Greece – Driving Licenses

Can foreign nationals drive in Greece on their home country licence, and for how long?

If you are the holder of an EU or EEA driving licence, you are permitted to drive in Greece without restriction or any requirement to convert your licence. This reflects the way EU driving licences function across member states — your licence from your home country remains entirely valid in Greece for as long as it has not expired, regardless of how long you have been living there.

Those who hold driving licences issued outside the EU or EEA are permitted to drive in Greece for a maximum of 185 days, equivalent to approximately six months. Beyond this point, a Greek licence becomes compulsory. The 185-day threshold serves as the standard residency benchmark within Greek transport legislation. A foreign national is considered to be resident in Greece once they have spent more than 185 days in the country within any 12-month period.

If your country is a signatory to the Vienna Convention, you may use your national driving licence in Greece until you acquire residency status. Your licence must conform to Annex 6 of the Convention. For tourists and short-stay visitors, a valid foreign licence is therefore sufficient, provided it meets the required format under the Convention.

To summarise: EU residents may continue to use their EU licences without restriction, while non-EU residents are obliged to either convert their licence or obtain a Greek one once the initial six-month period has elapsed. Anyone extending their stay beyond their temporary visa duration must secure a local licence in order to remain legally compliant. The boundary between tourist and resident status is therefore a critical consideration — once you are formally classed as a resident, the 185-day rule applies irrespective of your visa type.

It is also worth bearing in mind that traffic in Greece flows on the right-hand side of the road, with speed limits typically set at 50 km/h in urban areas and up to 130 km/h on motorways. Drivers accustomed to left-hand traffic should give themselves adequate time to adjust before driving independently.

Does Greece have licence exchange agreements with other countries?

Greece maintains a network of bilateral and multilateral arrangements that enable holders of certain foreign licences to convert directly to a Greek one, with no requirement to sit a new driving test. The scope of these arrangements is subject to ongoing change, making it essential to verify the current list with the official Greek transport authority before proceeding.

EU/EEA licence holders are not required to exchange their licence at any point, provided it remains valid. Unlike licences issued outside the EU, an EU licence can continue to be used after the holder takes up residency in Greece, with no need for an IDP or a formal exchange.

For nationals of non-EU countries, a range of exchange arrangements are in place. These cover countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Albania, Serbia, Switzerland, South Africa, South Korea, and a number of former Soviet states. To carry out an exchange, the applicant must be resident in Greece and hold a licence issued by one of the recognised partner countries. The current and authoritative list should always be confirmed via the official Greek government portal, as arrangements may be added or amended over time.

Greece has also been actively expanding these partnerships in recent years. In September 2024, Greece and Georgia formalised an agreement for the mutual recognition and exchange of driving licences, signed by Greek Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras. Georgian Minister Gomelauri highlighted that Greece became the third EU country to extend recognition to Georgian licences. This demonstrates clearly that the list of partner nations continues to evolve.

If you hold a licence issued by a country that has no exchange agreement with Greece, you will be required to apply for a Greek licence as though you were a first-time driver. This means passing both the theory and practical tests conducted in Greece. This is a significant distinction from the arrangements in place in countries such as France or Germany, which have broader reciprocal frameworks — in Greece, the absence of a formal agreement means a full test is unavoidable.

For the definitive and current list of countries covered by exchange agreements, refer to the official Greek government portal (gov.gr) or contact the Hellenic Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport directly.

How do you exchange or convert a foreign driving licence in Greece?

The process of exchanging a foreign driving licence in Greece is administered at a regional level through local transport offices. In broad terms, it resembles the exchange procedures found in other EU countries such as France or Spain — though Greece tends to impose more demanding documentation requirements, particularly with regard to certified translation.

If you decide to settle in Greece on a long-term basis, you may wish to convert your foreign licence into a Greek one. This becomes possible after six months of residence for non-EU citizens, and is handled by the local Transport and Communications office.

