Driving licence

Updated : 12/2012

Loss, theft and renewal

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Lost or stolen licences

If you lose your driving licence or have it stolen while travelling abroad, you should contact the local police and your consulate or embassy to find out what to do.

They may issue a provisional document that allows you to drive in that country for a short time.

Provisional licences and certificates issued to temporarily replace lost or stolen licences will not automatically be recognised in other EU countries.

On your return to your country of residence you should ask your local authority to issue you with a new driving licence.

Renewing licences

Licences that expire during a trip abroad automatically become invalid and may not be recognised in other countries.

As you can only renew your driving licence in the country where you are resident, make sure before leaving that your licence will be valid for the whole time you are travelling.

Sample story

Check with each country you travel in whether they will recognise a provisional licence

Henrik, who lives in Denmark, planned to visit Germany, France and Italy on his holiday. Unfortunately, he lost his wallet and driving licence when in Germany at the start of his trip.

Without a licence, he could be fined if stopped by the police.

Henrik contacted the Danish embassy in Germany, who advised him to declare the loss to the local police. The Danish embassy also gave him a certificate stating that he is the legal holder of a Danish driving licence.

Henrik then had to contact the Italian and French authorities to check whether they would recognise the provisional certificate issued by the Danish authorities.

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Footnote

In this case, the 27 EU member states + Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway

Retour au texte en cours.