Driving and Driver’s licences - South Africans in Germany

Your Guide to Driving Legally in Germany

Driving in Germany comes with freedom — and a fair bit of paperwork.
In most cases, South Africans don’t need to redo their driving tests — just follow the conversion process.

That said, requirements can vary depending on your region. You may need a first aid course, a German translation of your licence, or additional confirmation from South Africa. It’s always best to check with your local office before applying.

Visiting Germany

If you're visiting for a short period, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid South African driver’s licence. You can apply for the IDP at the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA).

Staying Longer

For stays longer than six months, you can drive legally in Germany using your South African licence and your IDP for the first six months (185 days from the date of entry into Germany). After that, you’ll need to convert your South African licence into a German one (Führerschein).

Important: Rules and requirements may change, so always check the latest information using the links we’ve provided or consult your local traffic department’s website.

Overview

You do not need to take a driving test – South African licences can generally be converted directly to a German one.
In some regions, a first aid course is now required. It’s best to complete this before applying if needed. Many driving schools (Fahrschulen) offer these courses, and it’s a useful skill to have regardless.
You will usually need a German translation of your licence. This can be done at your local ADAC. Requirements can vary depending on your Bundesland, so always confirm with your local office.
Your licence can only be converted if you were a registered resident in South Africa for at least six months when it was issued. Licences obtained while abroad (for example, during a short stay) are not eligible for conversion.
Some cities are starting to request a “Confirmation of South African Driving Licence”. For example, this is required in Böbblingen. It’s wise to check in advance if your local office needs this. You can request the confirmation from the RTMC – see more information here. Assistance services are also listed in our marketplace. If you’re still in South Africa, get this sorted before you travel.
You can apply for the conversion at your local Bürgerdienste or Führerscheinstelle. Search for “Führerscheinstelle + your town” or use Ortsdienst.de. Tip: when registering at the Bürgeramt or Ausländerbehörde, ask them exactly where to apply.
For Type C and D licences, additional documents may be required, such as a criminal record certificate (Police clearance) and a medical certificate.

What do you need to apply

You need the following to apply to convert your South African licence to a German driver’s licence

Passport and Residence card (Aufenthaltstitel)
Photo, the same type as for a passport photo
Your valid South African driver's licence card
German translation of your South African licence, if needed
Confirmation of your Anmeldung - if you do not apply in your home town.
First aid course if required.
Copy of excerpt/confirmation from the issuing driving licence authority abroad with translation (Kopie Auszug/Bestätigung von der ausstellenden Führerscheinbehörde im Ausland mit Übersetzung ) if required
Applicable Fees

International Drivers licence - issued in Germany

When applying for your German driver’s licence, you’ll need to hand in your South African licence to the German authorities. This means that if you plan to drive in South Africa afterwards, you’ll need an International Driver’s Licence.

According to Regulation 110 of the National Road Traffic Act, a foreign licence is only valid in South Africa if it is issued in one of South Africa’s official languages. Since a German licence is not, it will not be accepted on its own – you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

You can apply for an International Licence at your local Führerscheinstelle (licensing authority), which is part of the Stadtverwaltung, Bürgeramt, Rathaus, or Landratsamt, depending on where you live.
The IDP is recognised in 200 countries. Here is a list of countries where you’ll need an International Licence once you have your German (EU) licence.

What you need for the application:

Application form (available online or at the office)
Your German driver’s licence
A biometric photo
Your SA passport
Around €16 in fees

Sie können den Internationalen Führerschein bei der Führerscheinstelle an Ihrem Wohnort beantragen. Zuständig ist:

für Stadtkreise: die Stadtverwaltung
für Landkreise: das Landratsamt

Rules and reciprocal licence agreements for each country

Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz
Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development
Fact sheet for holders of foreign driving licences – Bundesministerium für Verkehr und digatle Infrastruktur
Validity of foreign licences in Germany
Validity of German licences in other coutries

Renewing your SA drivers licence card

You need to renew your licence in person in South Africa.
Please take note that “your South African driving licence card is your valid proof that you have a South African Driving Licence.
When your driving licence card has expired, it does not mean that your driving licence has expired. Only your valid proof of such a licence has expired”

Applicants outside the borders of the RSA whose Driving Licence Cards have expired or were lost/stolen and who are not in a position to return to the RSA to have the licence renewed:

According to DIRCO, “The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), a corporation of the Department of Transport, is in a position to issue a confirmation letter should such an applicant have a valid licence.
This is established by verifying the applicant’s South African identification number on the National Traffic Information System.
The letter will serve as proof that the applicant has a valid licence, and this will enable them to convert to a foreign driving licence in the country of current residence.
Please note:
The confirmation letter cannot be interpreted as a driving licence when produced to a law enforcement official.

You can send an email to dlconfirmations@rtmc.co.za.
Your request must include your contact numbers (including email address), a copy of your ID or a copy of your driving licence.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will, upon request, investigate and print a copy of the licence required and a Letter of Confirmation of the licence. This letter reflects the date that the licence was first issued. Kindly note that the person collecting the letter must provide acceptable identification and may also arrange for a courier to collect it.
You can ask someone to collect the original from their office in Centurion, or use one of the companies listed on our marketplace to collect, apostille and courier it to you. It can take around 2 months.

More info from DIRCO

Contact info RTMC

Companies that can assist with documentation form South Africa

Docs4U

RSA DOCUMENTS

Apostil.co.za

Doc Assist

Vocabulary

English	German
citizens' office	das Bürgeramt
City hall	das Rathaus
Conversion of a Foreign Driver’s Licence	Umschreibung einer ausländischen Fahrerlaubnis
Driver’s Licence	der Führerschein
driver’s licence office	die Führerscheinstelle
Driving School	die Fahrschule
first-aid course	der Erste-Hilfe-Kurs
Permanent Residence card	der Personalausweis
Translation	die Übersetzung

Resources on the web

German Road Safety App
Europa.eu
www.german-way.com
ADAC – officially the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (General German Automobile Club)- is Europe’s largest motoring association. The object of the ADAC is “the representation, promotion and advocacy of motoring, motorsport and tourism interests
Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr

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