The general step-by-step process for exchanging a non-EU licence is as follows:

1. Confirm eligibility. Verify that your country of origin has a recognised exchange agreement with Greece, and that you have been resident in Greece for a minimum of 185 days. Where such an agreement is in place, you will generally be able to complete the exchange without sitting a new driving test.
2. Assemble the required documents. You will need to present a valid identity document or passport, evidence of your residence in Greece, and medical certificates demonstrating both physical and mental fitness to drive.
3. Arrange a certified translation. Any foreign-language document — including your driving licence — must be translated into Greek by a translator authorised by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a qualified lawyer, or the consular authorities of the issuing country based in Greece. Where a consulate carries out the translation, its signature must be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
4. Obtain a clearance document from the issuing authority. You must provide an official document from the authority that originally issued your licence. This document, along with its translation, must confirm all licence details and certify that the licence has not been confiscated by any authority as a result of a penalty or sanction. It is required that this document be transmitted to the relevant Transport and Communications Department through the Greek consulate by post.
5. Submit your application. Applications must be lodged with the Transport and Communications Department serving your area of residence. In some cases, submission via a Citizen Service Centre (KEP) may also be possible.
6. Surrender your original licence. Your foreign licence will be held on file by the Transport and Communications Department and returned to you once the Greek licence has been produced. This mirrors standard EU practice — unlike some jurisdictions such as Australia where the original licence is typically returned at once, Greece retains it until the Greek licence is ready for collection.
7. Wait for processing and collect your licence. Given the intricacies of the production process and the high volume of applications, you may face a wait of anywhere from a few weeks to as long as 6 months before your card-format licence is ready. Contact your regional office for an indication of current processing times at the point of application.

The fee for exchanging a licence issued by an EU Member State is €30 (as of 2025, in accordance with the official Greek government administrative services registry). For non-EU exchange applications, different fees may apply — consult the official Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport website (yme.gr) or gov.gr for current figures, which are subject to change.

Applicants from outside the EU are likely to require a Greek translation of their documents, so engaging an approved translator well in advance is advisable. Allow extra time and budget for this step, as locating and booking a Ministry-approved translator can take longer than expected.

How do you apply for a driving licence in Greece from scratch?

If your home country does not have an exchange agreement with Greece — or if you have never previously held a driving licence — you will need to complete the full Greek licensing process. This involves passing theory and practical examinations, undertaking compulsory training at an approved driving school, and completing the required medical assessments. The process is broadly comparable to full licence applications in other EU member states such as Italy or Spain.

You must have been resident in Greece, or studying there, for at least six months prior to applying, reside in the area where you intend to submit your application, and attend a recognised driving school and pass the relevant tests.

The principal steps involved in obtaining a Greek licence from the beginning are as follows:

1. Establish residency. To be eligible for a Greek driving licence, you must be able to demonstrate your residence in Greece. Accepted forms of proof include tenancy agreements, utility bills, or a registration certificate from your local municipal office.
2. Undergo a medical examination. You must complete a compulsory health assessment to establish fitness to drive. This typically encompasses a vision test and a general physical examination. Greek medical requirements are aligned with EU Directive 2006/126/EC on driving licences.
3. Enrol at a Greek driving school. Attendance at an approved school is a legal requirement. The school will take you through the theory curriculum, which covers Greek road traffic regulations, road sign recognition, and road safety principles. Official study materials published by the Greek authorities provide a thorough grounding in local traffic law, which is particularly useful for those unfamiliar with Greek road rules.
4. Sit the theory examination. The theory test is held at an approved examination centre. Passing on the first attempt requires dedicated preparation — invest adequate time in studying road signs and traffic regulations in detail.
5. Complete practical driving training and pass the driving test. A driving licence is awarded upon successful completion of driving school and passing a two-stage assessment covering both theoretical knowledge and practical on-road driving ability.
6. Submit your application and pay the applicable fees. Once you have passed both components, submit your documentation to the relevant regional Transport and Communications Department. The overall cost of obtaining a Greek driving licence is approximately €200, encompassing fees for the theory test, practical test, application processing, and administration (as of 2025). This is a general estimate — refer to the official Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport website for the current fee schedule, as costs can vary by region and licence category.
7. Wait for your licence to be issued. Following successful completion of the tests, the local transport authority will process your application. As a general guide, processing takes around two to four weeks, although high levels of demand can significantly affect timescales.

