Driver qualification certificate; application

The aim is to improve road safety within the European Union. For this reason, self-employed and employed drivers who carry out road haulage or passenger transport on public roads for which a C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE driving license is required must provide proof of a special qualification.

In addition to the required driving license, drivers must obtain an initial qualification to enter the profession.

As part of the basic qualification, special activity-related skills and knowledge (e.g. technology, road safety, rational fuel consumption, driving and rest times, health) are taught. You are then obliged to take part in further training every five years to refresh and update the skills and knowledge you have acquired.

The basic qualification and regular further training are documented by entry in the driver qualification certificate. This is valid for a maximum of 5 years.

You are a German national or a national of a member state of the European Union, an EEA state or Switzerland or are employed by a company based in an EU/EEA state.

You are in possession of a driving license for categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE or can provide proof of the basic qualification or the accelerated basic qualification.

For renewal or updating, you must provide proof of completion of further training at a recognized training institution.

Submit the application together with the documents to the driving license authority responsible for your place of residence.

Once the application has been received, you will receive an invoice for the application fee.

Once the application fee has been paid and the documents have been checked, the competent authority will have a driver qualification certificate produced by the Bundesdruckerei.

The Bundesdruckerei will send you the driver qualification certificate.

The driver qualification certificate can be applied for at the earliest 6 months before the expiry date and should be applied for at the latest 6 weeks before the expiry date.

• The following documents must be enclosed with the application:
  
  • Proof of identity (copy of identity card, passport or residence permit)
  • Driver's license (copy)
  • Biometric photo (not older than 6 months)
  • Official proof of normal residence
  • if driver qualification certificate already exists: Driver qualification certificate
  • Proof of basic qualification, accelerated basic qualification or further training
  • in case of loss: an affidavit in lieu of an oath
  • in the event of theft: proof of a report
  • if issued due to a change: proof of the corresponding change

• Examination of an application for the issue of a driver qualification card or a new driver qualification card in the event of changes or damage and decision on the application: EUR 15.80

• Examination of an application for the issue of a new driver qualification certificate in the event of loss or theft and decision on the application: EUR 20.20

• Issue of a driver qualification certificate and delivery of the driver qualification certificate by direct mail within Germany: EUR 11.70

• Issue of a driver qualification certificate and delivery of the driver qualification certificate by direct mail to EU member states: EUR 12.80

• Issue of a driver qualification certificate by express delivery and delivery of the driver qualification certificate: EUR 17.10