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In the district of Gifhorn, Germany, a significant change is underway for drivers holding licenses issued between 1999 and 2001. The Department of Traffic Affairs of the District of Gifhorn has announced that these licenses must be exchanged for newer, EU-compliant ones by January 19, 2026.
Exchanging Old Driver's Licenses in Gifhorn
The exchange process is straightforward and requires a personal appearance with a prior appointment. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Check Eligibility: Confirm that your driver's license was issued in the relevant period (1999–2001) and that an exchange is necessary.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather the following documents:
- Your current driver's license
- Valid identification (passport or ID card)
- Recent biometric passport photo
- Proof of residence (e.g., registration certificate - Meldebescheinigung)
- Completed application form (available at the local Bürgerbüro or online)
- Application Submission: Submit your application in person at the driver licensing office (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde) or Bürgerbüro in Gifhorn.
- Fee Payment: There is a fee for exchanging the license, amounting to 26.50 euros for the exchange fee plus 6.40 euros for direct shipping.
- Processing Time: It may take a few weeks for the new license to be issued and sent to you.
- Collection: Once your new license is ready, you may need to collect it in person or receive it by post.
Making Appointments Online in Gifhorn
To streamline the process, residents are encouraged to make appointments online via the district's website at www.landkreis-gifhorn.de/fuehrerscheinstelle.
- Access the Website: Visit the official Gifhorn city or district website and navigate to the driver's license or Bürgerbüro appointment section.
- Schedule an Appointment: Look for "Terminvergabe" (appointment scheduling) for the Führerscheinstelle or Bürgerbüro.
- Select Appointment Type: Choose the type of appointment you need (e.g., driver's license exchange).
- Choose an Available Date and Time: Select an available date and time slot.
- Fill Out Contact Information: Fill out your contact information and confirm the appointment.
- Confirmation: You will usually receive a confirmation email with details.
The district of Gifhorn anticipates an increased demand for appointments from its citizens in the second half of 2025. Therefore, it is advisable for residents to make appointments as soon as possible.
This change is part of a Europe-wide standardization to make driver's licenses more tamper-proof and uniform. Citizens of Gifhorn with driver's licenses issued before 1999 and card driver's licenses issued before January 19, 2013, must also exchange their licenses. The old driver's licenses will be marked accordingly and can be kept. The card file copy can be requested by phone, in writing, or online from the originally issuing authority.
This announcement was made in a press release, emphasising the importance of this change for the security and recognition of driver's licenses across EU member states.
In the context of the district of Gifhorn, Germany, it's crucial to consider the impact of this change on various sectors. For instance, the finance industry may experience an increase in transactions related to the exchange fee payment. Furthermore, the transportation industry could see adjustments in route planning and scheduling with the anticipated surge in people visiting driver licensing offices. Online services offered by the district's traffic affairs, such as appointment scheduling and application submission, will also be in high demand, particularly in the second half of 2025.
