A Foreigner’s Guide to Getting or Converting a Driver’s License in Turkey

Two Primary Choices: Acquiring or Converting

There are two options available to foreigners in Turkey:

• Convert your current driver's license, if it is valid in your home country.
• If you don't have a license or yours cannot be converted, apply for a new Turkish driver's license.

Let's examine each route in more detail.

Converting Your Foreign Driver’s License to a Turkish One

If you're a foreign resident in Turkey, converting your home country driver's license might be the most convenient way to continue driving legally — but only if your country is on the list of those with a license recognition agree Countries That Can Convert Their License in Turkey

Turkey is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Road Traffic Convention, and has a reciprocal agreement with 83 countries. If your license was issued in one of the following countries, you can apply to convert it to a Turkish one without taking written or practical exams:

Full list of eligible countries:

Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Congo, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, England (UK), Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Liberia, Latvia, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Mexico, Mongolia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Niger, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.

Important Notice: Surrender of Your Original License

One major downside to the conversion process is that Turkey requires you to give up your original license. The original is sent back to your country’s issuing authority, and you’ll receive only the Turkish license in return. This is a legal obligation under the mutual agreement terms.

So, before starting the process, ask yourself:

• Will I return to my home country and need that license again?
• Am I ready to permanently use a Turkish license?

If you're unsure, you may consider applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP) for temporary use or keep using your foreign license for the first 6 months of your stay.

Who CANNOT Convert Their License?

If your driver’s license was issued in a country not included in the agreement, you cannot convert it to a Turkish license.

Countries such as:

• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• India
• China
• and many others not listed above...

...must go through the full Turkish licensing process, including:

1. Enrolling in a driving school
2. Attending classes
3. Taking the theory exam (e-sınav)
4. Passing the driving test

The License Conversion Process Step-by-Step

Step 1: Verify your eligibility

First, see if the licence from your own country may be converted. The Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü (Population and Citizenship Affairs Directorate) is where you may achieve this.

Step 2: Notarise and translate your licence

Your driver's license must be translated into Turkish by an official notarised translator.

Step 3: Get your paperwork ready.

• What you'll need is as follows:
  
  The notarised translation with the original driver's license
• A valid Ikamet residency permit
• Multiple biometric photos
• Report or blood group card (from a health centre)
• Health report (from a private clinic or family physician)
• Certificate of criminal history (available online through e-Devlet)
• Evidence of residency, such as your Ikamet registration
• Form for applying (from the Nüfus Müdürlüğü)

Step 4: Visit the Nüfüs Müdürlüğü

Make an appointment using the website randevu.nvi.gov.tr. During your appointment, turn in all of your paperwork.

Step 5: Give up your original licence

You will often need to surrender your original licence. You will only receive the Turkish one because Turkey returns it to the country that issued it.

Step 6: Hold off on getting a new licence.

Your Turkish licence will be mailed to you in a few weeks.

Getting a New Turkish Driver’s License 

If you don’t have a driver’s license or yours can’t be converted, you can apply for a Turkish one like any Turkish citizen.

Step 1: Enroll in a driving school

Sign up with a certified driving school (sürücü kursu) in your city. You must attend theory classes and driving lessons.

Step 2: Submit documents

Typically, you’ll need:

• Passport & residence permit
• Biometric photo
• Health report
• Criminal record
• Proof of education (high school diploma or university degree, translated & notarized)

Step 3: Pass the written test

The theory exam (e-sınav) includes traffic rules, first aid, and motor knowledge. The exam is usually in Turkish, but some schools provide English preparation support.

Step 4: Pass the driving test

You’ll take a practical exam with an examiner, driving a car provided by your school.

Step 5: Apply at the Nüfus Müdürlüğü

After passing both exams, you’ll get a driving school certificate. Submit this and your documents at the Nüfus Müdürlüğü to receive your license.

What About Permits for Driving Abroad?

If you are temporarily in Turkey:

You have up to six months to drive using your foreign licence.

You have to convert your licence or apply for a Turkish one after six months.

Your national licence must be shown with your International Driving Permit (IDP) in order for it to be valid.

Advice & Caution

• A barrier of language? If you don't speak Turkish well, bring a friend who does or get a translator.
• Health report: obtainable from private clinics or state family physicians. Prices vary.
• The cost and calibre of driving schools vary. Consult locals for suggestions or read reviews.
• Police checks: After six months, driving without a valid licence can lead to fines or deportation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

 What is the duration of the conversion process?

Typically two to four weeks following the submission of your paperwork.

 What is the price?

Depending on licence fees, health checks and translations, conversion prices might range 

There is no agreement between my nation and Turkey. How can I help?

You have to take the tests and apply through a driving school.

After obtaining residency, is it possible for me to drive in Turkey using a foreign licence?

For six months only, yes. If it isn't transformed after that, it becomes illegal.

Concluding remarks

Although obtaining or converting a driver's license in Turkey may appear difficult, it is completely possible with the correct assistance. Make sure all of your paperwork is complete, and don't be scared to seek assistance from expats or locals who have done it before.

Driving provides you freedom, whether you're planning road excursions along the Turkish coast or simply navigating Istanbul traffic. This guide will help you drive safely and lawfully.