# Is a foreign driving licence valid in Georgia? Whether Russian, Kazakh, Uzbek, Armenian and Turkish driving licences are valid in Georgia, for how long, when you need a translation and what the fines are. [Administrative law](https://mmlaw.ge/en/administrative-law-lawyer/) · October 18, 2026 · 4 min read 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". ## Legal basis - [Law on Road Traffic](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/2169396) - [Code of Administrative Offences of Georgia](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/28216) Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge. This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case. Every case is different — don't rely on general information. Contact a lawyer for advice. [Administrative law lawyer](https://mmlaw.ge/en/administrative-law-lawyer/) ## Frequently asked questions ### Is a Russian driving licence valid in Georgia? Yes — until it expires, but no longer than 1 year from your last entry into Georgia. If the data is only in Cyrillic, you need a certified translation. ### Does a residence permit change anything? No. Even with a residence permit, you may drive on a foreign licence for 1 year from your last entry. ### Do I need an international driving permit? The law doesn't require one as such. You need a translation if the data isn't in Georgian or Latin letters. ### What happens after one year? Driving on a foreign licence can count as driving without a licence — a GEL 500 fine. So exchange your licence for a Georgian one in time. ## Related topics - [#For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/) - [#Your rights](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/what-to-do-if-detained/) - - [Criminal cases · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/criminal-defense-for-foreigners/) - - [Foreigner arrested in Georgia: rights and first steps](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/foreigner-arrested-in-georgia/) - - [Driving licence for foreigners · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/driving-licence-georgia-foreigners/) - - [Buying property · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/buying-property-in-georgia/) - - [Company & business · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/company-registration-in-georgia/) - - [Residence permits · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/residence-permit-in-georgia/) - - [Family cases · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/family-law-for-foreigners/) - - [Residence permits in Georgia: which type do you need?](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/residence-permit-types-georgia/) Blog ## All articles - [Criminal defense](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/foreigner-arrested-in-georgia/) — Foreigner arrested in Georgia: rights and first steps October 11, 2026 · 5 min read - [Administrative law](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/deportation-from-georgia/) — Deportation from Georgia: grounds, deadlines and appeal October 11, 2026 · 5 min read --- Source: https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/is-a-foreign-driving-licence-valid-in-georgia/ · MMLAW · +995 551 00 43 00 · info@mmlaw.ge