Driving licence – a secure authorisation document for mobility
The driving licence – a key authorisation document
The driving licence is a key authorisation document in European road traffic. Since 1999, Bundesdruckerei GmbH has produced Germany’s EU-format card driving licences. Since then, we have manufactured and delivered a total of approximately 90 million copies (as of December 2025). In 2025 alone, around 4.9 million driving licences were produced and dispatched. On behalf of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), Bundesdruckerei ensures the secure, standardised and Europe-wide recognised issuance of this mobility document.
Through continuous technological development, the driving licence meets all requirements of Directives 2006/126/EC and 2011/94/EU. Bundesdruckerei is the central authority responsible for quality, data security and counterfeit protection in both production and personalisation.
Standardised document with a high level of security
The driving licence forms part of a document family harmonised across Europe and contains numerous security features that protect it against tampering and counterfeiting. Visible and machine-readable security structures, along with personalised printing and embossing processes, ensure the integrity of the data and of the holder’s identity.
All production processes are subject to regular audits by the KBA. Bundesdruckerei works closely with driver licensing authorities and specialist IT system providers to enable secure data capture and the encrypted transmission of application information.
Digital processes and direct dispatch
Since 2003, driving licences can be dispatched directly to applicants. Direct dispatch eliminated the need to visit the authority in person and speeds up the entire process. Around 40 per cent of documents are now delivered in this way.
Production and personalisation are carried out within Germany to the highest security and data protection standards. This also makes the driving licence an example of sovereign document production commissioned by the public sector.
Further driving licence documents for other transport sectors
In addition to the classic photo card driving licence, Bundesdruckerei produces and personalises further authorisation documents for road, rail and water transport. All documents are produced to the same high security and quality standards and contribute to safe mobility across different transport sectors.
Driver Qualification Card (FQN):
Since 2021, the FQN has been issued for professional drivers in accordance with EU Directive 2018/645. In 2025, around 200,000 FQN cards were produced, personalised and dispatched. Around 80 per cent of these are delivered to applicants via direct dispatch.
Train Driver Licence (TFS):
Introduced in 2011, the TFS is specifically designed for rail transport. In 2025, around 8,800 TFS documents were produced and dispatched, 98 per cent of them via direct dispatch.
Sports Boat Licence (SBF):
Since January 2023, Bundesdruckerei has been producing the sports boat licence in a new format. In 2025, around 72,000 SBF licences were produced, 96 per cent of them sent via direct dispatch. Clients include the German Sailing Association and the German Motor Yacht Association.
Validity and exchange
Driving licences issued since 19 January 2013 are valid for 15 years. Older driving licences must be gradually exchanged for the current EU card format. The aim is a uniform and secure document structure across Europe. Bundesdruckerei also supports communications on the exchange of driving licences. Further information is available from the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV).