Countries Eligible for Conversion of Foreign Driver's Licenses to Turkish Licenses: Convention Countries List

If you are a foreign national residing in Türkiye and hold a valid driver’s license from another country, you may be eligible to convert your foreign driver’s license to a Turkish one without undergoing a full driving test.

This is made possible through Türkiye’s accession to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. However, this benefit is available only to citizens of countries that are parties to the Convention.

In this blog, we list all countries whose licenses are recognized for conversion by Turkish authorities and explain the legal basis and procedure involved.

Türkiye’s Accession to the 1968 Road Traffic Convention

Türkiye became a party to the Convention on Road Traffic on 22 January 2013. Under this international agreement, Türkiye recognizes the validity of foreign driver’s licenses issued by other signatory states.

In return, these countries also recognize Turkish licenses. This mutual recognition streamlines the process for foreigners seeking to obtain a Turkish license by converting their existing valid license.

List of Countries Eligible for License Conversion in Türkiye (Convention Members)

Below is the updated list of countries whose driver’s licenses are accepted for conversion in Türkiye under the Convention:

• Germany (DE)– Joined: 3 August 1978

• Albania (AL)– Joined: 29 June 2000

• Austria (AU)– Joined: 11 August 1981

• Azerbaijan (AZ)– Joined: 3 July 2002

• Bahrain (BRN)– Joined: 4 May 1973

• Belgium (BE)– Joined: 16 November 1988

• Belarus (BY)– Joined: 18 June 1974

• Brazil (BR)– Joined: 29 October 1980

• Bulgaria (BG)– Joined: 28 December 1978

• Czech Republic (CZ)– Succession: 2 June 1993

• Denmark (DK)– Joined: 3 November 1986

• Estonia (EE)– Joined: 24 August 1992

• Finland (FI)– Joined: 1 April 1985

• France (F)– Joined: 9 December 1971

• Georgia (GE)– Joined: 23 July 1993

• Greece (GR)– Joined: 18 December 1986

• Hungary (HU)– Joined: 16 March 1976

• Italy (IT)– Joined: 2 October 1996

• Kazakhstan (KZ)– Joined: 4 April 1994

• Kuwait (KW)– Joined: 14 March 1980

• Lithuania (LT)– Joined: 20 November 1991

• Luxembourg (LU)– Joined: 25 November 1975

• Morocco (MA)– Joined: 29 December 1982

• Netherlands (NL)– Joined: 8 November 2007

• Norway (NO)– Joined: 1 April 1985

• Poland (PL)– Joined: 23 August 1984

• Portugal (PT)– Joined: 30 September 2010

• Romania (RO)– Joined: 9 December 1980

• Russia (RUS)– Joined: 7 June 1974

• Slovakia (SK)– Succession: 1 February 1993

• Slovenia (SLO)– Succession: 6 July 1992

• South Africa (ZA)– Joined: 1 November 1977

• South Korea (KR)– Joined: 29 December 1969

• Spain (ES)

• Sweden (SE)– Joined: 25 July 1985

• Switzerland (CH)– Joined: 11 December 1991

• Türkiye (TR)– Joined: 22 January 2013

• Ukraine (UA)– Joined: 12 July 1974

• United Arab Emirates (AE)– Joined: 10 January 2007

• United Kingdom (GB)

• ...and many others across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Note: The full list includes over 80 countries. Contact our firm for the most updated list and evaluation based on your license.

Also Read; Driving in Türkiye with a foreign driver’s license

How to Convert a Foreign Driver’s License in Türkiye

Foreign nationals from convention member countries can apply to convert their driver’s licenses at the local Traffic Registration Bureau (Trafik Tescil Şube Müdürlüğü) without the need for practical or theoretical exams. The basic requirements typically include:

• Valid foreign driver’s license (and notarized Turkish translation)

• Biometric photos

• Health report

• Residence permit in Türkiye

• Criminal record certificate

• Application form and payment of fees

Some countries may require additional documentation or confirmation from their consulate. The process can vary by province.

Legal Support for License Conversion

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we provide comprehensive support for clients seeking to convert their foreign driver’s licenses to Turkish ones. Our services include:

• Reviewing your eligibility under the Vienna Convention

• Assisting with notarized translations

• Preparing application files

• Communicating with traffic authorities

• Accompanying clients to appointments (if required)

Conclusion

Converting a foreign driver’s license to a Turkish one is straightforward if your country is part of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. With the correct documentation and legal guidance, you can obtain your Turkish license smoothly and lawfully.

If you are unsure whether your country qualifies or need assistance with the procedure, our team at Bayraktar Attorneys is here to help.