Convert a foreign driving licence
Official name: Prepare conversion of a foreign driving licence
Do you have a driving licence from another country? You may be able to exchange it for an Austrian one. This is called conversion. Here you see which papers, deadlines and tests can matter.
No account · Answers stay in your browser
- Steps
- 7 key steps, up to 21 depending on your situation
- For you
- 5 short questions, then you see your steps
- Main office
- Führerscheinbehörde
- Costs
- none named in the sources
How it works
These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.
Tell paperwork and driving permission apartThe Lenkberechtigung is the permission to drive a vehicle. The driving licence is the card for it.Key step
- Why?
- This plan only helps you prepare the papers. It does not say whether you may drive or need no test.
- What you do
- Ask the licensing authority about validity and categories. Categories are types of vehicles, such as car or bus. Also ask whether a deadline can be extended.
- Where?
- FührerscheinbehördeDirectly with the named service
In detail
Separate record preparation from actual driving entitlement
This plan confirms neither driving entitlement nor test exemption. Clarify actual validity, categories and any possible extension with the licensing authority.
SourceAusländischer Führerschein: Umschreibung
Ausländischer Führerschein: UmschreibungBMIMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceCheck if your licence is still validValid means: your licence has not expired in the issuing country. The issuing country is the country it comes from.Key step
- Why?
- For the exchange you generally need a valid foreign licence.
- What you do
- Ask the issuer and the traffic office. Clarify which renewal or which proof is possible in your case.
- Where?
- Aussteller / FührerscheinbehördeDirectly with the named service
In detail
Clarify expired or uncertain foreign entitlement first
A valid foreign licence is generally needed. Clarify with the issuer and traffic office which renewal or evidence is possible for this specific case.
SourceAusländischer Führerschein: Umschreibung
Ausländischer Führerschein: UmschreibungBMIMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceCheck if you need to exchange at allEU and EEA licences are generally still valid in Austria. This is called recognition. The EEA is the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.Key step
- Why?
- So the exchange can be voluntary. But the validity rules still apply.
- What you do
- If you want to exchange, the authority checks with the issuing country. This can take several weeks.
- Where?
- FührerscheinbehördeDirectly with the named service
In detail
Distinguish EU/EEA recognition from desired conversion
EU/EEA licences are generally recognised and conversion can be voluntary. Validity conditions still apply. When converting, the authority contacts the issuing country, which may take several weeks.
SourceAusländischer Führerschein: Umschreibung
Ausländischer Führerschein: UmschreibungBMIMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceMind the six-month rule earlyFor licences from outside the EEA there is a six-month rule. It is tied to your first residence in Austria.Key step
- Why?
- The application takes time. So it is good to start early.
- What you do
- Allow time for processing. An application or a Besitzbestätigung does not extend the deadline automatically. A Besitzbestätigung is a paper from the authority about your licence.
- Where?
- FührerscheinbehördeDirectly with the named service
In detail
Account for the non-EEA six-month rule promptly
The standard rule is tied to first establishing residence in Austria. Allow for processing; an application or possession confirmation is not a blanket extension.
SourceAusländischer Führerschein: Umschreibung
Ausländischer Führerschein: UmschreibungBMIMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceGather papers for non-EEA licencesHere you collect the papers for exchanging a licence from outside the EEA.Key step
- Why?
- With complete papers, the traffic office can process your application.
- What you do
- You need the form, passport, licence, photo, proof of registration and a medical report. Ask the traffic office how many copies are needed. Do not enter licence numbers or health data here.
- Where?
- Verkehrsamt WienDirectly with the named service
What you need
- Completed conversion application form
Document explained
Prepare the official application directly.
- Requirement
- Required when applicable
- Submission format
- Original
- Translation
- No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
- Authentication
- No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
- Recency
- No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
SourceUmschreibung ausländischer Führerscheine in Wien
Umschreibung ausländischer Führerscheine in WienLandespolizeidirektion Wien · Verkehrsamt · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source - Passport and required copies
Document explained
Confirm the current number of copies.
- Requirement
- Required when applicable
- Submission format
- Original
- Translation
- No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
- Authentication
- No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
- Recency
- No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
SourceUmschreibung ausländischer Führerscheine in Wien
Umschreibung ausländischer Führerscheine in WienLandespolizeidirektion Wien · Verkehrsamt · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source - Foreign licence and required copies
Document explained
Present the valid original directly to the service.
