They still exist – the good old driving licenses on sticky paper.

Unfortunately not for long.

In these days, a reminder of the exchange obligation actually fluttered into the house.

The state office for civil and regulatory affairs points out that the period for the gray rag with the photo from distant youth days is running out.

In the EU, all drivers should only be on the road with uniform, forgery-proof cards.

Manfred Schaefers

Business correspondent in Berlin.

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"According to the classification according to year of birth shown in Annex 8e of the Driving License Ordinance (FeV), there is an obligation to exchange all holders of paper driving licenses who were born between 1959 and 1964," says the letter from the beginning of July.

So that there is no mistake, the note is added: "You were born in this period."

The consequence of doing nothing is mercilessly named: exchange for a card driver's license by January 19, 2023, "if you want to continue driving a motor vehicle on public roads".

It was true that at the time you were allowed to drive a car.

Indefinite.

And now the right should expire because the verification document does not meet the latest standard?

It's like being barred from entering your own house just because you lost the key.

Things don't seem all that dramatic after all.

A call to the ADAC leads to the following information: If you are caught without a driver's license after the deadline has expired, there is a risk of a fine of ten euros - presumably with a friendly admonition to start the exchange quickly.

The authority has therefore dramatized to get people to exchange.

Exchange with negative surprise

She managed to do that with the Berliner who was written to by the office a few days ago.

On the one hand, he is annoyed because he hates bureaucracy like the devil hates holy water - but at the same time he is pleasantly touched that the notorious administration of the capital has thought of him.

After all, she is known for being constantly overwhelmed.

The authority, which is certainly understaffed, lovingly lists what is needed for the exchange: ID document, photo (“biometric”), fee payment on site (EUR 25.30 plus EUR 5.10 for direct mail) and the old driver’s license.

Surprisingly, an appointment can be organized at the Citizens' Registration Office for the exchange, there is a free time slot in September.

There is a bang, because there is no shortage of reports in the capital about the lack of access to the various offices.

But there is a negative surprise.

Now it says about the required documents: "if necessary.

Index card copy if you have a paper driver's license that was not issued in Berlin".

The person concerned has lived in the city since the end of the last millennium, but that doesn't help here.

Although he has an official document from a German authority with the gray driver's license, the administration does not accept that.

If a member state were to take a similar approach, the EU Commission would probably speak of discrimination against foreigners and take action against it.

But who protects you in Germany from national discrimination?

The inquiry at the responsible senate administration reveals: Firstly, the index card copy is necessary because the old driver's licenses can easily be forged.

Second, it can be done without if necessary.

Then the authorities exchange information directly.

But it is faster with the index card copy you have applied for yourself.

This shows that it is possible, but it could be easier.

The dream: The new driver's license card from the office automatically comes fluttering into the house, like a new credit card from the bank when the old one has expired.

Germany still has room for improvement when it comes to digitization.