Driving licence renewal in another EU country

If you move to another EU country and your driving licence expires, you will have to renew it there if that is where you have your normal residence.

No matter the type of driving licence you have – old or new style format-, you will be issued with the new standard format licence (plastic, credit card sized photo card) when you renew it. Your new licence may have a different validity period from your previous one and will be subject to any restrictions or conditions that apply in your new country.

If your driving licence has been suspended, restricted, withdrawn or cancelled in the EU country which issued it, you will not be able to renew it.

Warning

If you move to another EU country and you apply to renew or exchange your driving licence, you might receive a provisional/temporary document while the authorities process your application. Please be aware that some EU countries do not recognise these provisional or temporary documents. This could pose particular problems for professional drivers who work cross-border. Make sure you check the rules in the relevant EU country.

Warning

If your driving licence is lost or stolen you have to apply for a local one to replace it. Find out what you have to do if your driving licence is lost or stolen while you are travelling abroad.

Country-specific information

Check the formalities to renew your licence or replace a lost one in the country where you live:

The European Commission is not responsible for the content of external websites.

EU legislation

Need support from assistance services?

Get in touch with specialised assistance services

Last checked: 19/08/2024
Share this page