How to Convert your Drivers License in Austria

How to Convert your Drivers License in Austria

It’s essential to check with the local authorities or the Austrian embassy/consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information and any additional requirements specific to your situation. Regulations and procedures may vary depending on factors such as your country of origin and your residency status in Austria.

What is Driver License Conversion?

Driver’s license conversion is the process of transferring or exchanging a driver’s license issued by one country for a driver’s license issued by another country. This typically occurs when an individual moves to a new country and wishes to continue driving legally using their existing license.

The specific requirements and procedures for driver’s license conversion vary depending on the countries involved and any bilateral agreements or arrangements they may have. In some cases, the process may involve providing documentation such as proof of identity, residency, and driving experience, as well as passing written and practical driving tests or undergoing medical examinations.

It’s important for individuals planning to convert their driver’s license to familiarize themselves with the requirements and procedures established by the relevant authorities in the country where they intend to drive. This may involve contacting the local driver licensing agency or embassy/consulate of the country for guidance on how to proceed with the conversion process.

EU/EEA Driving Licenses

European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) driving licenses are recognized in Austria. This means they do not have to be converted, but you may do so voluntarily.

Non-EU/EEA Driving Licenses

For holders of a non-EEA (European Economic Area) license relocating their residence to Austria, there’s typically a six-month grace period during which they can continue driving vehicles. However, after this period, their license will expire and must be converted.

Conversion of foreign licenses is usually only possible if they are still valid. Expiry dates specified in the holder’s country of origin are also recognized in Austria.

When converting non-EU/EEA driving licenses, it’s often necessary to undergo a practical driving test. To do so, holders must provide a suitable vehicle from the relevant license category.

To learn more about Austria driving license categories, check this.

Requirements

To convert your driver’s license in Austria, you typically need to follow these steps:

• Make sure you are eligible to convert your driver’s license. This applies to individuals who are residents of Austria and hold a valid driver’s license from another country.
• Holders of foreign driving licenses must be at least 18 years old to drive in Austria.
• In some cases, you may need to provide a medical certificate confirming your fitness to drive. This requirement may vary depending on your age and the category of vehicle.
• Depending on the country your license was issued from, you may need to pass a written and/or practical driving test in Austria. This is particularly common for licenses issued outside of the EU/EEA.
• Prepare required documents which may include:

1. Valid passport or national ID card
2. Valid driver’s license from your home country
3. Proof of residency in Austria (e.g., residence permit, Meldezettel)
4. Passport-sized photos
5. Translation of your driver’s license (if it’s not in German) by an authorized translator

• Visit the Bezirkshauptmannschaft (District Administrative Authority) or Magistrate in the district where you reside. This is where you’ll submit your application for exchanging your driver’s license.
• Submit application and documents along with the required documents, to the authorities. They will review your application and verify your eligibility for license exchange.
• Pay any applicable fees for the exchange process. The amount may vary depending on the district and the specific circumstances.
• You may be required to undergo a vision test to ensure that you meet the minimum visual acuity standards for driving.
• If your application is approved, you will receive your new Austrian driver’s license. This may be issued on the spot or mailed to you later, depending on the local procedures.

Deadlines

Driving licenses from non-EU/EEA countries must be converted within six months of the holder first registering Austria as their place of residence.

Where to Convert your Drivers License

Any driving license authority in Austria

• In cities with a State Police Department: the State Police Department
  • In Vienna: State Police Department Vienna- Traffic Department (→ BMI)
• In cities without a state police department or in municipalities: the District Authority
  • In the Chartered Cities Krems and Waidhofen/Ybbs: the Municipal Administration
  • In the chartered urban district of Rust: the Burgenland State Police Department (→ BMI)

Required documents

Most driving license authorities require the original documents as well as a copy.

For voluntary conversion of an EU/EEA driving license:

• Passport or ID card
• Foreign driving license
• One photo (portrait, 35 mm x 45 mm) in which the applicant is clearly recognizable (if possible in line with passport photo criteria)
• Where applicable, a translated extract from a driving license from the issuing country (facilitates processing for the authority)
• Where possible, confirmation of registration in the civil register (facilitates processing for the authority)

For conversion of a non-EU/EEA driving license:

• Passport
• Foreign driving license
• In some cases, a translation of the driving license
• One photo (portrait, 35 mm x 45 mm) in which the applicant is clearly recognizable (if possible in line with passport photo criteria)
• Medical certificate
• Where possible, confirmation of registration in the civil register (facilitates processing for the authority)

In certain cases, the driving license authority may request additional documents.

Upon request, the confirmation of registration can be obtained by the driving license authority via a search in the Central Civil Register (ZMR).

Costs and Fees

• Exchange: 60.50 Euro
• Driving test and medical certificate fees are not included in the costs listed above.

Application for conversion of a foreign driving license

Note: If you have a foreign driving license that is not in German, it is only valid in conjunction with an international driving license or a translation.