Competent authority
Erlaubnisbehörde des Stadtkreises Karlsruhe · Gewerblicher Güterkraftverkehr
Official reference information: In Baden-Württemberg sind die Landratsämter bzw. in Stadtkreisen die Stadtverwaltung zuständig
Baden-Württemberg · Regional guide
Apply for an EU operator licence in Karlsruhe: authority, documents & costs.
The complete route to an EU operator licence in Karlsruhe – including the required documents, fees and deadlines, updated for 2026. If professional competence is missing, we provide your transport manager.
Your point of contact in Karlsruhe
The competent authority in Karlsruhe.
Reach the correct office directly, with the key facts for your application.
Fee range
120–700 €
Official reference information: Den exakten Satz nennt Ihnen die Behörde vorab
Validity
Bis zu 10 Jahre
Official reference information: Bearbeitung: bis zu 3 Monate ab vollständigen Unterlagen
Step by step in Karlsruhe
How your application works in Karlsruhe.
- 1Secure professional competenceEither pass the IHK competence examination yourself or nominate an external transport manager under contract. In the latter case, you do not need to sit the examination.Initial consultation · free
- 2Obtain the documentsThe type O certificate of conduct and Central Trade Register extract take the longest and should be requested first for submission to the haulage authority.2–4 weeks · can run in parallel
- 3Submit the applicationSubmit the application to the licensing authority in person, in writing or online, depending on the city. We compile the complete file.Authority fee on or after submission
- 4Await consultationsThe authority consults BALM, the IHK, the relevant trade union and the road-haulage association. We follow up proactively.Usually several weeks, max. 3 months
- 5Collect the licence and certified copiesAfter approval, you receive the licence and a paid certified copy for each vehicle, which must be carried on board. You may now operate.After the approval notice
What the licensing authority requires
- IHK competence certificate or nomination and contract of the transport manager
- Capital certificate, including for rented vehicles
- Type O certificate of conduct for submission to an authority
- Central Trade Register extract
- Clearance certificates from the tax office and municipal tax office for all locations in the past five years
- Certificates from health insurers and the accident insurance association
- Proof of establishment, such as business registration or tenancy agreement
- Vehicle list and staff list
- For incorporated businesses: commercial register extract and articles of association
Fees in Karlsruhe
120–700 €
Evidence of financial standing
- First vehicle (> 3.5 t)
- €9,000
- Every additional vehicle
- + €5,000
- 2.5–3.5 t (cross-border)
- €1,800 / €900
Mind the deadlines: authority certificates may generally be no more than three months old on the decision date; evidence of capital no more than twelve months.
FAQ · EU-Lizenz in Karlsruhe
The most common questions before approaching the authority.
Do I need an EU licence for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes?+
Yes, for cross-border commercial transport using vehicles over 2.5 and up to 3.5 tonnes. The financial-standing threshold is reduced to €1,800 for the first and €900 for each additional vehicle, and the licence is marked ‘≤ 3.5 t’.
Does the EU licence also cover journeys within Germany?+
Yes. In addition to cross-border EU and EEA transport, the Community licence covers domestic German transport and cabotage. A separate national permit is then unnecessary.
I employ drivers from non-EU countries – what applies?+
For drivers from non-EU countries, apply to the competent office in Karlsruhe for a driver attestation. The driving licence, passport, residence and work permits, social-security card and employment contract are required in original and copy.
Can I obtain the licence without passing the IHK competence examination?+
Yes. An external transport manager nominated by contract can provide professional competence. Verkehrsleiter24 provides the manager and supports the application through to approval; current prices are shown on the pricing page.
What about journeys to Turkey or other non-EU countries?+
For sections outside the EU and EEA, additional bilateral or ECMT permits issued through the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) are required.