- Requirement
- Required when applicable
- Submission format
- Original
- Translation
- No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
- Authentication
- No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
- Recency
- No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
SourceUmschreibung ausländischer Führerscheine in Wien
Umschreibung ausländischer Führerscheine in WienLandespolizeidirektion Wien · Verkehrsamt · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source - Appropriate photo
Document explained
Confirm photo format and criteria beforehand.
- Requirement
- Required when applicable
- Submission format
- Original
- Translation
- No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
- Authentication
- No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
- Recency
- No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
SourceUmschreibung ausländischer Führerscheine in Wien
Umschreibung ausländischer Führerscheine in WienLandespolizeidirektion Wien · Verkehrsamt · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source - Residence evidence or agreed ZMR query
Document explained
On request the competent authority can query the ZMR.
- Requirement
- Check for your case
- Submission format
- Clarify format with the service
- Translation
- No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
- Authentication
- No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
- Recency
- No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
SourceAusländischer Führerschein: Umschreibung
Ausländischer Führerschein: UmschreibungBMIMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source - Appropriate medical report
Document explained
Confirm report format and validity directly.
- Requirement
- Required when applicable
- Submission format
- Original
- Translation
- No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
- Authentication
- No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
- Recency
- No older than 18 months when the driving entitlement is issued.
SourceÄrztliches Gutachten und ermächtigte Ärztinnen/Ärzte
Ärztliches Gutachten und ermächtigte Ärztinnen/ÄrzteBMIMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source
In detail
Prepare non-EEA conversion records
Confirm paper format and number of copies with the traffic office. Do not enter licence numbers, passport files or health data here.
SourceUmschreibung ausländischer Führerscheine in Wien
Umschreibung ausländischer Führerscheine in WienLandespolizeidirektion Wien · Verkehrsamt · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceBook an appointment at the officeAttending in person means: you go to the office yourself. In Vienna you need an appointment for this.Key step
- Why?
- The appointment is required. It also tells you when it is your turn.
- What you do
- Book an appointment at the Verkehrsamt Wien. Ask about papers and fees. The test and medical report can cost extra.
- Where?
- Verkehrsamt WienDirectly with the named service
In detail
Arrange an appointment for attending in person
In Vienna an appointment is required for attending in person. Confirm records and actual fees; testing and medical reports can incur additional costs.
SourceUmschreibung ausländischer Führerscheine in Wien
Umschreibung ausländischer Führerscheine in WienLandespolizeidirektion Wien · Verkehrsamt · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceFollow up on your applicationYou have already applied. Now you follow how things continue.Key step
- Why?
- This way you know whether something is missing. A pending application does not automatically let you drive longer.
- What you do
- Ask the authority about processing, the examination and a Besitzbestätigung. That is a paper from the authority about your licence.
- Where?
- Bereits zuständige FührerscheinbehördeDirectly with the named service
In detail
Follow the existing conversion and actual driving entitlement
Clarify processing, examination and any possession confirmation with the authority. Do not treat a pending application as an automatic extension of driving entitlement.
SourceAusländischer Führerschein: Umschreibung
Ausländischer Führerschein: UmschreibungBMIMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source
Depending on your situation, this is added
- Ask the office if you are under 18
- Have the Ukraine rule checked
- Clarify what to do without the original
- Clarify your residence in Austria
- Check time limits for truck and bus classes
- Act now if your time has run out
- Have an unclear deadline checked
- Gather papers for the EEA exchange
- Get a medical check-up
- Have your licence translated
- Show where you lived back then
- Check if you need a driving test
- Arrange the driving test and a school car
- Send the missing papers
Frequently asked questions
Can I do this online?
The steps name no clear online channel. Check the official source.
What does it cost?
No costs are recorded for these steps in the linked sources. Fees may still apply.
Do I need an einfach.wien account?
No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.
Does einfach.wien submit my application?
No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.
What this page is based on
The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.
SourceAusländischer Führerschein: Umschreibung
BMIMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceSourceUkraine-Sonderregelung: Führerschein, Abschnitt 8
BMIMI / BMF / BMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceSourceUmschreibung ausländischer Führerscheine in Wien
Landespolizeidirektion Wien · Verkehrsamt · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceSourceÄrztliches Gutachten und ermächtigte Ärztinnen/Ärzte
BMIMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source