Elementor #1814

A clear, step‑by‑step guide for expats: documents, process, deadlines & tips

You’ve moved to Austria, or you plan to. You bring your driving licence — but can you keep driving as is? Or must you convert to an Austrian licence? The rules can be confusing. This guide cuts through the jargon. It gives you a simple, actionable roadmap to transfer your foreign driving licence to an Austrian one — what you must do, when you must act, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

🚦 1. Who must convert the licence?

If you hold a licence from another EU/EEA country, your licence is recognised in Austria and does not have to be converted — you may do so voluntarily.

If you hold a licence from a non‑EU/EEA country, and you establish your main residence in Austria, you must convert it within six months of registering your residence.

The licence must still be valid and meet certain conditions for conversion.

📄 2. Where & When — the key deadlines

Once you become a resident in Austria, your non‑EU/EEA licence is valid for six months only; after this you must convert it.

Conversion can be done at your local driving‑licence authority — in Vienna for example it’s the Motor Vehicle Department (Verkehrsamt) or the Landespolizeidirektion.

Book an appointment in advance, and make sure you apply before the six‑month deadline to avoid driving illegally.

🧾 3. Step‑by‑Step Process to Convert

Step 1: Establish your main residence in Austria and register (Meldezettel).
Step 2: Check your licence validity and the country‑of‑issue conditions (some non‑EEA countries have easier conversion rules).
Step 3: Book an appointment with the driving‑licence authority.
Step 4: Prepare all documents (see next section).
Step 5: Submit your application: hand in your foreign licence, fill out the conversion form, pay the fee.
Step 6: If required, take a medical exam or practical driving test (depends on country of licence).
Step 7: Receive your Austrian licence — your foreign licence is surrendered.

📋 4. Required Documents

Here are typical documents you’ll need:
Valid passport or identity card
Foreign driving licence (original) + copy.
Recent photo (35 × 45 mm) that meets Austrian criteria.
Proof of Austrian residence registration (Meldezettel) or confirmation.

If required: medical certificate (for some non‑EEA licences) and/or translation of the foreign licence if not in German or Latin script.

Application form from the authority and payment of the fee (≈ €90 for non‑EEA conversion)

✅ 5. Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do this:

Confirm if your country’s licence allows direct exchange without driving test (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia for category B).

Submit documents early — especially medical certificates, translations, or classification forms.

Keep your foreign licence current and valid — expired ones may not be accepted.

Don’t do this:

Drive after the six‑month residency deadline with a foreign licence. That could lead to penalties.
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Assume all licences from non‑EU countries are freely convertible — many require a test.

Forget to register your address (Meldezettel) before licence conversion appointment.

🏁 Conclusion

Converting your foreign driving licence to an Austrian one is not complicated — but it requires timely action and correct documents. Stay on top of deadlines, understand your country’s equivalence rules, and you’ll be back behind the wheel with ease.
Watch more on the Ingenious Tamilan YouTube channel for full video tutorials, checklist downloads, and more relocation help.