Germany Driver card

Germany Driver Card (Fahrerkarte) – Complete Guide 2025

The German Driver Card (Fahrerkarte) is a personal smart card issued to professional drivers in Germany who operate vehicles with digital tachographs. It records driving time, rest periods, and vehicle usage in compliance with EU Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and AETR rules on driving hours.

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What Is a Driver Card?

The Fahrerkarte is a mandatory document for:

• Professional drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tons
• Buses with more than 9 seats
• Vehicles subject to EU driving time regulations

It stores driver activity data including:

• Driving/rest times
• Vehicle motion status
• Speed and distance
• Driver identity and license data
• Faults or tampering attempts

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Key Features

• Credit card-sized smart card
• Embedded microchip for secure data storage
• Personal and vehicle-independent
• Valid for 5 years
• Can store up to 28 days of driving data

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Who Needs a Driver Card?

You must apply for a Fahrerkarte if you:

• Operate a commercial vehicle with a digital tachograph
• Hold a valid EU Category C, CE, D, or DE driving license
• Are engaged in freight or passenger transport subject to tachograph laws
• Reside in Germany and drive within the EU or internationally

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Application Process

Apply at your local:

• Führerscheinstelle (Driver’s License Authority)
• Kraftfahrzeug-Zulassungsstelle (Vehicle Registration Office)
• Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer)
• DEKRA or TÜV centers (in some regions)

Required Documents:

• Valid German driving license (Category C/D)
• Personal ID card or passport
• Biometric photo
• Completed application form
• Fee payment receipt

Some providers allow online applications with digital ID.

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Costs (2025)

Service	Estimated Fee (EUR)
New driver card (5-year validity)	€30–€45
Replacement (lost/damaged/stolen)	€35–€50
Express issuance (optional)	+€15–€25

Prices vary by region and service provider.

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Validity and Renewal

Driver Card Type	Validity	Renewal Period
First issuance	5 years	Apply at least 15 days before expiry
Replacement card	Until original expiry date	Same as above

Expired cards must not be used. It is illegal to operate a vehicle requiring a driver card without a valid one.

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Driver Card Use & Tachograph Compliance

• Insert your card before starting work each day
• Remove it after finishing your shift
• Drivers must download and save data every 28 days (by employer)
• Keep spare printouts for roadside checks if needed
• Card must be available at all times during driving operations

Employers must archive data for at least 12 months.

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Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Card

1. Report immediately to your local authority or police
2. Apply for a replacement within 7 calendar days
3. In the meantime, record all driving activities manually
4. Replacement cards will show the original issue history

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Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to use or misuse a driver card can lead to:

• Fines up to €5,000 for drivers
• Higher fines or liability for employers
• Points in the German Fahreignungsregister (Driving Aptitude Register)

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International Use

The Fahrerkarte is valid across all EU and EEA countries and must be carried by the driver at all times. If working in multiple EU countries, no additional registration is needed.

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Summary

The Germany Driver Card (Fahrerkarte) is essential for all professional drivers of heavy commercial vehicles. It ensures compliance with EU regulations on working hours, promotes road safety, and helps avoid fines. Accurate use and timely renewal are mandatory for maintaining your professional driving license.

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Official Resources:

• Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) – Fahrerkarte Info
• BMVI – Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport
• [TÜV & DEKRA Appointment Booking](https://www.tuev.de / https://www.dekra.de)