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Converting a foreign driving licence in Turkey
Updated 28 September 2026 · 6 min read
If you live in Turkey with a residence permit, you cannot drive on your foreign licence forever. Residents are generally expected to exchange it for a Turkish licence within about six months. If your licence comes from a country that is party to the international road traffic conventions, you can usually exchange it without taking any exam.
Do you need to convert?
- Tourists: no. You can drive with a valid foreign licence during your stay. See driving in Turkey as a tourist.
- Residents: yes. Once you hold a residence permit, plan to exchange your licence within about six months. After that your foreign licence may no longer be accepted for driving in Turkey.
Which licences can be exchanged?
Turkey exchanges licences issued by countries that are party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic or that have an agreement with Turkey. Holders of these licences normally do not need to take the theory or driving test. Many European, Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries fall into this group.
If your country is not covered, you may have to take the Turkish exams like a new driver. In that case follow our guide to getting a licence as a foreigner. You can take the written exam in English.
Documents you need
- Your original foreign driving licence
- A notarised sworn translation of the licence into Turkish
- Your residence permit and passport
- A "fit to drive" health report (sürücü olur raporu) and blood group information
- Biometric photos
- Receipts for the licence fee and card fee
- Sometimes: your education diploma (translated) and a criminal record certificate
The list can differ by nationality and by office. Check it when you book.
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Step by step
- Get a sworn translation of your licence and have it notarised.
- Get a health report from a family doctor, state hospital or private clinic.
- Get a tax number if you do not have one (you often already have one from your residence permit).
- Pay the licence fee and card fee at a tax office, a partner bank or online (GİB).
- Book an appointment with the Population Directorate (NVİ) on randevu.nvi.gov.tr or by calling ALO 199.
- Attend with all documents. Your foreign licence is usually kept and your Turkish licence is issued.
Fees
You pay the same state licence fees as a new driver. In 2026 that is 6,754.60 TL for a B licence plus 1,690 TL for the card. Translation, notary, health report and photos are extra. Fees are updated every year, so confirm the current amounts before paying.
Tips
- Start early. Appointments can take weeks in big cities.
- Bring copies of everything. Offices often ask for photocopies.
- Learn the Turkish rules anyway. Speed limits, the 0.50 promil alcohol limit and fines differ from many countries. See traffic fines in Turkey.
FAQ
How long can a resident drive with a foreign licence in Turkey?
Residents are generally expected to exchange their foreign licence within about six months of receiving a residence permit. Confirm the current rule with NVİ.
Do I need to take a test to convert my licence?
Usually not, if your licence was issued by a country that is party to the 1968 Vienna Convention or has an agreement with Turkey. Otherwise you may need to take the Turkish exams.
Where do I convert my licence?
At the Population Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü, NVİ). Book an appointment on randevu.nvi.gov.tr or by calling ALO 199.
How much does it cost to convert a licence in 2026?
The state fees for a B licence are 6,754.60 TL plus 1,690 TL for the card. Translation, notary and the health report are extra.
Sources: Driving licence conversion in Turkey (Investment.com.tr) · Turkey driving licences (Expat Focus). Fees and rules can change; confirm with official sources or your driving school.