Old versus new – My old gray rag...

I did it. I hope you all know that, depending on your date of birth, you have to exchange your old driver's license for the new card-style license. I struggled for a long time with the idea of exchanging my old gray license for the new one with an expiration date. But when you're abroad or renting a car, people look at you strangely when you present them with a document from the 1980s.

Fortunately, the police have never really checked me abroad. I'm planning a trip to the USA, so I've also got myself an international driver's license. It's only valid in conjunction with your current driver's license and is more of a communication aid. There are countries such as the USA and Canada where this document can help you get back on the road more quickly if you're stopped for a check, because it's easier to understand.

In Kentucky, Georgia, and Florida, they seem to pay particular attention to English translations. In general, before traveling to non-EU countries, you should find out in advance what the requirements are for driving a vehicle if you want to drive in that country. Now my gray license is history.

Note

Whether it's a gray piece of paper, pink cardboard, or white plastic card: by 2033, every driver's license issued before January 19, 2013, must be exchanged for the new EU driver's license. This will happen in stages.

What is the reason for the exchange?

According to the Third EU Driving Licence Directive, all car and motorcycle driving licences issued before January 19, 2013 must be exchanged for the new EU driving licence by January 19, 2033. This is to ensure that all driving licenses still in circulation in the EU have a uniform and forgery-proof design.

For driver's licenses with an issue date until December 31, 1998 The year of birth of the driver's license holder is decisive:

• Before 1953: Exchange until January 19, 2033
• 1953 to 1958: Exchange until January 19, 2022
• 1959 to 1964: Exchange until January 19, 2023
• 1965 to 1970: Exchange until January 19, 2024
• 1971 or later: Exchange until January 19, 2025

For driver's licenses with an issue date from January 1, 1999 the year of issue of the driver's license applies (*):

• 1999 to 2001: Exchange until January 19, 2026
• 2002 to 2004: Exchange until January 19, 2027
• 2005 to 2007: Exchange until January 19, 2028
• 2008: Exchange until January 19, 2029
• 2009: Exchange until January 19, 2030
• 2010: Exchange until January 19, 2031
• 2011: Exchange until January 19, 2032
• 2012 to January 18, 2013: Exchange until January 19, 2033

(*) Drivers born before 1953 must exchange their driver's license by January 19, 2033, regardless of the year of issue.

Is the motorcycle license also temporary?

The same exchange deadlines apply to motorcycle licenses as to car licenses. In future, they will also have to be renewed every 15 years at the latest. A repeat test or health certificate is not required for this either.

External link to federal government