Applying for a train driver's license

You can apply for a train driver's license from the Federal Railway Authority (EBA) online or by post.

If you apply online:

• Go to the federal portal and complete the online application.
• You will need a BundID or the ELSTER company account for this.
• You can upload your documents directly:
  • as original electronic documents
  • as officially certified electronic copies
• Alternatively, you can submit officially certified paper copies by post or email.
• The EBA will check your application and contact you if there are any queries or if it requires further documents from you.
• Once your application has been successfully reviewed, you will receive a fee notification by post.
• Transfer the fee to the federal treasury.
• You will receive your train driver's license by post from the Bundesdruckerei.
• If you have applied for a provisional train driver's license, you will receive it by e-mail.

If you are applying by post:

• Download the form "Application for a train driver's license" from the EBA website.
• You can either
  • fill it out directly in your browser or
  • download it and then fill it in digitally or
  • print it out and fill it in by hand.
• Print out the form, if you have not already done so, and sign it.
• Send the form with all the necessary documents to the EBA.
  • Make sure that the documents are not stapled or stapled and remove any existing staples, as the application will be scanned.
  • Submit all documents in DIN A4 size only.
• The EBA will check your application and contact you if there are any queries or if it requires further documents from you.
• Once your application has been successfully checked, you will receive a fee notification by post.
• Transfer the fee to the federal treasury.
• You will receive your train driver's license by post from the Bundesdruckerei.
• If you have applied for a provisional train driver's license, you will receive this in advance by e-mail.

• You are
  • at least 20 years old or
  • at least 18 years old and in possession of a psychological certificate in accordance with the Train Driver's License Ordinance (TfV) stating "Suitable as a train driver for use under the age of 20".
• You have
  • successfully passed an examination in accordance with the TfV or
  • completed your training as a railwayman or railwaywoman in operational service, specializing in locomotive driving and transport.
• You have:
  • a one-off certificate of psychological aptitude (for initial application),
  • a certificate of medical fitness every 3 years or
  • from the age of 55, an annual certificate of medical fitness and
  • regular verification of general professional knowledge.
• You are reliable.

• Valid identity card (front and back) or a copy of a valid passport
• Current biometric photo (not older than 1 year) and signature
• Proof of your school-leaving certificate (e.g. copy of your school-leaving certificate)
• Certificate of medical fitness in accordance with the German Train Driving License Ordinance (TfV)
• Certificate of psychological aptitude in accordance with the TfV
  • if you are under 20 years of age and at least 18 years old, the certificate must contain the statement "Suitable as a train driver for use under 20 years of age"
• Examination certificate
• Certificate of completion from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce as a railwayman or railwaywoman in operational service, specializing in locomotive driver and transport (EiB L/T)

If the information on your train driver's license has changed and you wish to update it:

• Valid identity card (front and back) or a copy of a valid passport
• Current biometric photo and signature
• Proof of the data to be changed, for example
  • Marriage certificate
  • Certificate of mandatory use of glasses or a hearing aid
  • Registration certificate with new address
• If applicable, current proof of health suitability and specialist knowledge
• Copy of the previous driver's license

If you are applying for a replacement following the loss, theft or destruction of your driver's license

• Valid identity card (front and back) or a copy of a valid passport
• Current biometric photo and signature
• Loss report, theft report or destroyed driver's license
• If applicable, current proof of medical fitness and specialist knowledge

If you wish to renew your driver's license

• Valid identity card (front and back) or a copy of a valid passport
• Current biometric photo and signature
• If applicable, current proof of medical fitness and specialist knowledge
• Copy of the previous train driver's license

Railroad companies often submit the application for their train drivers. In this case, the companies require a power of attorney from you.

• § Section 8 Ordinance on the Issuing of Driving Licenses to Train Drivers and the Recognition of Persons and Bodies for Training and Testing (Train Driving License Ordinance - TfV)
• Ordinance on the theoretical examination for obtaining a train driver's license (Train Driver's License Examination Ordinance - TfPV)

• Appeal if the application is rejected

Detailed information on how to lodge an objection can be found in the notification.

• Cancellation of the application

If the procedure is still ongoing, you can withdraw your application at any time.

• The train driver's license alone does not entitle you to drive a vehicle. An additional certificate is required for this. Railroad companies issue these.
• If the Federal Railway Authority rejects your application, you will also incur costs. These are calculated according to the time and effort involved in the inspection. You will receive a fee notice by post.

17.03.2026