Overview
- Berlin’s transport authority is reminding holders of German card licences issued in 1999, 2000 or 2001 to apply now to avoid year‑end bottlenecks.
- Applications go through local licence offices or Bürgerämter with an ID, a recent biometric photo and the old licence; a Karteikartenabschrift may be needed if the original issuer is in another city.
- Processing typically takes about four to six weeks, and fees average around €25, with Berlin quoting €26.50 plus €5.31 for postal delivery.
- After the deadline the old document is invalid, private drivers risk a €10 warning fine and possible problems abroad, and professional categories such as truck or bus can face stricter consequences.
- The exchange does not require new tests or medicals, the new card is valid for 15 years, people born before 1953 have until January 19, 2033, and later issue‑year cohorts have staggered deadlines through 2033.