Driver's license replacement

## 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.