Driver's license exchange is the official process of replacing a foreign (for example, Ukrainian) driver's license with a Slovak one. This is done at the dopravný inšpektorát — a police department for traffic matters.
When is it needed
- If you live in Slovakia and have received residency (pobyt) here.
- The right to drive with a foreign license is valid for a limited time, after which the document must be exchanged.
Usually, you will need your current license, proof of residency (pobyt), a photograph, and a completed application; sometimes a translation or additional certificates are required. The exact list and deadlines depend on your situation and can change, so it is best to check the current requirements directly with the police or on the official website. Appointments often require prior booking. Do not delay: driving with an expired license that should have been exchanged can lead to fines and problems with insurance in case of an accident. We recommend starting the process in advance, as the production of a new license also takes some time.
