Lost driving licence – what to do? Your comprehensive guide
Losing your driving licence is always annoying – whether it is lost or stolen. This often means time-consuming visits to the authorities and unnecessary costs. However, these cannot be avoided, as in Germany you are required to carry your driving licence with you at all times. You must show your driving licence during a check, otherwise you may be fined ten euros. Don't worry: if you've lost your driving licence, you don't have to take the theory and practical test again. You just have to apply for a new driving licence document. This guide will help you understand what steps to take if you've lost your driving licence, who to contact, and how to effectively report the loss.
1. Determine loss or theft
Before you act, make sure that the driving licence has actually been lost or stolen. Check all possible places where you last had the driving licence, such as bags, drawers, your car or your office.
2. Search for the driving licence
Take your time to search for your driving licence systematically:
Search your household: Look in all pockets, rucksacks, drawers and other usual storage places.
Check your car: People often forget their driving licence in their car.
Contact previous whereabouts: Call hotels, restaurants or other places you have recently been to check whether your driving licence has been left there.
3. File a report of loss with the authorities
If you are definitely unable to find your driving licence, you must report the loss.
Visit the driving licence office: Go to the driving licence office in your area and report the loss.
Required documents:
Valid ID card or passport
Current biometric photo
Submit a statutory declaration regarding the whereabouts of the driving licence
4. If the licence has been stolen, also inform the police
If the driving licence has been stolen, you must also file a criminal complaint with the police:
Visit a police station: File a theft report.
Documents required:
- ID card or passport
- Proof for the insurance company: Ask for a record of the criminal complaint, which you will need for the insurance company and the vehicle registration office.
5. Apply for a new driving licence
Once you have filed the necessary reports, you can apply for a new driving licence:
- Competent authority: Driving licence office at your place of residence
- Required documents:
- Valid ID card or passport
- Current biometric photograph
- Submission of a statutory declaration regarding the whereabouts of the driving licence (in the event of loss)
- Theft report (in the event of theft)
Processing time:
- Replacement driving licence: four to six weeks
- Provisional driving licence: issued immediately
Costs:
Replacement driving licence: €40
Provisional driving licence: €13
6. Place a search ad
Use suchen.expert to help you find your lost driving licence. Include the following information:
6.1 Type of loss: driving licence lost or stolen
6.2 Place and date of loss: the exact place and time when the driving licence was lost
6.3 Description: details of the driving licence (special features)
6.4 Contact information: your telephone number
7. Expand your search
You can increase your chances of finding your licence by taking the following steps:
- Use platforms: Register with suchen.expert and search for your driving licence in the ‘found driving licence’ category. Also leave a message with the location of your lost driving licence.
- Disseminate information: Share your request on social media or local forums to get more exposure.
Ask neighbours and acquaintances: Inform your neighbours, friends and family about the loss if the driving licence was left somewhere.
8. Further measures and points of contact
If your driving licence is not found despite all your efforts, the following steps may be helpful:
Further research: Continue your research and contact other branches or offices of the shipping company if relevant.
Check insurance: Check whether your insurance covers the loss or theft of your driving licence.
Secure additional documents: Make sure you block or renew all other important documents that were included with the driving licence.
9. Preventive measures to avoid future losses
To avoid future losses, follow these tips:
Secure storage: Keep your driving licence in a fixed, secure place, e.g. in a locked cupboard.
Digital copies: Take a photo of your driving licence and store it securely in the cloud or on your smartphone.
Separate copies: Carry copies of important documents separately from the original so that you can react quickly in the event of loss.
Regular checks: Regularly check that your driving licence is in its designated place.
Avoid unnecessary carrying: Only carry your driving licence with you when it is really necessary, otherwise keep it safe at home.
10. Conclusion
Losing your driving licence is a stressful and potentially costly situation, but it can be overcome with a systematic and quick approach. Keep calm, report the loss to the police and the driving licence office immediately, and use platforms such as suchen.expert to place an ad and support the search. You can avoid future losses and increase your security by taking preventive measures.
The information displayed comes from publicly available sources and was last updated on 12 July 2024. All retrievable content and explanations are non-binding and do not constitute legal advice. The Suchen Expert platform does not guarantee and is not liable for the accuracy or completeness of the published information.
