Apply for an EU operator licence in Köln: authority, documents & costs.
The complete route to an EU operator licence in Köln – including the required documents, fees and deadlines, updated for 2026. If professional competence is missing, we provide your transport manager.
Local application note: the approved guide identifies Amt für öffentliche Ordnung · Willy-Brandt-Platz 3 · 50679 Köln (Deutz) as the competent point of contact for Köln. Follow its stated submission route before ordering authority-addressed records.
✓Fee: 500 €✓Duration: 4–6 weeks✓Valid for 10 years✓Source: Stadt Köln · Stand 2026
Your point of contact in Köln
The competent authority in Köln.
Here you will find the competent office and the key details for your application.
Case handling by surname
A–F: 0221 / 221-26819G–Q: 0221 / 221-26388R–Z: 0221 / 221-28872Official reference information: Telefonisch erreichbar: Mo–Fr, 8–12 UhrIn-person appointment
Montag & Donnerstag8–12 UhrOfficial reference information: Oder nach telefonischer Vereinbarung – eine Vorsprache ist grundsätzlich erforderlichImportant: Operating without an issued licence is prohibited; there is no provisional permit. Wait until the licence has been issued before operating.
Step by step in Köln
How your application works in Köln.
In practice, incomplete documents cause most delays. Here is the complete five-step route, including documents, fees and deadlines.
- 1
Secure professional competence
Either 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 - 2
Obtain the documents
The 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 - 3
Submit the application
Submit 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 - 4
Await consultations
The authority consults BALM, the IHK, the relevant trade union and the road-haulage association. We follow up proactively.
Usually several weeks, max. 3 months - 5
Collect the licence and certified copies
After 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
FAQ · EU-Lizenz in Köln
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. Reduced financial-standing thresholds apply.
Does the EU licence also cover journeys within Germany?+
Yes. It covers domestic German transport as well as cross-border EU and EEA operations.
I employ drivers from non-EU countries – what applies in Köln?+
A driver attestation must be obtained from the same authority for every non-EU driver, together with the required original documents and copies.
Can I obtain the licence without passing the IHK examination?+
Yes. A contractually appointed external transport manager can provide professional competence. Current packages start from €399 per month.
What about journeys to Turkey or other non-EU countries?+
Additional bilateral or ECMT permits are required for sections outside the EU and EEA.