Replacement of Foreign Driver's Licenses with Serbian Ones
Who is eligible
- Only holders of a valid Serbian residence permit (visa not applicable).
- If the country that issued the license has signed the Vienna Convention on road traffic, no exams are required. The same rule applies if the license has already been replaced in another country (e.g., Russia → another country → Serbia).
- Expired licenses can be replaced only if there is an official decree in the issuing country extending their validity. Russia has such decrees; a translation of the relevant pages by a court interpreter is required.
How long can you drive with foreign licenses
- 12 months from the date of entry (entry date considered as the date of submission for residence permit). See Article 178 of the Law on Road Traffic Safety.
- International driving permits (IDP) without a basic license also lose validity after 12 months.
- If you do not plan to drive, replacement is not mandatory; you can replace the current license later.
Important
- When replacing, the original license is taken and sent to the issuing country. You cannot use two licenses simultaneously.
- While the Serbian license is being prepared, you cannot drive.
- Failing to replace the license on time and continuing to drive is considered driving without a license - fines, and in case of an accident, the insurance company may refuse to pay.
Documents
| Required documents | Note |
|---|
| Valid foreign driver's license (will be taken) | |
| Copy of passport (photo page, will be taken) + original passport and residence permit | |
| Translation of driver's license (court interpreter) | |
| Proof of address | |
| Photograph | |
| Medical examination certificate (lekarsko uverenje) - medical institutions in Belgrade/Novi Sad, approximately 2,000-3,600 RSD | |
| Paid fee (inspector will fill in the application on site) | |
| For expired licenses - translation of the decree confirming their validity | |
Procedure
The traffic police (SUP) has a strict dress code: no shorts, skirts above the knee, sports clothing, flip-flops, or headgear.
- Belgrade: Ljermontova 12a (Mon-Fri 07:30-19:30, Sat 07:30-14:30). Document submission - windows 5-7, photo - room 5.
- After submission, you will receive a receipt for the license; ensure it has a stamp.
- Usually, a new license is prepared in approximately 7 days; issuance - window 9.
International Driving Permits (IDP)
Issued through AMSS (e.g., Ruzveltova 16, Belgrade). Required:
- Passport,
- Copy of Serbian license (both sides),
- 2 photos 35×45 mm (sometimes on white cardboard).
Fee approximately 3,070 RSD (cash), validity 3 years. IDP may be useful, for example, in Italy.
Learning from scratch (briefly)
- Residence permit required.
- Theory and practice - in person, only in Serbian; over 2,500 questions.
- Cost approximately 600-800 € plus exams, re-exams, medical commission, and fee - plan up to approximately 1,000 €.
- The entire process takes 4-12 months.
After passing, you receive probationary license for 2 years with restrictions: no driving from 23:00 to morning, speed limit - 10% below the norm, "beginner" sticker, prohibition on cars more powerful than 110 hp. Such licenses are accepted abroad only in countries that recognize them.