Exchanging your driving license in the Ostalbkreis: Apply now conveniently online!

Exchanging your driving license in the Ostalbkreis: Apply now conveniently online!

The digital driver’s license exchange in the Ostalbkreis

From now on, citizens in the Ostalbkreis can exchange their driving licenses from the comfort of their own home. “The digital application is a real relief,” says District Administrator Dr. Joachim Bläse. Since the beginning of November, interested parties have been able to submit the application online, thereby saving themselves a trip to the district office. This new regulation is intended to make administrative procedures uncomplicated and convenient for all citizens.

With this digital solution, applicants have the opportunity not only to exchange old driving licenses for the new, EU-compliant card driving licenses, but also to apply for their first driving licenses. If you apply online, there are two ways available:

• Nutzung der Online-Ausweisfunktion des Personalausweises oder Aufenthaltstitels, ausgerüstet mit PIN und einem passenden Kartenlesegerät oder einem NFC-fähigen Smartphone.
• Antragstellung ohne Online-Ausweisfunktion, für die ein Personalausweis, Reisepass oder ein ähnliches Ausweisdokument sowie das bisherige Führerscheindokument und ein biometrisches Lichtbild erforderlich sind.

The integrated payment function is particularly practical, allowing payments via PayPal or credit card. After successfully submitting the application, citizens receive an automatic confirmation by email. If you have any questions, please contact the driving license authority on telephone number (07361) 5031542 or by email at fahrerlaubnisbehoerde-aa@ostalbkreis.de.

Important deadlines and exceptions

But not only has the application process been made easier, the deadlines for the exchange are also important. All driving licenses issued before January 19, 2013 must be exchanged by January 19, 2033 at the latest, although this exchange will take place on a staggered basis. It is particularly important that driving licenses of the old classes 2 and 3 must be exchanged by the age of 50.

A striking aspect is that the exchange for the old classes 2 and 3, which allow special train combinations of up to 18.5 tons in this country, is linked to proof of fitness to drive. For owners of these driving licenses, exchanging them offers several advantages:

• Der Umtausch der Klasse 3 gewährt die unbefristete Fahrerlaubnis für die Lastkraftwagenklassen C1 und C1E ohne Eignungsnachweis.
• Bei Weiterverwendung der alten Führerscheine kann es jedoch zu Schwierigkeiten kommen, etwa bei Polizeikontrollen oder der Anmietung von Fahrzeugen, bedingt durch veraltete Fotos oder unleserliche Angaben.

The new regulations are not only a benefit for new drivers, long-term drivers also benefit from the changes. In order to plan the exchange on time, those affected should inform themselves in good time so that nothing stands in the way of a stress-free and quick exchange of the old papers.

Overall, this digital offering is a big step towards a modern administration that meets the needs of citizens. The commitment of the Ostalbkreis to simplify administrative processes speaks for the initiative, which means we can expect more such services in the future.

For further information about exchanging driving licenses in Ostalbkreis, the full details are available on the Swabian Post and the Website of the Ostalbkreis to find.