Foreigners who obtain long-term or permanent residence in Czechia (the so-called obvyklé bydliště, or "habitual residence") are required to exchange their national driving licence for a Czech one. You can't simply keep driving on your foreign licence indefinitely while living in Czechia — the Road Traffic Act (zákon č. 361/2000 Sb., §116) sets out a clear procedure for this exchange. Below is a step-by-step breakdown: who needs to do it, where, with what documents, and at what cost.
It all depends on who issued your licence:
Whether your country is a party to the relevant convention, along with the current rules, can be confirmed on the official portal (links at the end). Rules change from time to time, so check the primary source before applying.
The exchange itself under the convention isn't bound by a strict short deadline, but you may only drive on a foreign licence for a limited period once you have "habitual residence" in Czechia. The practical takeaway: don't put it off — arrange the exchange soon after obtaining your long-term or permanent residence permit. Check the exact deadlines and any exceptions with the driver registry.
The exact set of documents depends on your situation — the registry official will confirm the final list.
The exchange is handled by the driver registry of the municipal authority with extended powers (obecní úřad obce s rozšířenou působností). In Prague, this is the Prague City Hall, Department of Transport Administration (odbor dopravněsprávních činností), Registr řidičů — served at the office on Na Pankráci. Opening hours and appointment booking are available on the City Hall website. In other Czech cities, contact the local městský úřad with a driver registry.
An administrative fee (správní poplatek) is charged for issuing the licence, based on the current rate. Two options are usually available:
Current fee amounts are listed on the official government services portal (links below) — check before your visit, as rates are updated periodically.
Do I need a medical certificate? A medical exam usually isn't required for a straightforward exchange under the convention, but it may be requested under certain conditions (age, licence category). Check with the registry.
Will my old licence be taken away? Yes — when the Czech licence is issued, the foreign one is generally surrendered and may be returned to the issuing country.
Can I drive while my licence is being processed? While the application is being processed, your right to drive based on the submitted application may be limited — check this point with the official in advance.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with the driver registry. Conditions and fees may change — check the current information on official resources and at the relevant office before submitting your documents.
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