Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

DM-Banknotes FAQ

This is where you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the DM-banknotes. Please read the following information before contacting the Bundesbank. We will not answer or retain enquiries regarding questions/answers given here.

For how long will each euro-area country issue euro banknotes and coins in exchange for national banknotes and coins that have ceased to be legal tender?
Can I still exchange or redeem old DM banknotes and coins?
Can I still exchange or redeem banknotes and coins from the German Democratic Republic and the former Soviet occupation zone?
Where can I find pictures and information on DM banknotes and coins?

For how long will each euro-area country issue euro banknotes and coins in exchange

The Bundesbank's euro for DM exchange guarantee covers an unlimited amount of cash and runs for an indefinite period. An overview of the exchange periods applying within the euro area is given below.

exchange periods applying within the euro area
Country	Validity*	Exchange at commercial banks	Exchange at respective national central banks
*Last day on which national banknotes and coins were legal tender.
Belgium	28.02.2002	Until 31.12.2002	Banknotes: indefinite; Coins: until the end of 2004
Germany	31.12.2001	At least until 28.02.2002	Banknotes: indefinite; Coins: indefinite
Greece	28.02.2002	Determined by individual banks	Banknotes: 10 years; Coins: 2 years
Spain	28.02.2002	30.06.2002	Banknotes: indefinite; Coins: indefinite
France	17.02.2002	30.06.2002	Banknotes: 10 years; Coins: 3 years
Ireland	09.02.2002	Determined by individual banks	Banknotes: indefinite; Coins: indefinite
Italy	28.02.2002	Still to be determined	Banknotes: 10 years; Coins: 10 years
Luxembourg	28.02.2002	30.06.2002	Banknotes: indefinite; Coins: until the end of 2004
Netherlands	28.01.2002	31.12.2002	Banknotes: until 1.1.2032; Coins: until 1.1.2007
Austria	28.02.2002	Determined by individual banks	Banknotes: indefinite; Coins: indefinite
Portugal	28.02.2002	30.06.2002	Banknotes: 20 years; Coins: 31.12.2002
Slowenia	14.01.2007	Until 1. March 2007	Banknotes: indefinite; Coins: 31.12.2016
Finland	28.02.2002	Determined by individual banks	Banknotes: 10 years; Coins: 10 years
Malta	31.01.2008	Until 31.03.2008	Banknotes: 31.01.2018; Coins: 01.02.2010
Cyprus	31.01.2008	Until 30.06.2008	Banknotes: 31.12.2017; Coins: 31.12.2009

Can I still exchange or redeem old DM banknotes and coins?

You can exchange unlimited amounts of the banknotes and coins listed below indefinitely and free of charge at all Deutsche Bundesbank branches during the counter opening hours.

Banknotes and coins from the Bank deutscher Länder (BdL) – with the exception of the 50 Mark BdL note II (green), issued in 1948 (exchange stopped on 15 March 1951)
Bundesbank banknotes (banknote series BBk I/Ia and III/IIIa)
Federal coins denominated in Deutsche Mark or Pfennig – with the exception of the 2 DM coin first issue (1951, withdrawn from circulation on 1 July 1958)

The 50 Mark BdL note mentioned above can be submitted together with an application for reimbursement (only available in German) to the National Analysis Centre at the Bundesbank's Mainz Regional Office or to any other Bundesbank branch.

Banknotes and coins that were issued prior to 20 June 1948 can no longer be redeemed or exchanged into euro.

It is also possible to send DM cash to the address below. We must emphasise that if you send cash in this manner, you do so at your own risk and that information on permissible deliveries in Germany and abroad can only be obtained from the relevant delivery companies.

Exchange of DM banknotes and coins at the following address:

Address:

Deutsche Bundesbank
Branch Mainz
Hegelstrasse 65
55122 Mainz
Germany
Please note the following:
When sending us your DM cash, please use the form attached below and enclose a copy of your valid identity card or passport (front and back).
For domestic customers, the equivalent amount in euro is credited to the account provided.
Please use non-resealable packaging and abstain from using address labels. The sender must be specified on the envelope.
EU standard credit transfers can be executed only if the fields "SWIFT-BIC" (Bank Identifier Code) of the beneficiary's bank and "IBAN" (International Bank Account Number) of the beneficiary are filled in correctly. If these data are missing, customers from abroad receive a collection-only cheque for the equivalent amount in euros.
Form Exchange DM - EUR - Please complete the form online and then print it out. It is not possible to save the completed form as a file.

If you wish to send €15,000 or more worth of DM cash to our branch Mainz from either Germany or another country, please contact us beforehand by telephone or e-mail.

Contact: