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Germany Approves Bill to Roll Out Digital Driving Licence by 2026

The move signals a push to centralize vehicle services at the KBA to streamline everyday mobility.

Overview

  • The cabinet passed a draft law and sent it to Bundestag and Bundesrat, opening the parliamentary process for a national smartphone-based licence.
  • Transport officials target late 2026 for availability, with the digital licence complementing the physical card rather than replacing it.
  • Municipalities would gain licence‑plate–based parking controls, with payments via app or QR code replacing paper tickets.
  • The plan foresees KBA‑hosted online access to technical vehicle data and recalls via VIN and aims to consolidate internet-based registration services.
  • The bill explicitly outlaws commercial trading of penalty points, with fines of up to €30,000, as part of broader road‑safety measures.