Is a foreign driving licence valid in Georgia?

Short answer: yes. A foreigner can drive in Georgia on their own country's licence — until it expires, but for no more than 1 year from their last entry into Georgia. This applies to Russian, Kazakh, Uzbek, Armenian, Turkish and other licences.

How long it is valid

• Until the licence expires, but no longer than 1 year from your last entry
• A residence permit doesn't change this period
• If you stay long-term, exchange the licence for a Georgian one

Russian, Kazakh, Uzbek, Armenian and Turkish licences

The law doesn't set different rules by country. The key condition is the alphabet: if the licence data isn't in Georgian or Latin letters, you must also carry a properly certified translation. New plastic licences usually show the data in Latin letters too; an old licence filled in only in Cyrillic needs a translation.

Do you need an international driving permit?

Georgian law doesn't require an international permit as such. What it requires is a translation — only when the data isn't in Georgian or Latin letters. If in doubt, carry a certified translation.

Points and fines

• A foreign licence gets 100 points in Georgia, just like a Georgian one
• Once the points run out, you are banned from driving in Georgia
• After the year, driving on a foreign licence can count as driving without a licence — GEL 500, and repeatedly within a year GEL 1,500 or up to 15 days' detention

When to exchange it

If you stay in Georgia for more than a year, exchange your licence for a Georgian one. The exchange is done without an exam at the MIA Service Agency, before your licence expires. You need a confirmation from the issuing country with an apostille or legalisation, no older than 90 days. Details are on our page "Driving licence for foreigners".

Administrative law lawyer