Driving licence in Türkiye: exchange and rules for foreigners
A foreign licence is valid for a limited time; residents must exchange it for a Turkish licence within about six months under art. 88 of the highway traffic regulation.
Exam-free exchange is possible for countries with reciprocity or that are party to the 1968 Vienna Convention (Türkiye joined on 22 January 2013). EU/EEA licences are generally exchanged; the current country list is published by the NVI.
Validity
- Visitor/newcomer: foreign licence for a limited period.
- Resident: exchange within about six months.
- The exact period and sanctions follow the current regulation — verify with the NVI.
Steps
- Check whether your country is on the exam-free exchange list (NVI).
- Get a medical certificate and a vision test if required.
- Have the licence translated by a sworn translator.
- Book an appointment via e-Devlet and apply.
- Collect the Turkish licence.
At a glance
| Item | Note | Term / value |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign licence use | for newcomers | limited period |
| Resident exchange duty | after becoming resident | about 6 months |
| Medical certificate | required | family doctor / hospital |
| Sworn translation | may be needed | per tariff |
| Vienna Convention | exam-free exchange | joined 22.01.2013 |
Exchange without an exam: which countries
- bilateral reciprocity — only three partners: Spain, the TRNC (Northern Cyprus) and Tunisia;
- Vienna Convention 1968 — licences of signatory states (around 80) are exchanged;
- other countries — no exchange: retraining and an exam in Türkiye are required;
- the country list and the reciprocity table are published by the NVI — check nvi.gov.tr.
Frequent questions
- How long is my foreign licence valid?
- A limited period for newcomers; residents must exchange it within about six months (current term at the NVI).
- Will my UK or EU licence be exchanged?
- Partner states of the Vienna Convention are generally exchanged without an exam; verify the current list with the NVI.
- Do I need a medical certificate?
- Yes, a medical certificate (and a vision test if required) is part of the exchange.
- What documents are needed?
- Passport, residence, the foreign licence, a translation, the medical certificate and a biometric photo.
- What if I don't exchange it?
- Administrative fines and legal consequences follow; complete the exchange before the deadline.
The exam-free country list and the deadline can change — check the current position with the NVI and the highway traffic regulation.