Converting a Foreign Driving License in Turkey
Moving to Turkey with a licence from home? You can use it for a limited time, and in many cases you can then swap it for a Turkish licence without sitting any exams. Here is how long it is valid, who can exchange, and what to take to the appointment.
Rules change. Everything on this page was checked against several sources on 21 October 2026, using legal texts, law firm guides and news reports. Before you go, confirm the requirements for your country and licence class with the population directorate when you book your appointment.
How long is a foreign licence valid in Turkey?
The rules are in Article 88 of the Highway Traffic Regulation (Karayolları Trafik Yönetmeliği), last amended on this point in June 2020.
| Who | How long you can drive on a licence from abroad |
|---|---|
| Foreign nationals | Up to 6 months from the date of entry into Turkey |
| Turkish citizens (including dual citizens) with a licence issued abroad | Up to 2 years from the date of entry; if staying more than six months, carry a Turkish translation certified by a notary or a Turkish consulate |
When that period ends, you can only keep driving in Turkey with a Turkish licence. If you live here on a residence permit, plan the exchange well before the six months are up, because appointments can take time.
Can your licence be exchanged?
Exchange is possible for licences from countries whose licences Turkey recognises: sources generally describe these as countries that are party to the international road traffic conventions Turkey has signed (usually cited as the 1968 Vienna Convention) or that have a bilateral agreement with Turkey. The licence is exchanged for the equivalent Turkish class.
If your country is not covered, the licence cannot be converted and you need to get a Turkish one from scratch through a driving school, the theory exam and the driving test. Our guide on how to get a driving licence in Turkey as a foreigner explains that route.
Where and how to apply
- Get a driver health report (sürücü olur raporu) from a family doctor (aile hekimi), who may refer you to a hospital department.
- Have your licence translated into Turkish and the translation certified by a notary (noter) or a Turkish consulate.
- Pay the fees (see below) before your appointment and keep the receipts.
- Book an appointment at a population directorate (nüfus müdürlüğü) through the online appointment system of the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (NVİ).
- Attend in person with your documents, and ask how and when your Turkish licence card will be delivered.
Documents usually requested
Lists differ slightly between sources and offices, so treat this as a checklist to confirm when booking:
- the original foreign driving licence and a photocopy,
- its Turkish translation certified by a notary or a Turkish consulate,
- your passport and valid residence permit,
- a driver health report,
- a document showing your blood group, if it is not on the health report,
- a recent biometric photo,
- receipts for the fees,
- some offices also ask for a criminal record certificate and proof of education (with a certified translation if it is from abroad).
How much does it cost?
The exchange involves the same three official payments as a new licence: the licence fee (harç), the card fee and the foundation fee (vakıf payı). For class B in 2026:
| Payment (class B, 2026) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Licence fee (harç) | 6,754.60 TL |
| Card fee | 1,690.00 TL |
| Foundation fee | 425.00 TL |
| Total | 8,869.60 TL |
Translation, notary and health report costs come on top. The licence fee is different for other classes; ask the directorate which amounts apply to your licence before paying.
Is there an exam?
For licences that can be exchanged, the sources we checked agree that you do not take the theory or driving test; the health report is still required. If you do end up needing the exams, you can prepare with our free Turkish driving licence practice tests in English and read how the e-Sınav works.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a foreigner drive in Turkey with a foreign licence?
Up to six months from the date of entry into Turkey, under Article 88 of the Highway Traffic Regulation as amended in 2020. After six months you need a Turkish licence to keep driving.
Where do I exchange my foreign licence?
At a population directorate (nüfus müdürlüğü), which issues driving licences in Turkey. You book an appointment through the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (NVİ) and apply in person.
Do I have to take a test to convert my licence?
If your licence was issued by a country whose licences Turkey exchanges, sources agree that no theory or driving test is needed, although you still need a driver health report. If your country is not eligible, you have to get a Turkish licence through a driving school and both exams.
Does my licence need to be translated?
Yes. Offices ask for a Turkish translation of the foreign licence certified by a notary or by a Turkish consulate, even if the licence is in Latin letters.
Sources
- Amendment to the Highway Traffic Regulation, Article 88 (Official Gazette 05.06.2020)
- Sigortacı Gazetesi: rules on the use period of licences obtained abroad
- Trafik Sözlük: Highway Traffic Regulation Article 88 text
- Harbiye Hukuk: converting a foreign licence to a Turkish one
- Av. Batın Yılmaz: converting a foreign licence (2026 guide)
- Expat Focus: Turkey driving licences
- 98 Seri No.lu Harçlar Kanunu Genel Tebliği, (9) sayılı tarife Trafik Harçları (Resmî Gazete 31.12.2025, sayı 33124)
- Muhasebat Genel Müdürlüğü Genel Tebliği Sıra No: 97, değerli kâğıt bedelleri (Resmî Gazete 24.12.2025, sayı 33117)
- Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü: Sürücü belgeleri hizmetleri sıkça sorulan sorular
Last checked on 21 October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. The population directorate decides on each application.