Digital driver's license to launch at end of November

What happened

The Federal Transport Ministry (BMV) told the newspaper FAS that the digital driver's license should start at the end of November. No exact date is set yet, but the launch should happen within the next four weeks. Until now, the ministry had only spoken of the end of the year. The license will not get its own app. Instead, people can store it in the i-Kfz app, which already holds vehicle registration documents.

Key facts

• Planned launch: end of November, within the next four weeks
• The app is free. It works on iPhones with iOS 17 or later and on Android devices with version 12 or later
• Not supported: Huawei devices, older Motorola models, and Android systems without Google services, such as LineageOS or GrapheneOS
• Supported Motorola models: Edge 50 Neo, Edge 50 Ultra and Razr 50 Ultra
• An EU-wide digital driver's license is planned by 2030 at the latest

How it works

The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) and the Federal Printing Office developed the i-Kfz app for the ministry. Users need an electronic ID to add the license. This can be an electronic ID card. They log in with the online ID function and a PIN, which they get when they receive the ID card. If the PIN is lost, a PIN reset service is available again. It is free, and the new PIN is sent by letter.

Why it matters

A phone license could make life easier for drivers. For example, it may help people rent cars or use car-sharing services. However, drivers still must carry the paper or plastic card for trips abroad. The digital version is only an extra for now. The EU plan, if it works, would let one digital license be used across all EU countries.

What to watch

• The exact launch date, which is not yet set
• Whether the launch really happens by the end of November
• Whether more phone models and systems get support
• How the EU-wide digital license is built by 2030