your name has changed, you do not need to get a new driver's license. Especially when travelling abroad, however, it may make sense to be in possession of an EU card driving licence with up-to-date information. If you wish to change your name in your driving licence, you will be issued a new card driving licence upon request.
  • If your driver's license has been lost or destroyed (theft, illegibility or loss), you will need a new driver's license, unless you waive your driver's license.

In case of name change:

  • official proof of the place and date of birth (e.B. identity card or passport),
  • where applicable, registration certificate,
  • Previous driving licence (it is the task of the driving licence authority to ensure that the applicant is in possession of the driving licence by obtaining information from the registers.)
  • a biometric photograph in accordance with the Passport Ordinance,
  • in the case of name change by marriage: additionally certified copy of the marriage certificate, if the name has not yet been changed in the identity card or passport,
  • in case of name change by divorce: additional name change certificate from the registry office, if the name has not yet been changed in the identity card or passport.
  • You can find out more about this from the responsible office

In case of theft, loss, illegibility:

  • current photograph (size 45x35mm, portrait format, frontal image). Information and examples can be found in the photo sample board (Bundesdruckerei).
  • If applicable, submission of an insurance on oath instead of the whereabouts of the driver's license
  • official proof of place and day of birth (e.B. identity card or passport)
  • If applicable, current registration certificate
  • If necessary, theft report from the police

Related Links

  • Photo sample board (Bundesdruckerei)

Preconditions

You must be the holder of a valid driving licence.

Hints

It is not mandatory to issue a new driving licence if the name is changed. Nevertheless, in such a case, it is recommended to have a new driver's license issued.

Anyone who does not immediately report the loss of a driver's license and applies for a replacement document commits an administrative offense.

§ 25 Abs. 4 and 5 FeV;

§ 5 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG)

Related Links

  • Driving Licence Ordinance (FeV)
  • Scale of charges for road transport measures (RFees)
  • Road Traffic Act (StVG)
  • You can apply for the name change in the driving licence in writing or in electronic form at the driving licence authority of your place of residence.
  • The loss of a driving licence must be reported immediately.

Responsible for the content
Hessian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Energy, Transport and Housing

Last update or date of publication
17.09.2020