Apply for the renewal card in good time
Under Art. 28 of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014, the driver applies for renewal to the competent body in their country of residence at least 15 working days before expiry. If the application arrives in time, the authority must issue the new card before the old one expires. The application is possible six months before expiry at the earliest.
In Germany, the competent body is, depending on the federal state, the driving licence authority, TÜV or DEKRA. Because public holidays and postal delays quickly use up the 15 working days, the application should be made well in advance.
Loss, theft or fault
- Report theft to the police first
- In the event of loss, make a statutory declaration
- Apply for a replacement card within seven calendar days
- Until the replacement card arrives, drive without a card for no more than 15 calendar days, with printouts from the tachograph at the start and end of each journey
A card reported as lost is recorded as lost at the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) and stands out in an inspection. If it turns up again, it must be handed in.
What the fleet can do
- Record the expiry date of each driver card and remind eight weeks ahead or earlier
- Also record the card number (field 5b) when setting up the driver
- After the exchange, check the new card and adopt the date
- Continue downloading the driver card, at least every 28 days, independently of this
FleetCred checks the card from a photo and reminds you with your lead time; more under Checking driver cards.