Exchanging a foreign driving licence in Czechia: Ukrainian and other licences — deadlines, documents, fines
Updated: 13 November 2026
Came to Czechia with your own driving licence? You can use it for a while, but if you live here long-term the law requires you to exchange it for a Czech one. Here is who this applies to, the deadlines and what happens if you miss them.
- Licences issued under the Vienna or Geneva Convention are valid in Czechia for short stays.
- With permanent residence or a stay of over 1 year, apply for an exchange within 3 months — otherwise you may not drive on the foreign licence.
- You can exchange once Czechia is your normal residence — 185 days in a calendar year.
- Ukrainian licences are recognised; those that expired after 1 Jan 2022 because of the war are treated as valid.
- Driving without a valid licence: a fine of CZK 25,000–50,000 and a 1–2-year ban.
Who must exchange their licence
Non-EU nationals with permanent residence or a stay on a long-term visa or permit of more than one year. The application must be filed within 3 months of the permit taking effect. Otherwise you may not drive in Czechia on the foreign licence (Section 118 of Act No. 361/2000 Coll.).
Licences issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention or the 1949 Geneva Convention can be exchanged. Licences from other countries may require an international driving permit, and for long-term residence a new exam.
Ukrainian driving licences
- The Ukrainian licence follows the Vienna Convention model and is recognised in Czechia.
- Licences that expired after 1 January 2022 and could not be renewed because of the war are treated as valid. Those that expired earlier are not.
- If your permitted stay is no longer than one year, an exchange is not required.
- You can exchange only after meeting the 185-day residence condition — not immediately after arrival.
- Without the physical licence (lost, stolen) you may not drive — you need driving school and an exam.
How the exchange works
- Apply at a municipal office with extended powers (obec s rozšířenou působností) — in Prague at the licence offices of the City Hall and districts.
- Bring your passport, residence permit card and foreign licence; the photo is taken on site. A translation of the licence may be required.
- You hand in the foreign licence — it is returned to the issuing country.
- The fee for issuing the licence is usually CZK 200 (within 20 days), or CZK 700 for express issue (5 working days).
No exam is needed when exchanging a convention licence.
Professional drivers
With a valid Ukrainian licence you can be employed as a driver. For lorries and buses you also need a certificate of professional competence (the Ukrainian one is not recognised — training and an exam are required) and a tachograph driver card.
Common mistakes
- Driving on a foreign licence for more than 3 months after getting permanent residence or a long-term permit without applying for an exchange.
- Trying to exchange right after arrival — without 185 days of residence you will be refused.
- Driving on a licence that expired before 2022.
- No povinné ručení for the car — a separate fine and a ČKP contribution.
Driving in Czechia?
We advise on licence exchange and arrange povinné ručení and comprehensive cover for cars with Czech or Ukrainian plates.
Sources
- Policie ČR — řidičské průkazy cizinců ze zemí mimo EU
- Ministerstvo dopravy — informace pro držitele ukrajinských řidičských průkazů (9/2024)
- Nařízení (EU) 2022/1280 — ukrajinské řidičské průkazy
This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Check the current rules before making a decision, or contact us.