International driving licence from Switzerland

Search

Jump directly to content
Homepage Main navigation language selection language selection Easy answers about life in Switzerland
en
Open language picker
Loading...
    Easy answers about life in Switzerland
    • All themes
    • Vehicles and traffic
    • Driving licence
    • International driving licence
    All themes
    Vehicles and traffic
    Driving licence
    International driving licence

    International driving licence

    If you plan to drive in a foreign country, you may need an international driving licence. Find out if you need one, and how to order one in Switzerland.

    All themes

    The international driving licence is an international version of your Swiss driving licence, allowing you to drive in a foreign country. It is only valid when accompanied by your Swiss licence. You need to have both valid documents with you when you drive abroad.

    People with a Swiss driving licence

    An international driving licence is recommended when driving in countries outside the EU and EFTA. Several countries and many car-hire services require you to have an international driving licence.

    Before travelling abroad, ask your travel agent, the foreign representation of your destination country or a road transport association which driving documents are required.

    European countries accept the Swiss credit-card format driving licence. If you still have an old blue paper driving licence, it is easy to replace it at your canton’s road traffic office.

    People with a foreign driving licence

    If you live abroad, you need an international licence to drive in Switzerland only if your driving licence does not mention the authorised vehicle categories in Latin characters. If you live in Switzerland, you may have to exchange your foreign licence for a Swiss licence.

    You can order your international driving licence at your canton’s road traffic office (website available in German, French and Italian).

    In some cantons, you can also contact the Automobile Club of Switzerland or the Touring Club of Switzerland. These associations will also provide you with information on the documents required.

    The international driving licence is valid for three years, but not beyond the expiry date of your Swiss driving licence.

    You cannot renew your international licence, but you can order a new one if it expires.

    The price of an international licence varies from canton to canton. It is around CHF 30.

    • Contact the road traffic office (website available in German, French and Italian) of your canton.

    • ch.ch also has a web page about changing your driving licence.

    A service of the Confederation, cantons and communes

    About ch.ch Contact
    YouTube link Twitter link
    Terms and conditions
    All themes
    A service of the Confederation, cantons and communes
    About ch.ch Contact
    YouTube link Twitter link
    Terms and conditions
    YouTube link Twitter link