Exchanging your driving licence

Whether you need to exchange your driving licence depends on where it was
issued.

EU LICENCES

Valid in Cyprus indefinitely. You don't need to do anything. If you
become tax-resident you may optionally exchange for a Cyprus licence —
useful if you also import a car.

UK LICENCES

Post-Brexit, UK is a "third country" for licence purposes but Cyprus has
a bilateral exchange agreement. You must exchange within 6 months of
becoming a Cyprus resident.

For an established UK licence (held over 3 years, no driving disqualifications)
no re-test is required for the same category. You're issued a Cyprus
licence valid for the same duration as your UK one.

OTHER NON-EU LICENCES

Bilateral agreements exist for several countries (US states vary,
Australia, Canada, Switzerland, etc.). If your country has a recognition
agreement, exchange without test. If not, you must take the Cyprus theory
+ practical tests.

THE PROCESS (UK / RECOGNISED)

1. Book an appointment at the Road Transport Department (RTD) office in
   your district — rtd.dmrid.gov.cy
2. Bring: original UK licence, residence document (Yellow Slip / Pink
   Slip), passport, eyesight certificate from a registered optician (€20–
   €40, some opticians do it on the spot), 2 recent photos, application
   form
3. Pay the fee at the cashier (~€40)
4. Surrender your home licence (held by RTD; you keep the photocopy)
5. Receive your Cyprus licence within 2–4 weeks (interim paper licence
   issued same day usually)

INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT (IDP)

Useful for the first 6 months while you sort the exchange. Issued in your
home country before you travel. Cyprus accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention
IDP and the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP.

IF YOU IMPORT A CAR

Separate process — see our Vehicle calculator. Briefly: Customs releases
the vehicle once import duties are paid (or transfer-of-residence relief
applied), then you register at the RTD with proof of insurance and MOT.

OFFICIAL: rtd.dmrid.gov.cy