Daniel Osiomwanuri
This post is also available in:English /
Updated:
Jul 30, 2025
Published:
Jul 30, 2025
Are you moving to Greece or planning an extended stay? Converting your foreign driver’s license can be confusing with all the rules, documents, and deadlines. You might be wondering, “How long can you legally drive with your current license? Which countries have license exchange agreements with Greece? And what steps should you take to avoid fines or complications?
This article explains the eligibility requirements for converting your license in Greece. It also explains the documents you’ll need, certified driver’s license translation requirements, and how to convert your foreign license with ease.
Table of Contents
Can you drive in Greece with a foreign license?
You can drive in Greece with a foreign license. But how long you’re allowed to drive depends on where your license was issued and the duration of your stay.
For example, if you hold an EU or EEA license, you can drive without any restrictions or a driving license conversion. In contrast, if you have a non-EU license, such as those from the US, UK, or Canada, you can drive legally for 6 months from establishing residency. After which, you must convert to a Greek driving license. You may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home license.
Who needs to exchange their license in Greece?
If you plan to drive in Greece, you might have to exchange your driver’s license if you are;
Non-EU/EEA license holders
If your driver’s license was issued in a non-EU country that has a reciprocity agreement with Greece, and you take up residence there, you must exchange your license. A foreigner is considered a resident of Greece if they stay for more than 185 days within 12 months.
If you are not a resident of Greece and your country is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, you can drive in Greece with your national driving license for up to 6 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required only if your license is not in Greek or Latin characters.
EU/EEA license holders
EU/EEA license holders don’t need to exchange their foreign driving license as long as it’s valid. Unlike non-EU country licenses, you can keep using your local permit without an IDP or exchange even after becoming a resident in Greece.
However, if your license expires while in Greece, you must apply for a Greek driving license to continue driving. As an EU/EEA license holder, you can exchange it for a Greek license of the corresponding category without further examinations.
Specific country licenses
Currently, Greece only allows the exchange of driving licenses issued in Switzerland, Serbia, Albania, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and South Korea.
All other non-EU citizens must obtain a Greek driving license if they become residents of Greece.
Greece driving license requirements for foreigners
To exchange a foreign driver’s license in Greece, you must meet the following requirements:
Residence: You must have your normal residence in Greece, or be a student for at least six months.
Valid foreign license: You need a valid driving license from your country of origin or a country recognised by Greece (e.g., EU/EEA, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Africa or South Korea). You can hold only one driving license at the time of applying for an exchange in Greece.
Minimum age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive a motorcycle and a car, and 16 years old to drive a moped (or light quadricycles).
Medical Fitness: You need to be medically fit to drive. This may involve obtaining medical certificates from a pathologist and an ophthalmologist.
How to exchange a foreign driving license for a Greek one
If you plan to stay in Greece long-term, here’s how to exchange your foreign license step by step:
Step 1: Check eligibility
Determine whether your country has a license exchange agreement with Greece. If it does, you can usually exchange your license without taking a driving test. If it doesn’t, you may need to complete both theory and practical driving tests.
Step 2: Gather required documents
Prepare the necessary documents, such as your local driver’s license, residence permit, and others, for the application. Ensure they are in good shape, valid, and meet all Greek requirements.
Step 3: Translate foreign documents
If you have a foreign document, such as your local driver’s license, it must be translated into Greek by a Ministry of Foreign Affairs authorised certified translator, a lawyer, or by the Consul of the issuing country’s consular authorities in Greece. If the consulates perform the driver’s license translation, their signature must be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Step 4: Submit your application
Visit the local Transport and Communications Office (YME) in the city where you reside to submit your application. At the office, you will submit your documents and any applicable forms provided.
Step 5: Pay the fees
Pay the required administrative and license issuance fees. Costs vary depending on the type of license and whether a driving test is needed.
Step 6: Verification
The department will verify the authenticity of your license and may request further information or translations if necessary.
Step 7: Receive your Greek license
After processing, you’ll be notified to collect your new Greek driving license. If a driving test is required, you’ll receive your license after successfully passing both the theory and practical exams.
