ALL NON-EU RESIDENTS MUST OBTAIN A CYPRIOT DRIVING LICENSE AFTER 6 MONTHS
A COMMITMENT TO ROAD SAFETY
The Republic of Cyprus advocates driving regulations that maintain the highest standards. These driving regulations are governed by European Union directives, as well as national laws. The island’s commitment to road safety and compliance with international standards is highlighted directly by the recent introduction of island-wide traffic cameras. These cameras utelise both static and mobile cameras and record speeding and stop light contraventions. All contraventions result in fines and points are ususally applied to Cyprus driving licenses. As the law stands, the legal driving age on Cypriot roads is 18 years old. All drivers over the age of 70 are required to obtain a medical certificate confirming general fitness and satisfactory eyesight before they are allowed to drive on Cypriot roads.
LICENSE EXCHANGE
All non-European Union residents of Cyprus, regardless of nationality, are required to exchange their home country driving licence for a Cypriot driving license. This usually occurs after a pre-determined time of residency. All licenses are exchanged free of charge for drivers over the age of 65, but a fee is applicable for all drivers under the age of 65.
CRITERIA FOR EXCHANGE
In terms of use and exchange, all non-Cypriot driving licenses fall into three main categories
Category 1: Driving licenses issued by a European Union member state.
Driving licenses of European Union countries are fully recognised by Cyprus law and do not require replacement. They can still be exchanged for a Cypriot driving license, however, voluntarily or if they expire. If a license is lost or stolen, then a new Cypriot driving license can be obtained as long as proof of the previously held license is provided. Proof can be obtained from the Department of Transport of the issuing country
Category 2: Driving licenses issued by non-European Union member states that have acceded to the International Conventions on Road Safety and have interchange agreements with Cyprus.
A driving license issued by one of the countries listed below must be replaced with a Cypriot license after six months from the date of entry into Cyprus. A resident who has an international driving license is not required to exchange their home country driving license for a Cypriot one.
- Norway
- Lichtenstein
- Australia
- Switzerland
- Zimbabwe
- United States of America
- Japan
- Canada
- New Zeeland
- South Africa
- Russia
- Georgia
- Ukraine
- South Korea
- Serbia
- United Arab Emirates
Category 3: Driving licenses issued by non-European Union countries that do not have an interchange agreement.
The permissible driving period depends on the country of issue of the driver’s license. A driving license is considered invalid in Cyprus after the expiry of the permissible driving period and will need to be exchanged for a Cypriot one. A holder of an international driving license is allowed to drive vehicles provided that their license is valid. A resident who has an international driving license however, is not required to exchange their home country’s driving license for a Cypriot one.
EXCHANGING FOREIGN DRIVING LICENSES
THE EXCHANGE OF DRIVING LICENSES ISSUED BY STATES THAT HAVE AN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
THE EXCHANGE OF DRIVING LICENSES ISSUED BY STATES THAT HAVE AN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
The process of exchange is relatively straightforward for drivers who find themselves in categories 1 and 2. This is only applicable as long as the license to be exchanged is still valid. An application can be made using the ‘Citizen Service Centre,’ also known as ‘Politis’, or at one of the regional offices of the Ministry of Transport.
The documents that are required are as follows
- A completed TOM 7 Application Form
- Two passport-size photographs
- A copy of the applicant’s Cyprus residence permit
- Proof of the last six months of residency
- A Passport or ID document
- The applicant’s home country driving license
If the driver’s home country license is written in a language other than Greek or English, the Press and Information Office or the embassy of the country that issued the license must translate it.
THE EXCHANGE OF DRIVING LICENSES ISSUED BY STATES THAT DO NOT HAVE AN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
The process of exchange is not a straightforward process for drivers that find themselves in category 3. These drivers are advised to contact the embassy or consulate of the issuing country in Cyprus for more detailed information regarding the correct procedure. After an application has been submitted, a temporary paper driving licence is issued until the Cypriot photo card driving licence is processed. This normally takes up to 2 weeks, but the process for expired licenses usually takes longer as verification from the country of the expired license’s origin will be required.
