Deadline for exchanging driving licenses in the Saalekreis is coming up soon!

Deadline for exchanging driving licenses in the Saalekreis is coming up soon!

Anyone who has received a driver's license in the last few years can be assured of one thing: exchanging it! Especially those who still have an old driving license from 1999 to 2001 should be careful now. Because the deadline for the exchange ends soon, namely on January 19, 2026. This informational reminder comes from the Saalekreis, where those affected must have their main residence in order to easily apply for a new driver's license.

To start the exchange process, you have to go to the driving license authority in Merseburg, there at Weißenfelser Straße 46 a - c. It is advisable to reserve an appointment online in advance. Further details can be found on the district website: Appointment reservation. If you have your documents ready, you can complete the exchange without any major complications. In addition to your old driving license, you also need a valid ID, a biometric passport photo and you have to expect a fee of EUR 33.80 for the entire process.

Deadlines at a glance

Did you know that the obligation to exchange all car and motorcycle licenses issued before January 19, 2013 runs until January 19, 2033? The goal is to create a uniform and forgery-proof driving license design within the EU the federal government reported. The staggered deadlines are particularly relevant:

• Führerscheine 1999 bis 2001: Umtausch bis 19. Januar 2026
• Führerscheine 2002 bis 2004: Umtausch bis 19. Januar 2027
• Führerscheine ab 2005: jeweils zeitversetzte Fristen bis 2033

Another important regulation concerns drivers born before 1953. They don't have to exchange their driving license until 2033 - regardless of the date the driving license was issued. Failure to do so may result in a fine of 10 euros, but this is not a criminal offense ADAC emphasized.

Practical information about the process

The exchange usually takes place without any further checks or health examinations, which is a huge plus for many people. To make it even easier, the required documents can be easily collected in advance. If you are not familiar with the relevant authority or have your old driving license from another authority, you should not forget to request a copy of the index card from the original issuing authority. This can be done by post, telephone or online.

It is important to note that from October 2025 there will be long waiting times and fully booked appointments as the last possible appointment approaches. It is therefore important to act quickly to ensure a stress-free transaction. After applying, you can expect an average waiting time of around three weeks for your new driver's license.

So if you plan to exchange your driver's license in the next few months, you shouldn't take the deadline lightly. An early exchange is not only less stressful, but can also prevent potential problems when traveling abroad. See it as an opportunity to not only get a new driver's license, but also some peace of mind on the road!