Required documents for converting a foreign driving license in Greece
Documentation proving your residency in Greece, such as:
Photocopy of a valid Greek residence permit
Utility bills
Rental agreement
License & translations
Foreign driving license: Original, valid license
South African licenses must be the new plastic card format
Translated license (if applicable)
Must indicate the vehicle categories you are authorised to drive
If the translation does not include the categories, provide:
A document from the issuing authority showing the categories
Attached certified translation
Additional requirement for USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Africa licenses
Verification statement from the Department of Motor Vehicles of the issuing state
Confirms that the license has not been withheld or revoked
Must be sent via the Greek consulate
Medical certificates
Two medical certificates: One from a pathologist and one from an ophthalmologist
OR a certificate from a Higher Medical Committee (as appropriate)
Photographs: 4 required with medical certificates
Note: Physicians must be under contract with the relevant Transport and Communications Department
Fees & stamps
Revenue stamps and fees:
€30 revenue stamp (issued by the National Bank of Greece for printing the license)
Motorists' Retirement Fund contributions:
€18 for categories A & B
€108.15 for all other categories
Medical certificate fees:
Two €32 deposits to the National Bank of Greece into the special account of law-decree 638/1970.
How can Transalyte help you?
Translayte provides certified translations for foreign driver's licenses, passports, and other supporting documents required in Greece. We have a network of certified translators approved by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring 100% acceptance. Additionally, Translayte's certified driver’s license translation services are
Easy to order online
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Do you need certified translations accepted by the Greek Transport and Communications Office (YME)? Request a free quote to get started.
Application processing time for converting a foreign driver’s license in Greece
The time it takes to convert a foreign driver’s license to a Greek one can vary. Factors such as your country of origin, document translations, and the requirement for a driving test will contribute to longer timelines.
In most cases, if your license can be exchanged directly, the process takes 2 to 6 weeks from the date of submission. If you need to complete theory and practical tests, the process may take 1 to 3 months, depending on appointment availability.
Submitting all the required documents correctly and obtaining certified translations beforehand can significantly speed up the process.
Note: Timelines can vary by region and workload. For example, processing can take longer in Athens due to higher demand.
How much does a driving license cost in Greece?
The cost of converting a foreign license to a Greek license ranges from €500 to €600, depending on the type of license and whether you need to take a driving test.
On average, administrative and issuance fees range from €50 to €200.
If a driving test is required, additional costs for lessons, test fees, and medical certificates can bring the total to €500 – €600.
What if your license can’t be exchanged?
If your foreign license is from a country that does not have an exchange agreement with Greece, you will need to apply for a Greek license as if you were a new driver. This means passing both the theory and practical driving tests in Greece. Your foreign license may allow you to drive for a limited period (usually 6), but after that, you must hold a Greek license to drive legally.
Benefits of holding a Greek driving license
Holding a Greek driving license offers several advantages:
Full legal compliance: Avoid fines and legal issues when your foreign license expires.
Ease of renewal: Renewals and replacements are simpler within Greece.
Recognition in the EU: A Greek license is valid across the EU, making driving in other European countries hassle-free.
Peace of mind: No need to worry about carrying translations or international permits for everyday driving in Greece.
Ready to start your foreign driver’s license conversion in Greece? Request a free quote to get certified translations accepted by the Greek Transport and Communications Office (YME).
It depends on your license type. EU and EEA licenses are valid without any restrictions. Non-EU licenses, like those from the US, Canada, or Australia, are usually valid for 6 months. After that, you must convert your license to a Greek one to drive legally.
If you hold an EU or EEA license, you can rent a car without an IDP. However, many rental companies require non-EU drivers (like those from the US or Canada) to present an IDP alongside their home license.
You can apply for a Greek driving license by visiting the Transport and Communications Office (YME) with your documents. This includes your current license, certified translations, health certificate, residence permit, and passport photos. Non-exchange licenses require passing theory and driving tests.
An International Driving Permit is not required for EU/EEA license holders. Non-EU drivers should carry an IDP, especially for car rentals or if staying short-term, to avoid any issues with local authorities.
Canadian licenses are valid for short-term driving in Greece, usually up to 6 months. But you may also need an International Driving Permit for rentals. Long-term residents must convert their Canadian license to a Greek one.
