For certain motor vehicles first put into service on or after May 1, 2006, the use of a digital tachograph is mandatory. This applies to vehicles used for the transport of goods whose gross vehicle weight, including trailers or semi-trailers, exceeds 3.5 metric tons, as well as vehicles used for the transportation of passengers that, by virtue of their design and equipment, are suitable and intended to carry more than nine people—including the driver. The digital tachograph records driving and rest periods, makes tampering—which compromises general traffic safety—more difficult, and facilitates inspections. The driver card replaces the previous tachograph disc and stores driving and rest periods for at least 28 days. After that, the oldest data is overwritten. Each driver may have only one valid driver card. This is verified (nationally: Central Tachograph Card Registry; internationally: TACHOnet).

The following data can be read:

• Last name, first name, date of birth, photograph, and signature of the applicant
• Driver’s license number
• Nationality of the issuing country
• Validity period (from / to)
• Driving and rest periods (including breaks and whether the driver was driving alone or as part of a two-driver crew)
• Data concerning the vehicle (operating times, date, official license plate number, odometer reading)
• Incidents, errors, and inspections

• German EU driver's license or a corresponding driver's license from an EU/EEA member state
• Identity card or passport, together with a certificate of residence
• A photograph against a light background, measuring 35 x 45 mm, showing the applicant in half-profile without head covering (Section 5(1)(4) of the Regulation Implementing the Motor Vehicle Personnel Act (FPersV))
• Alternatively, a biometric photograph that complies with the provisions of the Passport Regulation of October 19, 2007 (Federal Law Gazette I, 2007, p. 2386) is also permitted

When ordering a driver card, a fee of up to 22.00 euros plus 12.00 euros KBA fee will be charged. If direct dispatch by the Federal Motor Transport Authority to the applicant is desired, an additional fee of EUR 3.00 will be charged to the Federal Motor Transport Authority for direct dispatch. However, direct mailing is only possible if the applicant is in possession of a driving license.

The driver card is valid for five years and can be reapplied for at the earliest six months before expiry, but must be reapplied for at least 15 working days before expiry.