How much does a tachograph driver card cost in Europe?
A tachograph driver card costs EUR 30 to EUR 69 across the EU, valid for five years. Full country-by-country cost breakdown and renewal guide.
Logifie Team
Logistics Technology Experts
A digital tachograph driver card costs between EUR 30 and EUR 69 across the European Union: about EUR 34 to EUR 42 in Germany, EUR 45 to EUR 60 in Ireland, 32 GBP for a first UK card, and EUR 68.65 in France, with renewal every five years under EU rules.
How much does a tachograph driver card cost by country?
The fee is set nationally, so the amount an HGV or LCV driver pays depends on which country issues the card, not the vehicle or the operator. Germany charges roughly EUR 34 to EUR 42, a fixed EUR 12 federal charge collected by the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt plus a variable state fee. In France, the service-public.gouv.fr chronotachograph portal lists the driver card at EUR 68.65 including tax. Ireland's Road Safety Authority charges EUR 60 by post, or EUR 45 online. The United Kingdom, outside the EU but running the same card format under retained rules, charges 32 GBP for a first card and 19 GBP for a renewal, according to GOV.UK . Renewal cost usually matches the first-card fee, except in the United Kingdom, where renewal is cheaper.
| Country | Cost (first card / renewal) |
|---|---|
| Germany | EUR 34 to EUR 42 |
| France | EUR 68.65 |
| United Kingdom | 32 GBP first, 19 GBP renewal |
| Ireland | EUR 60 by post, EUR 45 online |
How do you apply for or renew a tachograph driver card?
Every EU member state runs its own national application channel, usually through the transport ministry or road safety authority, and most now accept online applications alongside the postal route. Drivers need a valid driving licence, proof of identity, and a passport photo, and processing typically takes one to three weeks. Anyone unfamiliar with how the device records driving time should start with this guide to how digital tachographs work across the EU . Fleets weighing up the newer requirement should also read this breakdown of what the smart tachograph rollout costs operators .
What happens if a tachograph card is lost, stolen, or expired?
A driver who loses a card, has one stolen, or lets one expire must apply for a replacement immediately and may keep working for up to 15 calendar days using manual printouts under Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 , provided the loss is reported without delay. Driving with an expired card beyond that window exposes both driver and operator to roadside penalties. Operators managing several drivers across borders often track renewal dates through a driver assistant app so no card lapses unnoticed.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a tachograph driver card valid for?
A tachograph driver card is valid for five years from the date of issue under Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 , regardless of which EU country issues it. Drivers must apply for renewal before expiry, since the card cannot legally be used once it has lapsed.
Can an employer pay for a tachograph card?
Yes, an employer can reimburse or directly cover the cost, though in most countries, including Germany, legal responsibility for holding a valid card sits with the individual driver rather than the company. Many operators build the fee into onboarding costs.
What happens if a driver operates without a valid tachograph card?
Driving without a valid card when one is required is an offence in every EU member state and typically results in an on-the-spot fine, with amounts varying by country and enforcement authority. Repeated breaches can also affect an operator's compliance record during inspections.
How soon before expiry can a tachograph card be renewed?
Most national authorities allow renewal applications from around two months before the card's expiry date, and drivers are generally advised to apply as early as that window allows. Applying early avoids any gap in cover, since a new card rarely arrives the same day it is ordered.
Check the FAQ page for more on tachograph rules, or see how the driver assistant app keeps renewal dates on track across a whole fleet.
