Germany's Driving Licence Moves to Your Smartphone in November
Munich – November 04, 2026 -- German drivers will be able to leave their card licence at home from the end of November, when the digital driving licence is due to launch. After the digital vehicle registration document, the driving licence is the next document to move onto the smartphone. ADAC legal experts have explained how it works and what motorists need to know.
Setup requires your ID card's online function and PIN
Users must first prove their identity online. This requires the online ID function of the German identity card and its PIN. The licence is then stored digitally through the Federal Motor Transport Authority's free i-Kfz app.
The digital licence is valid only inside Germany
At launch, the digital version is accepted only in Germany. Anyone driving abroad must still carry the card licence.