How to Renew a European Driving Licence in 2026: EU Countries, Requirements, Fees and Application Process
Renewing a European driving licence is an important responsibility for drivers living in the European Union and other European countries. Whether your licence was issued in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Ireland or another European country, you must understand the applicable renewal requirements before your document expires.
If you are renewing a European driving licence, the application process will depend on your country of normal residence, the licence category you hold and whether you need additional medical or identity documents.
This comprehensive guide explains how to renew a European driving licence in 2026, including eligibility, application procedures, fees, processing times and foreign licence renewal rules.
How to Renew a European Driving Licence in 2026
To renew a European driving licence, you generally need to contact the licensing authority in the country where you normally reside.
Although EU member states follow a common framework for driving licences, each country manages its own application procedures, renewal fees and administrative requirements.
The renewal process generally involves:
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Checking the expiry date of your existing driving licence.
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Identifying the appropriate licensing authority.
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Preparing the required identity and residence documents.
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Completing the renewal application.
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Providing a medical certificate when required.
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Paying the applicable renewal fee.
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Receiving your renewed driving licence.
Some countries offer online renewal services, while others require an appointment or an in-person application.
For general information about European driving licences, visit the GenuineDrivingLicenceHQ homepage, where we provide guides covering driving licence requirements across Europe and other regions.
When Should You Renew Your European Driving Licence?
You should begin checking the renewal requirements before your licence reaches its expiry date.
On standard EU-format driving licences, field 4b on the front of the card shows the administrative expiry date.
However, individual vehicle categories may have different validity periods. Field 11 on the back of the card shows the expiry date for each driving category.
For example, your category B car entitlement may have a different validity period from your category C or D entitlement.
If you are unsure where these dates appear, read our detailed guide:
Where Is the Expiry Date on an EU Driving Licence?
Checking both dates helps you determine when renewal is required.
European Driving Licence Renewal Requirements
The documents required to renew a European driving licence depend on the country handling your application.
Common requirements may include:
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Your current driving licence.
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A valid passport or national identity document.
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Proof of normal residence.
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A completed renewal application.
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A recent photograph, if required.
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A medical certificate or eyesight assessment, where applicable.
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Payment of the renewal fee.
Some countries require additional medical checks for older drivers or people holding certain professional driving categories.
Important: A European driving licence is not renewed through one central EU-wide application service. Applications are handled by the relevant national or local licensing authority.
How to Renew a Driving Licence in Different European Countries
European countries have different administrative systems for driving licence renewal.
Below are some of the most important countries and the authorities responsible for their licensing procedures.
Renewing a Driving Licence in Germany
Germany issues driving licences through local driving licence authorities, commonly known as Fahrerlaubnisbehörden.
If you hold a German driving licence, you should check whether your licence needs administrative renewal or replacement.
The standard German photocard driving licence generally has a 15-year administrative validity period, while older licences are subject to phased exchange deadlines.
For ordinary car and motorcycle categories, replacing an expiring card does not normally require retaking the driving test solely because the card expires.
However, different requirements apply to professional driving categories.
Visit the official German federal government website for information and links to the relevant authorities.
Renewing a Driving Licence in France
In France, driving licence applications and administrative procedures are managed through the relevant government services.
Modern French driving licence cards generally have a 15-year administrative validity period for ordinary categories.
Renewal of the physical card does not necessarily mean that the holder must repeat the driving test.
However, medical checks and different validity periods may apply to certain licence categories.
Drivers can consult the official French public service website for the applicable renewal procedure.
Renewing a Driving Licence in Spain
Spain’s driving licence system is administered by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT).
For ordinary car and motorcycle categories, Spanish licences generally require renewal every 10 years until age 65 and every five years thereafter.
Different validity periods apply to professional categories.
Renewal may require a medical fitness assessment through an authorised driver recognition centre.
For the latest requirements, visit the official Spanish DGT website.
Renewing a Driving Licence in Italy
In Italy, the renewal requirements depend on the licence category and the driver’s age.
For category B licences, the standard validity period is generally:
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10 years for drivers under 50.
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Five years for drivers aged 50 to 69.
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Three years for drivers aged 70 to 79.
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Two years for drivers aged 80 and above.
Medical fitness requirements apply when renewing.
Drivers should consult the relevant Italian transport authority for current procedures and fees.
Renewing a Driving Licence in Ireland
Irish driving licences are administered by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS).
Eligible applicants can renew online or through an NDLS centre.
The requirements depend on the driver’s age, licence category and medical circumstances.
If you are renewing an Irish driving licence, check whether you need:
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Your existing driving licence.
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A Public Services Card and verified MyGovID account for online applications.
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A medical report, if required.
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Proof of identity or address, where applicable.
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Payment of the relevant renewal fee.
Visit the official NDLS website for the latest application requirements.
You can also explore our Irish driving licence information.
Renewing a Driving Licence in Poland
In Poland, driving licence renewal applications are generally handled through the relevant local administrative authority.
Applicants may need to provide identification, a photograph and medical evidence where required.
The applicable validity period depends on the licence category and any medical restrictions.
Drivers should consult the official Polish government website for current instructions.
Renewing a Driving Licence in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, driving licences are issued through municipalities, with the RDW responsible for relevant registration and licensing administration.
Drivers can generally apply for renewal through their municipality, while eligible applicants may be able to use the online renewal procedure.
Medical fitness declarations may be required depending on age, licence category and personal circumstances.
Visit the official RDW website for information about renewing a Dutch driving licence.
Renewing a Driving Licence in Portugal
Portuguese driving licence renewal is managed through the relevant national licensing services.
The renewal schedule depends on the licence category, the driver’s age and the date the licence was issued.
