Digital license in Germany. Traffic Fines. Germany has been preparing to roll out a digital driving license as part of European digitization efforts, but its start date is still uncertain. The European Union plans to introduce a digital license for all member states, but the process and technical requirements are not yet fully set.
Digital driving license in Germany
The EU is still developing the fourth directive on driving licenses, which will set the requirements for digitizing these documents. Once finalized, each member country, including Germany, will need to take steps to implement it. The European Parliament has reviewed the directive and sent the final proposal to the European Commission for approval.
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Previous attempts and problem
In 2021, Germany attempted to roll out a digital driver’s license with the launch of the “Wallet-ID” app, designed to store official documents digitally. However, due to security concerns, the app was removed from app stores soon after its release. The project has been on hold since then, with no replacement app approved to date.
At present, German drivers don’t have access to an officially recognized digital license, so they must carry a physical version to drive legally. While drivers can take photos of their license, these are not accepted during standard police checks. According to bussgeldkatalog.org, drivers face a 10-euro fine if caught without the physical document.
A pilot project launched in 2022 in Fürth allows drivers to use a digital form of driving verification. However, this option is limited and doesn’t yet serve as a widely accepted alternative to the physical driver’s license.
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How Germany’s future digital driving license could look
The EU’s initiative to introduce a digital driver’s license is part of a broader effort to modernize documents and driving systems across Europe. Once the fourth European directive is adopted, Germany may roll out a new digital system, making the digital driving license a reality. This would involve creating a secure mobile app that allows drivers to store their documents and present them legally to authorities when needed.
Additionally, driving licenses issued before January 19, 2013, will need to be updated gradually to meet current standards, as required by European regulations. Transitioning to a digital license could simplify this updating process in the future.