Knowledge base / Living in Armenia
Driving in Armenia on a Foreign Licence and How to Exchange It
Who can drive on a foreign licence
- Foreign nationals can use a Vienna-format national licence. A non-compliant licence is accepted only with an International Driving Permit, or if Armenia has a mutual recognition deal with the issuing country. Otherwise the fine is AMD 10,000.
- Armenian citizens and dual citizens have been allowed to drive on a foreign licence for 3 months from entry since 2 August 2025. Keep proof of your entry date in the car. After that, exchange the licence or leave the country.
If you are applying for Armenian citizenship, exchange your licence early. Once you hold an Armenian passport, the 3-month limit applies to you.
Why a foreigner might exchange anyway
There is no strict obligation, but long-term residents often find it practical. Your home licence will expire one day, and renewing it usually means a trip home. An Armenian licence is valid for 10 years and keeps your existing categories.
How the exchange works
- Get legal residence first.
Foreigners need proof of lawful stay, usually a residence permit card. - Prepare a translation.
Have your passport translated into Armenian and notarised. Make copies of your passport and licence. - Apply to the road police.
Go to a Registration and Examination Department of the Road Police. Appointments can be booked online. The application is a short free-text request in Armenian, and staff usually help with it. - Wait for verification.
The police confirm your licence with the issuing country. This typically takes 2–4 months, sometimes longer. - Collect the new licence.
You are contacted by phone or text. On the second visit you pay the fee, have your photo taken and hand in the foreign licence.
What to bring
- Passport and its notarised Armenian translation.
- Original foreign licence plus copies of the licence and passport.
- Residence card or another document proving lawful stay.
- Receipt for the state fee. Repatriate support services list about AMD 12,000 for issuing the licence. Check the current amount before paying.
No tests are needed if your licence meets the Vienna Convention. If it does not, you take the theory and practical exams. The theory test is offered in several languages, including English and Russian.
Road basics
- Traffic drives on the right, and the rules are close to the European norm.
- Yerevan and the main highways have many cameras. Fines are linked to the plate number and can be checked on the road police website.
- A foreign-registered car needs Armenian compulsory third-party (CMTPL) insurance at entry. Driving in without it costs AMD 100,000.
- Always carry your licence, passport and vehicle papers.
Common mistakes
- Becoming an Armenian citizen and still driving on a foreign licence beyond 3 months.
- Letting the home licence expire. An expired licence cannot be exchanged.
- Applying without a residence card or the notarised passport translation.
- Relying on an old-format licence without Latin text and no International Driving Permit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in Armenia with a foreign driving licence?
Foreigners can drive on a Vienna Convention format licence with Latin text and a photo. Otherwise carry an International Driving Permit with it, or face an AMD 10,000 fine.
Can Armenian dual citizens drive on a foreign licence?
Only for 3 months after each entry, a rule in place since 2 August 2025. Keep proof of your entry date in the car, and then exchange the licence or leave the country.
How do I exchange my foreign driving licence in Armenia?
With a residence card and a notarised passport translation, apply to a Road Police Registration and Examination Department. Police verify your licence with the issuing country, usually in 2–4 months.
Do I need to take a driving test to get an Armenian licence?
No tests are needed if your licence meets the Vienna Convention. Otherwise you take theory and practical exams; the theory test is offered in several languages, including English and Russian.
Moving your business to Armenia?
We register sole proprietors and LLCs, help with bank accounts and handle taxes and accounting.
Sources: foreign licence rules — hartak.am; Road Police — roadpolice.am; 3-month rule for citizens — Radar Armenia; CMTPL at entry — State Revenue Committee; procedure and fees — Repat Armenia.