In short
Realistically, an MPU costs around €1,500 to €4,000 in total in 2026. This includes the report fee of around €400 to €900, proofs of abstinence for alcohol or drugs, preparation and the fee for reissuing the licence. Because each assessment centre has set its own prices since 2018, all figures are guidelines.
It is quicker with the MPU cost calculator: choose your reason and immediately see the range for your case.
What do the MPU costs consist of?
The costs of an MPU (medical-psychological assessment, Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung) are made up of four items: the fee for the expert report (Gutachten), proofs of abstinence (Abstinenznachweise), preparation and the reissue of the licence (Wiedererteilung). Not every item applies in every case. For example, you only need proofs of abstinence for alcohol or drugs, and usually not for an MPU because of points.
| Cost item | Guideline 2026 | When is it due? |
|---|---|---|
| Report for alcohol or drugs | approx. €550–750 | at the assessment centre |
| Report for points | approx. €400–650 | at the assessment centre |
| Report for criminal offences | approx. €500–700 | at the assessment centre |
| Report for a combined question (e.g. alcohol and drugs) | approx. €650–900 | at the assessment centre |
| Urine sample (proof of abstinence) | approx. €60–120 per sample | on an ongoing basis during the programme |
| Hair sample (proof of abstinence) | approx. €120–200 per sample | on an ongoing basis during the programme |
| Proofs of abstinence in total | approx. €200–900 | depending on duration and method |
| Preparation and counselling | approx. €50–2,000 | before the MPU |
| Reissue of the driving licence | approx. €140–260 | at the driving licence authority |
| Realistic total | approx. €1,500–4,000 | spread over the entire period |
The total costs depend mainly on two factors: how long you have to prove abstinence and how extensive your preparation is. You can find more about the procedure as a whole under What is an MPU?.
Why are there no fixed MPU prices?
There have been no fixed MPU prices since 2018, because each assessment centre (Begutachtungsstelle für Fahreignung, BfF) has set its own fees since then. That is why prices for the same reason can differ between TÜV, DEKRA, pima-mpu, AVUS, ias and other centres.
You may choose freely among the officially recognised assessment centres. So it is worth comparing prices, as long as the centre is officially recognised. The amount of the fee says nothing about your chances, because the assessment is carried out according to the same assessment criteria everywhere.
How much do proofs of abstinence cost?
Proofs of abstinence cost around €200 to €900 in total, depending on duration and method. In alcohol and drug cases, they are often the largest single item alongside preparation.
- Urine screening: approx. €60–120 per sample; 4 tests are usual for 6 months, 6 tests for 12 months.
- Hair analysis: approx. €120–200 per sample; for alcohol, one analysis covers a maximum of 3 cm of hair, i.e. about 3 months.
- PEth (blood): supplementary or alternative alcohol marker that is increasingly used.
It is important that the laboratory is accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and that the programme meets the CTU criteria. Otherwise, the proof may be worthless and you pay twice. You can find all the details under Proof of abstinence.
How much does an MPU cost in specific cases?
The costs of an MPU depend heavily on the reason. The following calculations are purely examples based on the 2026 guidelines. The amount for preparation is in each case an assumption within the range of €50 to €2,000; your actual costs may differ.
Example 1: MPU because of 8 points
| Item | Sample amount |
|---|---|
| Report for points | €400–650 |
| Proof of abstinence | usually not required |
| Preparation (assumption) | €800 |
| Reissue | €140–260 |
| Total in the example | €1,340–1,710 |
Example 2: alcohol MPU with 12 months of urine screening
| Item | Sample amount |
|---|---|
| Report for alcohol | €550–750 |
| 6 urine samples at €60–120 each | €360–720 |
| Preparation (assumption) | €1,500 |
| Reissue | €140–260 |
| Total in the example | €2,550–3,230 |
Example 3: alcohol MPU with 12 months of hair analysis
| Item | Sample amount |
|---|---|
| Report for alcohol | €550–750 |
| 4 hair analyses at €120–200 each (each approx. 3 months) | €480–800 |
| Preparation (assumption) | €1,500 |
| Reissue | €140–260 |
| Total in the example | €2,670–3,310 |
The examples show: for points without an abstinence requirement, you can stay below the typical overall range. For alcohol or drugs with 12 months of proof and intensive preparation, you are more likely to end up in the middle to upper range.
Where can I save money on the MPU?
You can save money above all through good planning, because the most expensive mistakes result from lost time and repeats. These points will help you avoid unnecessary costs:
- Compare prices: You may choose the assessment centre freely, and the fees differ.
- File inspection first (Akteneinsicht): This way you know whether 6 or 12 months of abstinence are required and do not pay for the wrong programme.
- Abstinence early and without gaps: A positive result or a missed appointment usually invalidates the programme, and then time and costs start from scratch.
- Do not dye your hair: Dyed or bleached hair makes the EtG hair analysis unusable; the sample would be paid for but worthless.
- Reduce points early: The driving aptitude seminar (Fahreignungsseminar, FES) removes 1 point if you have 1 to 5 points, once in 5 years. This can prevent you from reaching 8 points and therefore an MPU.
- Have usability checked: If an entry has already been deleted, it may no longer be used. A lawyer specialising in traffic law (Fachanwalt für Verkehrsrecht) can clarify whether an MPU is necessary at all.
Where should I not save money on the MPU?
You should not save on the quality of the proofs or on serious preparation. A failed report means a second fee, often months of additional waiting and further costs.
- Accredited laboratory: Only proofs according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and the CTU criteria are recognised.
- Genuine preparation: The psychological interview is the most important part of the MPU. Without preparation, many people do not pass.
- No shortcuts: "Ready-made" proofs or backdated programmes are forgery of documents (Urkundenfälschung). An EU driving licence with a sham residence is generally not recognised in Germany.
Note: Offers with a "pass guarantee" or model answers are not trustworthy. They cost money and are noticed in the interview with the assessor.
You can find out what matters when choosing under MPU preparation. If it did not work out the first time, Failed the MPU will help you further.
What happens next?
First use file inspection to get clarity about the reason and the proofs required, because your costs depend most on these. Start any required proof of abstinence early so that no expensive restarts are necessary. Through MPU Plus you can find suitable counselling that fits your reason and budget.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an MPU because of alcohol cost in total?
In our sample calculations, an alcohol MPU with 12 months of proof of abstinence comes to around €2,550 to €3,310, depending on the method and preparation. The report alone costs around €550 to €750. All amounts are guidelines for 2026.
Why does the MPU cost different amounts at TÜV and DEKRA?
Since 2018, each assessment centre has set its own prices. That is why the fees for the same reason differ. However, the assessment is carried out according to the same assessment criteria everywhere.
Do I need a proof of abstinence for an MPU because of points?
No, for an MPU because of 8 points, a proof of abstinence is usually not necessary. This eliminates a large cost item, and the total costs are often lower than for alcohol or drugs. The focus is then on working through your driving behaviour.
Is a hair analysis more expensive than urine samples?
At around €120 to €200, a single hair sample costs more than a urine sample at around €60 to €120. On the other hand, a hair analysis covers around 3 months for alcohol. Over 12 months, both methods are often in a similar range.
Do I have to pay for the MPU if I fail?
Yes, you pay the report fee for the assessment, regardless of the result. If you repeat it, the fee is charged again, often together with further preparation. That is why thorough preparation before the first appointment is worthwhile.