Many labor migrants need to drive for work: delivery, taxi services, construction, transportation. Therefore, it is important to understand which licenses are valid in Russia and when they need to be replaced.
Foreign driver’s licenses are not always valid. In most cases, they must be replaced:
- within 1 year after obtaining a residence permit (VNZh) or Russian citizenship;
- within 1 year after entering Russia (for Russian citizens holding foreign licenses).
After this period, driving with a foreign license is not allowed and is considered a violation.
To replace a foreign driver’s license, you need to:
Prepare the documents:
1. passport + notarized translation (if not in Russian);
2. foreign driver’s license + translation;
3. document confirming legal stay (migration card, residence permit, etc.);
4. medical certificate (form 003-V/u);
5. if required — a certificate of completion of a driving school.
Submit an application:
– through Gosuslugi (public services portal);
– or at the traffic police (GIBDD).
After that, you need to visit the traffic police office. They will check your documents and, if necessary, assign an exam.
You can transfer all categories or only some of them. The exam is taken for the highest category.
International driving permits are not replaced. They are valid only together with a national license and must be reissued after obtaining a Russian driver’s license.
If your job requires driving, do not delay replacing your license. Invalid documents may result in a fine and a ban on driving.
