How does exchanging driver’s licenses work in the regions? What do you need to do?

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This information was shared with us by one of the people who relocated and exchanged their driver’s license under the new law. In other words, those who received a residence permit or Russian citizenship before 01.04.2024, or Russian citizens who entered the Russian Federation for permanent residence before that date and hold valid foreign driver’s licenses, can exchange their foreign licenses for Russian ones on a one-to-one basis. After that date, you can obtain a license only by passing the theoretical exams for categories A and B; all other categories require both theoretical and practical exams.

So, how does the exchange work?
You need to join the queue to exchange your license. Some regions have an electronic queue, while others have a physical queue. Check directly with the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (GIBDD).

• Bring the following documents with you:
  Russian passport (or residence permit)
• Registration in the Russian Federation
• Driver’s license and its notarized translation
• Medical examination, depending on the category
• SNILS
• Exam results for professional categories

All categories shown on the foreign license are transferred (professional categories are transferred upon presentation of the exam results).

The foreign driver’s license is returned to its owner.

If all the documents have been prepared correctly, exchanging the license takes 30 min.
And voilà! You’re the owner of a Russian driver’s license!

To restore a Russian license, contact the GIBDD to exchange it, because holders of Russian licenses are not allowed to drive in Russia using foreign ones.