Updated Foreign Driving Licence Exchange in Slovakia from 2025

Updated guide to exchanging your foreign driving licence in Slovakia effective from June 2025 check what’s changed and what to do.

Understanding the Standard EU Driving Licence Format

Since 2013, all EU-issued driving licences follow a standard plastic, card-sized format with modern security features. Older versions are still valid but will be replaced at renewal or by 2033.

Who Needs to Exchange Their Licence in Slovakia?

EU Nationals

EU citizens are not required to exchange a foreign driving licence in Slovakia unless:

Their licence was issued for an indefinite period before January 19, 2013.
They prefer to renew their driving licence while staying in Slovakia.

In these cases, the exchange can only begin after 185 days of registering for temporary residence. If the licence was issued for a standard period (up to 15 years), the exchange is optional.

Non-EU Nationals

Non-EU citizens must exchange driving licence Slovakia within 60 days, starting 185 days after receiving temporary or permanent residence. To qualify:

The licence must come from a country that signed the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna Convention.
The licence must still be valid.
The person must hold a valid residence permit (a visa is not enough).

Holders of national visas issued in Slovakia’s interest may also apply after 185 days. If you’re unsure where to begin or looking for details on how to get driving licence in Slovakia for foreigners, this is the place to start.

Documents Required for Licence Exchange

Prepare the following items to start the exchange driving licence process:

Passport
Slovak Residency Card
Completed Request Form (in Slovak, available only at your local police department)
National driving licence, translated into Slovak with a certified notary copy
Apostilled or super legalized excerpt from yourdriving licence, also translated

Note: To apply for an international driving permit, bring a 3.5 x 4.5 cm photo (black & white or colour).

All translations must be completed by a sworn translator. Prices vary by language.

Costs and Timelines

Standard – up to 30 days – 10EUR
Express – within 2 working days – 40 EUR
International Driver’s Licence – issued on the sport – 10 EUR

Step-by-Step Exchange Process

Step 1: Book Your Appointment

Use the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ reservation system or visit your local police department after 10:00 AM on weekdays without an appointment.

Step 2: Pay the Government Fee

Use self-service kiosks (with English interface) at the police station or pay online via eKolok and bring the QR code. Alternatively, you can pay at selected Slovak post offices.

Step 3: Submit Documents

Present all required documents in person at the police department that covers your registered address. Your photograph will be taken at this stage.

Step 4: Wait for Your New Licence

You’ll receive your new driving licence:

Within 30 days (standard)
Within 2 days (express)

Step 5: Licence Collection

Pick up your Slovak driving licence in person or allow ProRelo to do so for you. Your original licence will be sent back to your home country’s issuing office with your Slovak licence number and issue date.

Special Circumstances

Age 65+: A Slovak medical fitness check is needed and must be repeated every 5 years.
Countries not part of the Geneva or Vienna conventions: You’ll need to pass the full Slovak driving test (theory and practical).
Licence Category: You can only exchange a foreign driving licence for the same or a lower class. (For example, you can’t exchange a car licence for a bus licence.)

Update: Clarification on Temporary Refugee Status (Effective from June 18, 2025)

The Slovak Police have clarified that people staying in Slovakia under temporary refugee (also called tolerated stay) do not need to change their driving licence and also cannot apply for a Slovak driving licence.

According to the rules, only those with permanent residence, temporary residence, or long-term student status (at least 6 months) can apply for a driving licence exchange. Temporary refugee is not considered a residence type that qualifies.

This means anyone with this status is excluded from the exchange driving licence process entirely. However, individuals with regular temporary residence still need to change driving licence within 180 days of receiving their residence card.

If you’re unsure what applies to you, the ProRelo team is ready to help you with your Slovakia driving needs, including document preparation and next steps.

Frequently asked questions

Who must exchange a licence—and who may do it voluntarily?

Non-EU nationals must exchange their licence within the specified timeline above ProReloEuropass.

EU citizens are not obliged to exchange their licence, but they may do so voluntarily—especially if it’s expiring or nearing expiry. They also must wait until after the 185-day period

Will my original licence be returned after the exchange?

No. Once you exchange your licence, you will receive a new one. Your original national licence is not kept or archived, and it cannot be exchanged back in the future.

Are driving tests required during exchange?

No. for recognized licences driving text is not required (Geneva or Vienna convention countries) note that e.g. China is not part of either of these conventions and holders of Chinese licences must undergo the test.

Can I start the process while still abroad or only after arriving in Slovakia?

You can prepare in advance by checking which supporting documents you will need. However, the actual exchange must be done in Slovakia, and the documents you submit (such as confirmations and translations) cannot be older than 90 days. This means you will need to obtain them closer to the time when you plan to file your application.

What are the risks of not exchanging the licence?

If you don’t exchange your licence, you’ll be driving without valid driving permit, risk fines, and your insurance may not cover you in case of an accident.

The ProRelo team is ready to assist you with your driving licence exchange. Contact us at slovakia@prorelo.com, or conveniently request our support online.

Driving License Exchange