The name-change proof is not yet organised.
Organise the official certificate or other authority record showing the new name.
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Driving licence after a name change: exchange and proof
Driving licence after a name change: voluntary document exchange, required proof, temporary licence and responsible authority.
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BRANDAUER Rechtsanwälte
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5 September 2026, Mag. Bernhard Brandauer, Rechtsanwalt
After a change of name, the driving entitlement generally remains in place. The change in the licence is voluntary, but it is not made by handwriting on the old card. The authority issues a driving licence duplicate instead.
For the application, you should have proof of the name change, your previous licence, an official photo ID and a suitable photograph. Whether the exchange is useful also depends on whether you want to use the licence as photo ID or for driving abroad.
Changing the name on the licence is voluntary
Changing the name on the licence is voluntary
A change of name or address no longer has to be reported to the driving licence authority. The driving entitlement is not re-issued because of a name change and does not lose its validity for that reason.
Anyone who wants to use the licence with the current name can request the change voluntarily. This is particularly useful if the card is to be presented to authorities, banks or other bodies as official photo ID.
The authority issues a driving licence duplicate
The authority issues a driving licence duplicate
The authority does not alter the name on the existing card. After an application, it issues a driving licence duplicate. The duplicate records the existing driving entitlement and replaces the previous document only.
In principle, any driving licence authority in Austria is competent. Depending on the location, this may be the provincial police directorate, the district authority or, in certain statutory cities, the municipal authority. The guide to the driving licence authority explains the authority route and distinguishes it from a duplicate after loss.
Starting position
Which change requires which step?
A change of name, a change of address and a missing document have different consequences.
| Change of name | Change of address | Previous card missing |
|---|---|---|
| Voluntary application for a duplicate | No compulsory entry on the card | Proof of the name change required |
| The change does not have to be reported | Current address may help with processing | The card generally remains valid |
| Loss or theft must be handled separately | Different records apply | The driving licence duplicate guide covers this position |
The application, the evidence and the actual document status remain decisive.
These records prove the change of name
These records prove the change of name
For the voluntary exchange, have an official photo ID, the previous driving licence and a photograph in portrait format measuring 35 mm x 45 mm ready. You also need an official record showing the new name.
Depending on the reason, this may be a marriage certificate, a divorce decision or another official name record. A registration confirmation may make processing easier. Before the appointment, check whether the authority requires the original or a particular form of presentation.
The temporary licence is valid only in Austria
The temporary licence is valid only in Austria
If the previous licence is handed in during the exchange, the authority may issue a temporary licence. It contains the essential driving entitlement data, including personal details, classes, periods of validity, restrictions and conditions.
The temporary licence is valid for no more than four weeks from the date it is handed over. The period cannot be extended. You must use it together with official photo ID and only within Austria. It becomes invalid once the new card is delivered.
The new name may matter for driving abroad
The new name may matter for driving abroad
The current name is relevant when the licence is used as official photo ID. Driving abroad may also require the licence to show the correct name. Recognition of documents follows the rules of the relevant country.
If a trip abroad is planned, clarify the requirements of the responsible foreign representation in good time. The guide to foreign driving licences deals separately with recognition and conversion of a foreign driving entitlement.
Fee, authority and timing of the exchange
Fee, authority and timing of the exchange
The federal information states a fee of 73 euros for issuing a driving licence duplicate. This amount concerns the duplicate and is separate from any additional cost for particular records.
For an exchange, the new licence is generally sent by post within five to ten days after payment or can be collected from the authority. If a provincial police directorate is involved, arrange an appointment in advance where possible and bring all records together.
Document check
Are the name, proof and card ready for exchange?
The check organises preparation. It does not replace legal review.
Already know you want to get in touch? Go straight to the enquiry form.
Do you have official proof of the new name?
All paths at a glance
Overview of all answers.
Driving licence authority and application →
The exchange records are not yet complete.
Have the previous licence, official photo ID and a suitable photograph ready.
A voluntary document exchange may be the appropriate preparation.
Review the authority, name-change proof, photograph and the use of the temporary licence before the appointment.
Changing the licence is a voluntary decision.
Keep the name-change proof and clarify which document is needed before dealing with an authority or driving abroad.
Checklist for the authority appointment
Checklist for the authority appointment
- official photo ID with the current name
- previous driving licence
- official record of the name change
- passport photograph measuring 35 mm x 45 mm
- registration confirmation where useful
- clarification whether a temporary licence is needed
- confirmation of the responsible foreign representation if driving abroad is planned
If the authority records the application or delivery differently from what you expected, keep the receipt, payment record and correspondence together.
Related information
Review the document exchange and authority route
Driving licence duplicate
Distinguish duplicate, reason for replacement and status of the previous card.
Driving licence authority and residence
Organise competence, application and records for the authority route.
Convert a foreign driving licence
Review recognition and conversion of a foreign driving entitlement separately.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about a name change
Do I have to change the name on my driving licence? +
No. The change is voluntary. If you want the current name on the card, the authority issues a driving licence duplicate on application.
Which records do I need for the new driving licence? +
You generally need official photo ID, the previous licence, a photograph and an official record proving the name change.
How long is the temporary licence valid after the exchange? +
The temporary licence is valid for no more than four weeks from the date it is handed over, only within Austria and together with official photo ID.
Topics
Driving licence lawName changeDriving licence duplicateDocument exchangeFSG
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