The minimum age thresholds for different licence categories are: 16 years for mopeds and low-power motorcycles (up to 50cc); 18 years for cars (maximum gross weight of 3,500 kg and no more than 8 passengers) and motorcycles up to 125cc; 20 years for more powerful motorcycles up to 35 kW or 400cc; and between 18 and 21 years of age for buses and freight vehicles, depending on passenger capacity and vehicle weight.

For the most current fee schedule and guidance on booking examinations, visit the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (yme.gr).

How do you renew a driving licence in Greece?

Once you hold a Greek driving licence, renewal follows the same procedure for foreign nationals and Greek citizens alike. The duration for which your licence remains valid depends on both the category of licence held and your age, in line with EU driving licence regulations — the same framework that applies across all EU member states, from Ireland to Romania.

The validity periods for Greek driving licence categories are governed by the provisions set out in Article 5 of Presidential Decree 51/2012. Any category of driving licence may be renewed at any point in time, provided all statutory conditions are satisfied.

The holder of an expired driving licence issued by an EU Member State who has taken up normal residence in Greece is required to renew that licence. The renewal follows the exchange procedure set out in the relevant decree, which is applied concurrently.

The renewal process generally requires submission of an application to your regional Transport and Communications Directorate, along with a valid identity document, a recent passport-format photograph, proof of your Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM), and in certain circumstances a medical certificate. A Solemn Declaration must also be provided, confirming that the applicant’s usual place of residence is in Greece, stating their full home address, confirming their Tax Identification Number, and declaring that they do not hold any other Greek or EU Member State driving licence that has been revoked by any authority.

As with the exchange procedure, renewal applications may in some cases be submitted by post as well as in person. In line with a number of other EU countries, Greece has introduced a digital wallet application operating through the national TaxisNet network. Licence holders can access their driving documents in digital format using their TaxisNet credentials, although the digital version is currently recognised only within Greece.

The fee for renewal is subject to change. The gov.gr portal and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (yme.gr) publish up-to-date fee information — always consult these official sources before submitting your renewal application.

Please note that older-format EU driving licences issued before 19 January 2013 with an expiry date extending beyond the holder’s 65th birthday must be exchanged — provided the holder has been resident in Greece for more than two years — or when they expire or when sanctions are applied to them within Greek territory. All older EU licence formats must additionally be updated to the current EU standard by 2033 at the latest.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Greece?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is accepted in Greece and functions as an official multilingual translation of your national driving licence. It is essential to understand, however, that an IDP is not a document that stands alone — it must always be carried together with your valid national licence.

An IDP is only valid when presented alongside the national licence it translates. Should you be stopped by a law enforcement officer while driving in a foreign country, you are expected to present both your domestic driving licence and your IDP together.

From November 2021, driving licences issued by Australia, Canada, Gibraltar, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America have been recognised for the purpose of driving in Greece. Nationals holding a valid licence from any of these countries are no longer required to hold an International Driving Permit in order to drive in Greece. Similarly, visitors holding a valid licence from any EU country, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, do not require an IDP.

Where your country does not appear on the exempted list, Greek law requires you to hold an IDP in order to drive legally in Greece. Greece recognises IDPs issued under both the 1949 and 1968 Road Traffic Conventions. An IDP issued under the 1949 Convention is valid for a maximum of one year from its date of issue, while those issued under the 1968 model are valid for up to three years. In all cases, the validity of an IDP cannot extend beyond the validity period of the underlying domestic licence.

