Foreign driving licenses to icelandic

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.

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.

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