Eligible drivers may be able to use online government services, while others may need to complete additional procedures.
For official guidance, consult the Portuguese government services portal.
Can You Renew an EU Driving Licence in Another EU Country?
Yes, in many circumstances.
If you move from one EU country to another and establish your normal residence there, you will generally need to renew your driving licence in your new country of residence when it expires.
For EU driving licence purposes, normal residence generally means living in a country for at least 185 days in a calendar year because of personal or occupational ties, subject to the applicable rules and exceptions.
For example, someone who obtained a driving licence in Germany but later establishes normal residence in France may need to complete the renewal process through the French authorities.
You should not assume that you can always renew your licence through the country that originally issued it after permanently relocating.
Read the official EU driving licence renewal guidance.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a European Driving Licence?
European driving licence renewal fees vary by country.
There is no single renewal fee that applies throughout the European Union.
The amount you pay may depend on:
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The country handling your application.
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The licence category.
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Whether medical examinations are required.
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Whether you apply online or in person.
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Additional administrative services.
For example, Ireland’s standard driving licence renewal fee is generally €55, although exemptions apply to certain applicants.
Other countries use different fee structures.
Always confirm the current fee through the relevant government authority before making payment.
How Long Does European Driving Licence Renewal Take?
Processing times vary significantly between countries.
Some authorities issue temporary documents while an application is being processed, while others require applicants to wait until the new licence is available.
You should check:
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Whether appointments are required.
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How early you can apply before expiry.
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Whether a temporary driving document will be issued.
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Whether the temporary document permits driving abroad.
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How the renewed licence will be delivered or collected.
Important: Temporary driving documents are not automatically recognised in every European country.
If you need to travel, confirm whether you can legally drive while waiting for your renewed licence.
Can You Drive in Europe With an Expired Driving Licence?
You should not assume that an expired driving licence remains valid for driving.
Even if you have submitted a renewal application, your ability to continue driving depends on the applicable national rules and any temporary authorisation issued by the relevant authority.
A temporary certificate issued in one country may not be recognised in another.
Before driving abroad, make sure your licence is valid and that you meet the destination country’s requirements.
Can You Renew a European Driving Licence Online?
Several European countries offer online renewal options for eligible applicants.
However, online renewal is not available to every driver.
Eligibility can depend on your residence, age, licence category, identity verification method and medical requirements.
For example, Ireland offers an online renewal service for eligible drivers through NDLS, while the Netherlands provides an online renewal route for qualifying applicants.
Always use the official national licensing service.
Avoid websites claiming to issue or renew official driving licences without the required verification or legal procedures.
What About Driving Licence Renewal in Russia and Other Non-EU European Countries?
Europe includes countries outside the European Union, including Russia, the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland and several Balkan countries.
These countries do not all follow the same EU driving licence renewal procedures.
Russia
Russian driving licence renewal is governed by Russian national law and administered through the relevant traffic police authorities.
Drivers should check current Russian requirements for licence validity, medical certificates and renewal applications.
United Kingdom
The UK has its own driving licence renewal procedures.
Drivers in Great Britain should consult the DVLA, while drivers in Northern Ireland should check the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA).
Read our guide to renewing a UK driving licence online.
Norway and Switzerland
Norway participates in the European Economic Area, while Switzerland maintains its own national licensing system.
Drivers should consult the relevant national authority for renewal requirements.
Remember: A driving licence issued in a European country is not necessarily an EU driving licence.
European Driving Licence Renewal vs Foreign Licence Exchange
Renewing a driving licence and exchanging a foreign licence are different procedures.
Driving licence renewal generally involves replacing an expiring licence while maintaining the appropriate driving entitlement.
Foreign driving licence exchange involves replacing a licence issued in one country with a licence issued by another country, subject to eligibility requirements.
If you have moved to a new country, you should first determine whether you need to renew your existing licence or exchange it.
Read our guide to exchanging a foreign driving licence.
European Driving Licence Renewal: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I renew my European driving licence?
Contact the licensing authority in the country where you normally reside. Check the renewal requirements, prepare the necessary documents, complete the application and pay any applicable fee.
Can I renew an EU driving licence online?
Some EU countries provide online renewal services for eligible drivers. Availability depends on the country and your individual circumstances.
How long is a European driving licence valid?
Validity depends on the issuing country, licence category and any applicable medical or age-related conditions. Standard EU car and motorcycle licence cards commonly have administrative validity periods of 10 to 15 years.
Can I renew my EU driving licence after it expires?
In many cases, an expired licence can be renewed, but the procedure and any additional requirements depend on the relevant national authority. Do not assume you may continue driving while it is expired.
Can I renew my driving licence in another European country?
If you establish normal residence in another EU country, you will generally need to renew an expiring EU licence through the authorities in that country. Rules differ for non-EU countries.
Do I need another driving test to renew my European licence?
Ordinary administrative renewal does not generally require repeating the original driving test. However, national rules, licence categories and individual circumstances may create additional requirements.
How much does European driving licence renewal cost?
There is no single European renewal fee. Each country sets its own charges and may require additional medical or administrative payments.
Can I use an international driving permit if my EU licence has expired?
No. An international driving permit does not extend the validity of an expired domestic driving licence.
Learn more in our guide to international driving permits and international driving licences.
Final Thoughts: Renewing a European Driving Licence
Renewing a European driving licence in 2026 requires understanding the rules of the country where you normally reside.
Although EU countries share common driving licence standards, renewal procedures, fees and medical requirements vary between national authorities.
Before applying, check your expiry date, identify the correct licensing authority and prepare the required documents.
For more driving licence guides covering Europe, the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and other countries, visit the GenuineDrivingLicenceHQ homepage.
Always confirm the current application requirements with the relevant official authority.