Electronic Driving Permit Implemented in Germany
Starting April, the traditional driver's license in Munich will transition into a digital format, accessible through a mobile app on a smartphone. The digital driver's license is a collaborative initiative between the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Federal Motor Transport Authority, and the Federal Printing Office. This shift aims to allow drivers to leave their physical cards at home, provided they have their phones with them.
The digital driver's license offers several practical advantages. For instance, you'll never have to worry about forgetting your driver's license if you lose your wallet at home. Additionally, the plastic card can be securely stored and is less likely to get lost. A notable feature is that in the event of severe traffic violations, the police will not be able to immediately confiscate the digital driver's license, giving the driver time to seek legal advice.
Eligibility and Prerequisites
To use the digital driver's license, residents will need a new identity card equipped with an activated eID function. It's important to note that individuals without German citizenship and without a German driver's license are still required to carry their plastic cards.
The digital driver's license is optional and does not replace the physical driver's license. At present, it is only valid within Germany.
Munich's Digital Advancements
While Munich is making strides in digitalizing its services, traditional administrative processes remain in place. The city has made substantial progress in digital public services, ranking highly among German cities, but a fully digital driver's license application is not yet available, requiring certain steps to still be completed in-person.
As cities across Germany adopt more digital services, Munich continues to be a leader in digital public administration with ongoing improvements expected in the near future.
If you are planning to relocate to Munich, prepare for a mostly online but not completely digital process for your driver's license needs.
[1] Source: Official Munich City Guide - Services[3] Source: Digitalization Index for German Cities 2021[Uncited Sources]: Requirements for Obtaining a Driver’s License in Munich section details for non-EU/EEA nationals and Munich's ongoing digitalization efforts, as well as digital progress in Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
- Should you be planning to relocate to Munich, it's worth noting that while the city is moving towards a more digital driver's license system, the application process remains a combination of online and in-person steps.
- In preparation for using the digital driver's license in Munich, new residents are required to have a new identity card with an activated eID function, and for those without German citizenship or a German driver's license, a physical card is still necessary.
