Driver’s License in Brandenburg
Getting, renewing, or exchanging a driver’s license (Führerschein) in Brandenburg follows Germany’s national framework, administered locally through the state’s counties and independent cities. Here’s what to expect whether you’re applying for the first time, replacing an old license, or converting one from abroad.
Who Handles Driver’s Licenses in Brandenburg?
In Brandenburg, the responsible authority is the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (driving license authority), based at your local Landkreis (county) or, if you live in an independent city (kreisfreie Stadt) such as Potsdam, Cottbus, or Brandenburg an der Havel, the city’s own administration. Which office is responsible for you depends on your registered residence (Wohnsitz).
Applications must generally be submitted in writing, and — importantly — you must appear in person when applying, since your signature is required for the license to be produced by the Bundesdruckerei (Federal Printing Office). Many applicants submit their paperwork directly through their driving school (Fahrschule), which typically keeps the necessary forms on hand and can help make sure everything is complete before it goes to the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde.
Getting a First-Time License (Class B)
To get a standard car license (Class B) in Brandenburg, you’ll need to enroll with a licensed driving school, complete the required theory and practical instruction, and pass both exams. Before applying, you’ll typically need:
- A completed application form with a current biometric photo
- A vision test certificate (Sehtestbescheinigung), no more than two years old
- Proof of completing a first-aid course (9 teaching units) — note that online first-aid courses are not accepted
- For certain classes (like D1, D1E, D, DE), an extended certificate of good conduct (erweitertes Führungszeugnis)
If you’re applying before the standard minimum age for a class — 18 for Class B/BE, 21 for C/CE, 24 for D/DE — you’ll also need to submit proof of physical and mental fitness via a medical-psychological assessment (MPU), at your own expense.
What Does It Cost?
Nationally, a first Class B license runs roughly €2,500–€4,500 in 2026, with fixed administrative and exam costs (excluding driving lessons) typically totaling around €300–€450 regardless of location. In Brandenburg specifically, the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde application fee itself is comparatively modest — for example, Brandenburg an der Havel charges between roughly €43.90 and €44.70 depending on the license class requested. As in most of Germany, driving lessons make up the bulk of total cost; per-lesson rates in Brandenburg’s smaller cities and rural areas tend to run somewhat below big-city rates, though prices vary by driving school.
If your license was previously revoked and you need a new one issued (Neuerteilung), fees run considerably higher — a simplified procedure without extensive fitness evaluation costs around €119.40 (or €120.20 with a probationary period), while a more extensive procedure involving a full fitness assessment costs around €211.00 (or €211.80 with a probationary period).
Renewing or Replacing a License
Older paper licenses are subject to Germany’s mandatory nationwide exchange program, following the same rolling deadlines as the rest of the country — licenses issued before January 19, 2013 are being phased into mandatory exchange on a schedule that runs through January 19, 2033, based on issue year. The exchange only replaces the physical document; your actual driving entitlement isn’t affected.
If you need an official extract from the local driving license register — a Karteikartenabschrift — this can be requested from the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde that originally issued your license, though additional fees may apply.
Lost, stolen, or damaged licenses require an application for a replacement (Ersatzführerschein) through your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde.
Converting a Foreign License in Brandenburg
Foreign license conversions in Brandenburg follow national rules, processed through your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde:
EU/EEA licenses (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway): No conversion required for standard car classes — these remain valid in Germany indefinitely. Conversion is only needed for certain higher vehicle classes (C, C1, CE, D, etc.).
Licenses from listed third countries (Anlage 11 of the Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung, including the UK): Often convertible without a new theory or practical exam, though a certified translation and vision test may still be required.
All other third-country licenses: Generally require passing both the theory and practical exam, unless a specific reciprocity exception applies.
The standard six-month rule applies here too: once you establish permanent residence in Germany, a foreign license from outside the EU/EEA remains valid for six months from your date of entry, after which you need a German license to keep driving legally.
For conversions, you’ll typically need to submit your original foreign license along with a certified translation (required under FeV § 30 for EU/EEA licenses or § 31 for non-EU/EEA licenses), plus a current vision test. Note that applying for a new license generally means giving up any existing license you hold, and you’ll need to confirm your foreign license is still valid at the time of application.
Practical Tips for Brandenburg Applicants
- Plan for an in-person appointment. Your signature is required in person for license production, so this step can’t be skipped even if you submit paperwork through your driving school.
- Confirm your responsible authority first. Since jurisdiction depends on your registered address, check whether your Landkreis or independent city (Potsdam, Cottbus, Brandenburg an der Havel, etc.) handles your application.
- Ask your driving school about the application. Many Fahrschulen in Brandenburg can help submit the initial paperwork on your behalf.
- Watch for national reform changes. Brandenburg’s state government has publicly supported federal efforts to lower and modernize driver’s license costs, so requirements and fees may shift as reforms roll out.
Final Thoughts
Brandenburg’s driver’s license process runs through the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde of your county or independent city, with a personal appearance required at some point regardless of how you submit your initial application. Whether you’re applying for a first license, handling a mandatory paper-to-card exchange, or converting a foreign license, confirming your local authority’s specific requirements early — and keeping an eye on ongoing national licensing reforms — will make the process go more smoothly.
This article is intended as general informational content and does not replace advice from your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde or a licensed legal professional. Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm current details with your local authority before applying.
