Driving in Slovakia as an expatriate or visitor requires careful attention to the process of exchanging your driving license. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through the exchange process smoothly while ensuring compliance with Slovak regulations. ProRelo, your trusted relocation service provider, is here to assist you at every stage, making the process hassle-free.
Since 2013, all driving licenses issued in the EU have a standard format – a plastic, credit card-sized photocard, with better security features.
You can still use your old-style license, but you will be issued with the new format when you renew your existing license and in any case at the latest by 2033.
1. Eligibility Criteria for Driving License Exchange in Slovakia
Residence registration/permit must be available first before request for the driving license can be submitted.
In case you are in Slovakia only based on visa – this exchange will not be possible – you must organize your residence first.
While EU citizens can choose whether they will change their license, NON EU nationals must do so in a 60-day period starting 185 days after they have been granted temporary residence in Slovakia.
EU citizens, whose driving licenses have been issued for the standard determinate period of time of up to 15 years do not have to exchange their driving licences in Slovakia. They can do so for convenience, for example when their driving license is about to expire. They can only do so following a 185 day period after having been registered for temporary residence in Slovakia. EU citizens, whose driving licences have been issued for an indeterminate period of time (only possible for issues before 19.1.2013) must exchange their driving license for one issued for a determinate period of time in Slovakia within two years of having been registered for residence in Slovakia following a period of 185 days after registration. If NON-EU Nationals wish to drive in Slovakia, they must exchange their driving license for a Slovak one during a 60 day period starting 185 days after being granted temporary or permanent residence in Slovakia.
Before diving into the exchange process, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria:
EU Nationals
EU nationals are not obligated to exchange their driver’s license in Slovakia. However, if your license is approaching expiration and you prefer not to return to your home country for renewal, exchanging your license is an option. You can request the exchange after 185 days of having been granted a temporary or permanent residence permit.
Non-EU Nationals
Non-EU nationals must exchange their driver’s license within 60 days after 185 days of residency in Slovakia. Keep in mind that the process for obtaining necessary documents may vary depending on your home country.
2. Required Documents for the Driving License Exchange Process in Slovakia
Gather the following documents to initiate the license exchange process:
Initial documentation
Passport
Slovak Residency Card
Request Form for driver’s license exchange: Available in Slovak language at the police department which your address of temporary or permanent residence falls under (It CANNOT be requested elsewhere).
National driver’s license: Translated officially into Slovak, bound with a notary copy for the police.
Excerpt from the driver’s license translated into Slovak: must be apostilled/superlegalized before being translated.
Official Fees
The official fee for exchanging a driving license is 10 EUR if produced in a 30-day period and 40 EUR if produced in an express 2-day period. The official fee for obtaining an International Driver’s license is 10 EUR and is produced immediately for the foreigner at any regional police department headquarters provided the country of Issue is party to either the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic In case you intent to apply also for International Driver’s license make sure to also bring a 3.5cm x 4.5cm photo either in black and white or in colour.
Ensure all documents are complete and translated by a sworn translator to facilitate a smooth process. Price of the translation depends on your native language.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to the Driving Exchange Process in Slovakia
Here’s a breakdown of the exchange process:
Booking an appointment at the local Police department which your address of temporary residence falls under utilizing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reservation system, available here. Alternatively, you can request the exchange without an appointment after 10AM during workdays at the relevant Police department.
Paying the government fee: You can pay the government fee (kolok) using the machines available at the police station. You can switch the language to English. Take the receipt from the machine and present it along with your documents. The current fee is 10 EUR. You can alternatively pay the official fees online through the eKolok website, bringing the QR codes provided to the police or pay the fees at select offices of the Slovak post, bringing the printouts to the police.
Submission: Personally submit the required documents to your local police which your address of temporary or permanent residence falls under (with the document department).
Processing: The police will process your documents and capture your photo.
Waiting Period: Your new EU license can typically be issued within 30 days, with an option for express service in two days at an additional fee (40 EUR).
Collection: Collect your new license in person or authorize Pro Relocation to do so on your behalf. Remember, the new license cannot be mailed.
After receiving your Slovak license, the police will send your national driving license back to your home country via its embassy. It has a duty to provide your home country authorities which issued the driver’s license with the reason for the return as well as the date you received your Slovak driver’s license and the Slovak driver’s license number. You can then collect your driving license in your home country in case you need it there.
Special circumstances
If the foreigner is older than 65 years, they must undergo a medical check determining they are fit for driving at a licensed medical professional/center in Slovakia. They must then undergo this medical check every five years. If the country where the driver’s license was issued is not party of either the Geneva or Vienna conventions, they must pass the standard process for obtaining a driver’s license in Slovakia, including a theoretical and a practical exam with the associated costs. An application for an exchange of a driver’s license may only be made for an equivalent or lesser type of a driver’s license. (You may not request for a driver’s license for a truck or bus in Slovakia when your foreign license only covers regular cars).
4. Conclusion
Exchanging your driving license in Slovakia is a practical step for EU nationals and an essential step for non-EU nationals. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through the entire process, including document translation and assistance with submission and collection of your new driving license. Drive safely and confidently in Slovakia with your exchanged driver’s license.
Once issued, your Slovak driving license will be valid for a period of 15 years.
How can we help you?
For those seeking more individualized advice or facing unique circumstances, getting in touch with our Immigration Team can provide personalized advice and support tailored to your specific needs. Check our scope of services here.
