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 one from the US, the UK, or Canada, you can drive legally for 6 months after 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 a 12-month period.
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 usual residence in Greece or be a student for at least 6 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 cannot hold another driving license issued by Greece or any EU Member State, including Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, when applying for an exchange.
Minimum age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive a motorcycle or a car, and 16 years old to drive a moped (or a light quadricycle).
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 any other required documents, 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:
If the consulates perform the translation of the driver’s license, 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 to you.
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. They will retain your foreign driver's license on file until your Greek license is ready. If you already hold a Greek or EU driving license, you must submit it to the authorities so they can issue a new license covering all authorised categories.
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
Personal identification
Proof of residence
License & translations
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
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
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 required documents correctly and obtaining certified translations in advance 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 without 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 months), 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).
