Anyone who exchanges their Ukrainian driver’s license for a German one in Germany can no longer use the Ukrainian driver’s license afterward. As soon as the Ukrainian driver’s license exchanged in Germany is received by a regional service center of the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVS), the exchange is recorded in the MVS’s central registry. After that, the Ukrainian driver’s license is considered invalid. The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed this in response to an inquiry from Deutsche Welle (DW).
As of August 18, 2026, valid Ukrainian driver’s licenses for classes A1, A, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, and DE can generally be exchanged in Germany without having to take a written or driving test. The local driver’s license office is responsible for the exchange. For truck and bus classes, additional requirements regarding medical fitness and vision apply. However, if Ukrainian Classes C or D were issued without Class B, the theoretical and practical exams must be taken to obtain the German Class B license.
Important for refugees with temporary protection: You do not have to exchange your valid Ukrainian driver’s license for a German one solely because of the new exchange regulation. According to the Federal Ministry of Transport, valid Ukrainian driver’s licenses are recognized in Germany and other EU member states for the duration of your protection status. The protection status has been extended until March 4, 2028. A certified translation or an international driver’s license is not required.
Returns are accepted
Anyone returning permanently to Ukraine after a prolonged stay abroad may exchange a German driver’s license—which they previously received in exchange for their Ukrainian driver’s license—back for a Ukrainian one. Generally, no written or driving test is required for this. The new Ukrainian driver’s license will list the categories that were already included in the original Ukrainian driver’s license prior to the exchange. To exchange the license, you must visit an MVS service center in Ukraine in person; the process cannot be completed online.
Sources:
Bundesverkehrsministerium: Geltung ukrainischer Führerscheine in Deutschland
Hauptservicezentrum des ukrainischen Innenministeriums: Ukrainische Führerscheine können in Deutschland ohne Prüfungen umgetauscht werden
Deutsche Welle: MVS – In Deutschland umgetauschte ukrainische Führerscheine sind nicht mehr gültig
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