Exchange foreign driving license for an Icelandic one

Different rules apply to people outside the EEA and those within the EEA or from Japan and the UK.

Upon the exchange of a foreign driving license, the applicant must fill out an application and submit a passport photo. If the applicant has to wear prescription glasses or lenses while driving or has other health related problems that may affect driving ability, a medical certificate from a doctor must be submitted. When the application is submitted to The District Commissioner´s office, the foreign driving license needs to be presented.

Supporting documents

• Driving license must be presented.

• A passport photo printed on photo paper. Size 3,5 cm x 4,5 cm. The photo needs to have a neutral background and the applicant needs to be facing forward.

• Medical certificate, if applicable.

• residence certificate

Driving licenses from EEA countries, the UK, Switzerland
or Japan

Those who have a driving licence from a country within the EEA, the UK or Japan can exchange to an Icelandic driving licence without having to retake a driving test.

The applicant must have had a permanent residence in Iceland for 6 months. Once the application has been submitted, the District Commissioner must acquire a confirmation from the country issuing the licence that the rights are valid and in effect. Following that, an Icelandic driving license is issued.

Upon receiving an Icelandic license, a license from EEA countries must be turned in to the District commissioner, as it is not permitted to hold a license from two European countries at the same time. Those who wish to exchange from a Japanese license must obtain confirmation of their license from the Embassy of Japan in Iceland.

A driving license issued by countries outside of the EEA, the UK or Japan

Those who have a driving license from countries outside the EEA, the UK or Japan must apply for an Icelandic driving license after 6 months of permanent residence in Iceland. The applicant is required to take both a theoretical and a practical driving test.

You cannot apply for an exchange until after 6 months of permanent residence, but after that you have to exchange.

Cost

The cost of issuing an Icelandic driving license is 8,600 ISK.