The IDP is primarily relevant to tourists and visitors on short stays. Where an individual is living permanently in a foreign country or staying for an extended period, they must comply with the local licensing laws of that country, regardless of whether they still hold a valid domestic licence. Many countries, including Greece, require residents to obtain a local licence once they take up employment and/or residency — an IDP does not serve as a substitute for a Greek licence once you have become a resident.

The Greek Ministry of Transport and Communications does not permit an IDP to be exchanged for a local Greek driving licence. An IDP exists solely as a supplementary and temporary document, enabling short-term driving and vehicle rental, and has no conversion value.

One important practical consideration: an IDP must be issued in the same country as the domestic driving licence it accompanies. It cannot be obtained in Greece — you must arrange one before departing your home country, through the appropriate automobile association or issuing body.

Bear in mind also that even where Greek law does not require an IDP, vehicle hire companies operating in Greece may independently require one as a condition of renting a car. Always verify the requirements of your rental provider in advance, separately from the legal requirements.

What are the penalties for driving licence offences in Greece?

Greece substantially overhauled its penalty system for road traffic offences in 2025. The revised Traffic Code entered into force on 13 September 2025, introducing major changes designed to reduce the frequency of road accidents and imposing considerably heavier sanctions. All drivers on Greek roads — regardless of nationality — are subject to this updated framework, and expats in particular should familiarise themselves with the changes.

The most consequential innovation introduced by the new Traffic Code is the principle of recidivism. For the first time, penalties for repeated or habitual violations of the Traffic Code will not be treated independently but will instead accumulate. This represents a marked departure from the previous approach and is stricter than the systems in place in many other EU countries.

The revised penalty structure is clearly graded. Each offence is recorded, and where the same violation recurs, the consequence escalates substantially — not only in terms of financial penalty, but also in administrative terms: ranging from licence suspension through to criminal prosecution, depending on the gravity of the infringement and its consequences.

The core principle underpinning the new regime is the treatment of repeat offending: committing the same traffic violation within a five-year window will now result in dramatically increased fines and extended periods of licence suspension.

For the most serious speeding offences — including cases of driving in excess of 200 km/h — fines of up to €8,000 and a four-year licence withdrawal are provided for under the new code (as of 2025). Current penalty amounts should always be verified with an official source, as these may be subject to revision.

Driving without any valid licence, operating a vehicle on an expired foreign licence beyond the permitted 185-day residency window, or failing to convert a licence within the required period are all offences under Greek law. Drivers found to be in breach will be notified of fines by post and may, depending on the nature of the offence, be required to surrender their licence, vehicle registration document, or licence plates.

From September 2025, automated surveillance systems in Attica will issue fines electronically via the gov.gr platform, meaning enforcement is increasingly systematic and digital in nature. Expats should not assume that offences will be overlooked or go unpursued.

Greek traffic law on drink driving is also strict. The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit in Greece is 0.05%, and exceeding this level can result in a DUI charge, with increasingly severe penalties applied at higher BAC readings (as of 2024).

For the most current penalty schedule, consult the official Greek government portal (gov.gr) or seek guidance from a qualified local legal professional.

Which government departments or agencies handle driving licences in Greece?

Driving licence administration in Greece is primarily conducted at a regional level, under the authority of the central Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. Knowing which body to approach and where to find it will save you a considerable amount of time when working through the administrative process.

• Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (Υπουργείο Υποδομών και Μεταφορών — YME): This is the central government body with responsibility for driving licence policy and regulation across Greece. Its website, yme.gr, contains official guidance on licence categories, exchange procedures, and current fee schedules. All policy-level enquiries should be directed to this ministry.
• Regional Transport and Communications Departments (Διευθύνσεις Μεταφορών και Επικοινωνιών): Applications must be lodged with the Transport and Communications Department corresponding to the applicant’s place of residence. These regional offices are where expats submit their exchange applications or apply for a new Greek licence in person. They operate within each regional administrative unit (perifereia) throughout Greece.
• Citizen Service Centres (KEP — Κέντρα Εξυπηρέτησης Πολιτών): A licence exchange may in certain cases be processed through a Citizen Service Centre (KEP) as an alternative to attending a Transport and Communications Department office directly. KEP offices are widely distributed across Greece and serve as accessible single points of contact for a range of administrative procedures.
• Gov.gr — The Official Greek Government Portal: gov.gr is the Greek government’s central digital portal and carries authoritative guidance on driving licence exchange, renewal, and new applications. It also hosts the digital wallet system for holders of Greek licences and should be the first resource you consult for current official procedural information.
• Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for applicants based overseas): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs oversees the consular processes involved in document certification and the transmission of documents from issuing authorities abroad to Greek regional offices. Its website is mfa.gr.

Greece has introduced a digital wallet application operating through the TaxisNet national network. Holders of Greek driving licences can retrieve their documents in digital format by logging in with their TaxisNet credentials. Expats intending to use Greek e-government services will need to register for a TaxisNet account, which in turn requires a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM).

For the most accurate and current procedural information, always refer to the driving licence section of gov.gr or contact your local Regional Transport and Communications Department directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Greece on my EU driving licence without converting it?

EU/EEA licences are fully recognised in Greece and may be used without any time restriction or conversion requirement. There is no obligation to exchange your EU licence for a Greek one, even if you become a permanent resident, provided the licence itself has not expired.

How long can I drive in Greece on a non-EU licence before I need a Greek one?

Holders of driving licences issued outside the EU/EEA are permitted to drive in Greece for up to 185 days, which equates to approximately six months. Once this threshold is reached, a Greek licence becomes a legal requirement. As soon as you are classified as a resident — having spent more than 185 days in Greece within a 12-month period — you must hold a valid Greek licence to continue driving lawfully.

Do I need to retake my driving test to get a Greek licence?

This depends entirely on your country of origin. Where a bilateral exchange agreement exists between your country and Greece, you will ordinarily be able to exchange your licence without sitting a new driving test. Where no such agreement is in place, you will be required to pass both the theory and practical tests. Countries covered by exchange arrangements include the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Switzerland, Serbia, Albania, and others — refer to gov.gr for the current list.

Can I drive in Greece with a US or Australian licence?

Since November 2021, driving licences issued by Australia and the United States are recognised for driving in Greece. Nationals of these countries no longer need an International Driving Permit for short stays. However, those who become residents in Greece must exchange their licence for a Greek one within the 185-day period.

Does an International Driving Permit replace my national licence in Greece?

An IDP must always be carried alongside the national licence it translates — it is not an independent document and cannot be used as a substitute. Both documents must be presented together whenever required. An IDP also has no exchange value and cannot be converted into a Greek licence.

How long does it take to get a Greek driving licence?

Due to the complexity of licence production and the volume of applications being processed, the wait for a card-format licence can range from a few weeks to as long as six months. For those applying for a full new licence, additional time will be needed to complete driving school training and pass both theory and practical examinations before the production process can begin.

How much does it cost to get a driving licence in Greece?

The overall cost of obtaining a new Greek driving licence is approximately €200, covering fees for the theory and practical tests, application processing, and administration (as of 2025). For an EU licence exchange, the official fee is €30 (as of 2025). Non-EU exchange fees may differ, and additional expenses such as medical examinations, certified translations, and driving school tuition will add to the overall cost. Consult the official Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport website (yme.gr) for the current fee schedule.

What happens if I drive in Greece without a valid licence or after my grace period has expired?

Under Greece’s revised Traffic Code, which came into force in September 2025, every offence is recorded and penalties escalate significantly for repeat violations — both financially and administratively, ranging from licence withdrawal through to criminal prosecution depending on the severity and consequences of the offence. Drivers found to be in breach may be required to surrender their licence, vehicle registration document, or licence plates. Keeping your licence status valid and current is essential to avoid serious legal consequences.