Nordrhein-Westfalen · Regional guide

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.

Request access Transport manager in the region

Your point of contact in Köln

The competent authority in Köln.

Reach the correct office directly, with the key facts for your application.

Address

Amt für öffentliche Ordnung · Willy-Brandt-Platz 3 · 50679 Köln (Deutz)

Official reference information: Verkehrsgewerbliche Genehmigungsverfahren

Case handling by surname

A–F: 0221 / 221-26819 · G–Q: 0221 / 221-26388 · R–Z: 0221 / 221-28872

Official reference information: Telefonisch erreichbar: Mo–Fr, 8–12 Uhr

In-person appointment

Montag & Donnerstag, 8–12 Uhr

Official reference information: Oder nach telefonischer Vereinbarung – eine Vorsprache ist grundsätzlich erforderlich

Step by step in Köln

How your application works in Köln.

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 Köln

Licensing authority fee range: €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.

Regional context

EU licensing and transport management in Köln: local points that matter.

For an operating base in Köln, identifying the correct licensing office is the first step. The approved guide identifies “Amt für öffentliche Ordnung · Willy-Brandt-Platz 3 · 50679 Köln (Deutz)”. Official reference information: Verkehrsgewerbliche Genehmigungsverfahren

In North Rhine-Westphalia, cities and districts administer applications locally. Fees, appointments and submission methods vary; federal and European requirements remain the same.

Three checks for an application in Köln

Address: Amt für öffentliche Ordnung · Willy-Brandt-Platz 3 · 50679 Köln (Deutz). Official reference information: Verkehrsgewerbliche Genehmigungsverfahren
Case handling by surname: A–F: 0221 / 221-26819 · G–Q: 0221 / 221-26388 · R–Z: 0221 / 221-28872. Official reference information: Telefonisch erreichbar: Mo–Fr, 8–12 Uhr
In-person appointment: Montag & Donnerstag, 8–12 Uhr. Official reference information: Oder nach telefonischer Vereinbarung – eine Vorsprache ist grundsätzlich erforderlich

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. 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 Köln 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.